Protect Your Driving Privileges With A Florida DUI Defense Lawyer
Florida’s lawmakers and judges take drunk driving seriously in Florida. Even a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) charge can land you in jail for up to six months. If you are convicted, you face driver’s license revocation, hefty fines and court fees, and possible jail time. Depending on your blood alcohol content or prior offenses, the severity of the penalties will increase.
Understanding the administrative and criminal aspects of your DUI charges can be complicated. But keep in mind that you may have defenses even if you failed field sobriety tests or a breath test after arrest. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side who will develop compelling arguments for the dismissal of the charges. Contact Michael A. Gottlieb, P.A., for help:
- Protecting your driver’s license
- Staying out of jail
- Getting charges reduced or dismissed
- Protecting your clean record
From your initial consultation until your case is finished, you will work with our team of two dedicated, experienced attorneys. Both of us are former public defenders who know the courts inside and out.
A Team Of Experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI Defense Attorneys
Attorney Michael A. Gottlieb has more than 30 years of criminal defense experience, and attorney Clark Alan Strandell has 18 years of experience, including many jury trials. Collaboratively at Michael A. Gottlieb, P.A., we defend clients charged with DUI in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County.
Let us hear from you and discuss your defense options for your case involving any of the following:
- First-time DUI charges
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- DUI in a case that included an accident or injuries
- Felony DUI charges
- Manslaughter charges after a fatal accident when you had drugs or alcohol in your body
- Federal DUI charges when you were arrested while driving on federal property
- Invalid field sobriety tests
Prosecution and defense of vehicular manslaughter and DUI with injuries rely heavily on medical and scientific reviews of the evidence. We are confident that we can uncover defenses for your benefit that others might fail to recognize. We will take the time to answer your questions and explain your constitutional rights in terms you understand.
Our Team Approach To Protecting Your Rights
A close review of the facts in your case and the law allows us to identify effective defenses. Having two sets of eyes review your case means we will miss nothing. If the basis of the traffic stop was questionable, we could argue that the DUI stop was unlawful in the first place. Other factors in your favor may include evidence of faulty testing equipment that skews breath or blood test results, police misconduct, and excessive or unnecessary force.
In addition to DUI defense, we can assist you or your family member who is struggling with substance abuse through a Marchman Act petition.
Understanding The Florida Marchman Act For Substance Abuse Support
If your loved one is battling addiction and unable to make informed decisions about care, the Florida Marchman Act can be a vital tool. This state law allows family members or certain professionals to petition the court for the involuntary assessment and stabilization of individuals impaired by substance abuse. The process generally involves:
- Filing a “Petition for Involuntary Treatment Services” with the court: Any adult with personal knowledge of the substance abuse issue can file this petition for adults, while parents or guardians can file for minors.
- Court-ordered assessment and treatment: The court may order an assessment lasting up to 72 hours. If they find that the person poses a danger to themselves or others, or is unable to care for their own well-being, they may mandate treatment for up to 90 days. This ensures that a person receives the help they need while respecting their civil rights.
Take note that the facilities involved in this treatment do not operate as “lockdown” entities. This means that these places do not have the authority or physical means to prevent a person from leaving if they choose to do so, even if they are under court-ordered treatment.
It’s crucial to understand that the Marchman Act does not guarantee a treatment bed or payment for services. It also does not interfere with other legal proceedings or provide for forced detox. However, it does provide a person’s family and loved ones to help them address substance abuse issues and access necessary care. If you need advice on how the Marchman Act can assist in your situation, our attorneys are ready to guide you through this process.
Aggressively Pursue A Favorable Outcome With A Florida DUI Lawyer
Contact our experienced team immediately after a DUI arrest or the issuing of charges. We offer free initial consultations and appointments that fit into your schedule. Call 954-640-8294 or complete our online form to speak with our experienced criminal defense attorneys.