Naples DUI Lawyer

A DUI Defense Lawyer For All Traffic Crimes In Naples

Facing charges for a DUI or repeated traffic offenses can have serious and lasting consequences on various aspects of your life. Beyond the immediate legal penalties, such as fines and potential imprisonment, these charges can lead to long-term impacts like loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and a tarnished personal and professional reputation. Understanding these stakes is crucial, and having a Naples DUI lawyer by your side can make all the difference.

An arrest for driving under the influence can lead to harsh penalties. If you are charged with a DUI, the matter can be resolved by a knowledgeable lawyer. Clients in Naples, Florida, rely on the quality representation provided by The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. I, attorney Justin P. Caldarone, will fight for your rights through every step of the DUI legal process. Click here to contact us or call 239-537-0439 to arrange a consultation.

The Caldarone Law Group, P.A.: Your DUI Defense Team

At The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., we are familiar with Naples DUI cases. From the famous U.S. Route 41 to smaller roads like Mooring Line Drive and Cypress Woods Drive, DUI arrests happen every week across the city. If you’ve been arrested, you need an attorney. With over a decade of experience, the team at The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., is here to offer you the dedicated, aggressive, and experienced legal defense you deserve.

What To Do If You’re Pulled Over For A DUI

Facing a DUI or traffic offense can have serious consequences on your life and reputation. Knowing your rights and having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial for protecting your future. If you’re pulled over on suspicion of DUI, it’s important to remain calm and respectful. Here are some key steps to follow:

• Stay calm and polite: Always be courteous and keep your hands visible. Avoid making sudden movements.
• Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent beyond providing basic identification. Politely inform the officer if you choose to exercise this right.
• Field sobriety tests: You are not legally required to take field sobriety tests in Florida.
• Chemical tests: Florida’s implied consent law means you may face penalties for refusing a breathalyzer or other chemical tests.
• Do not consent to a search: You have the right to refuse consent for a vehicle search.
• Contact an attorney: If arrested, seek legal counsel immediately. An experienced DUI attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Remember, drugged driving is also considered a DUI offense. If you’re charged with a DUI, act quickly. Addressing a DUI charge promptly and understanding your rights can make a significant difference in the outcome.

With the right guidance, you can navigate the legal process more effectively and work toward a resolution that safeguards your future.

Understanding Roadside DUI Tests And Their Limitations

When you’re stopped for a suspected DUI, officers might conduct roadside tests to determine impairment. One such test is the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), which looks for involuntary eye movements. However, certain medical conditions or medications can mimic these movements, potentially leading to false positives.

Another test, the Walk-and-Turn, evaluates your balance and ability to follow directions. But factors like uneven ground, unsuitable footwear or medical issues can skew results.

The One-Leg Stand test also checks balance and coordination. External factors such as weather conditions, anxiety or physical limitations can impact performance.

Lastly, the Breathalyzer test aims to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). Its accuracy can be affected by improper calibration, incorrect usage or specific medical conditions.

Understanding these tests and their limitations is essential. If you have concerns about the accuracy of these roadside tests, consulting a legal professional is advisable.

A DUI Carries Long-Term Consequences

In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher can result in a DUI charge that includes potential penalties of fines, imprisonment and license revocation. These penalties increase incrementally depending on the number of any existing prior offenses, as well as for a blood alcohol level of .15 or greater. A fourth DUI offense is considered a felony punishable with up to a $5,000 fine, five years in prison and permanent license revocation.

Additionally, a DUI conviction carries a strong social stigma that can hinder your future employment opportunities and business prospects. From experience, I understand how important the resolution of a DUI matter is for a client. As a skilled lawyer with proficiency in criminal law, I will do everything possible to get your charges reduced or dropped completely.

A thorough diagnosis of the factors leading up to the arrest will determine a defense strategy. Sometimes charges can be dismissed because of police misconduct during the arrest or by discrediting evidence.

Alternatively, a diversion program can be a method to reduce the impact of DUI charges. For any DUI matter, a plea bargain will only be pursued if it is in the clients’ best interests. I am confident in handling any DUI case and will use an aggressive approach to protect client rights.

How to Defend Against a DUI Charge in Naples

Being charged with a DUI does not automatically result in a conviction. An attorney can help defend your rights and challenge evidence against you while seeking to reduce penalties. Common defense strategies for a DUI charge in Naples include:

• Improper stops by law enforcement
• Inaccurate or wrongly administered field sobriety tests
• Faulty blood, urine, or breathalyzer tests
• Challenging the chain of command when it comes to evidence like blood, urine, or breathalyzer test results
• Any violation of your constitutional rights, like not being read your Miranda Rights upon your arrest

If you believe that any of these defenses apply to your case, you need to contact and hire a DUI lawyer right away.

FAQs

Q: Can I Refuse Chemical DUI Testing in Florida?

A: If you are lawfully arrested for a DUI in Florida, you can still refuse to take chemical tests, such as a breath test or a urine test. However, refusing to take these tests does not come without a cost. You will likely have your license automatically suspended for a certain amount of time, and your refusal can be used in any criminal proceedings regarding your DUI case.

Q: Can I Seek a Driver’s Permit After Having My License Suspended in Florida?

A: Yes, if you have your legal driver’s license suspended in Florida, you may be able to seek a driving permit that will still allow you behind the wheel for certain reasons. If you are eligible for a driver’s permit, you will likely be allowed to drive to school, work, any legal or medical appointments, and religious worship services.

Q: Why Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer in Florida?

A: There are many reasons why you should hire a DUI lawyer in Florida. Your attorney can review your case, determine the correct defense strategy, and ultimately defend you against the charges and penalties you face. Apart from possible jail time, being convicted of a DUI can give you a criminal record, and employment rates for individuals with a criminal record are around 30%.

Q: What If Someone Dies Because of Drunk Driving?

A: If someone dies or is severely injured in an accident caused by your drunk driving, the legal and civil penalties you may face can increase. Every day, around 32 people in the United States are killed by drunk drivers. In addition to increased criminal penalties, like jail time, fines, and license suspension, you might face civil penalties as well, including being held accountable for punitive damages.

Learn How I Can Defend Your Future After A DUI Arrest: Hire a DUI Lawyer Today

If you would like to discuss a DUI issue with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact me. Call 239-537-0439 or send an email to arrange a free initial consultation.