Panama City DUI Lawyer

What are the penalties for DUI in Panama City?​​​

If this is your first arrest for drinking and driving, the sentence you could receive include:

• $500 in fines
• 50 hours of community service
• Up to 6 months in jail
• 10 days of vehicle impoundment
• 180-day driver's license suspension

The penalties are increased for a second conviction, including:

• $2,000 fine
• Up to 9 months in jail
• 30-day vehicle impoundment
• 5-year driver's license revocation

While a third conviction sees a dramatically increased sentence:

• At least $2,000 in fines or more than $5,000
• Minimum of 30 days in jail and up to one year
• 90 days of vehicle impoundment
• Driver's license revocation lasting a full 10 years

In addition to these DUI penalties, you may be ordered by the court to pay for the installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which will require you to provide a clean breath sample before starting your car and at intervals during driving.

A breath sample with alcohol will immobilize the vehicle and will be reported to the authorities. You can also expect to see your insurance rates increase dramatically, as the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will report your conviction to your insurance carrier.

Understanding the DUI Legal Process in FL

Navigating the legal system after a DUI arrest can be daunting. At Seaton Law Offices, P.A., we believe that knowledge is power. That's why we're committed to providing our clients with a clear understanding of what to expect throughout the DUI process. From your initial arrest to the court hearings, our experienced team will be by your side, ensuring you are informed and prepared at every step.

Here’s a brief overview of the crucial stages in the DUI legal process:

• Arrest and Booking: Understanding your rights during the arrest and what happens during the booking process.
• Initial Court Appearance: Knowing what to expect when you first appear before a judge, including potential bail considerations.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Exploring options for challenging evidence or seeking favorable plea deals.
• Trial Process: Preparing for trial if your case goes to court, including jury selection and presenting your defense.
• Sentencing: Understanding the possible outcomes if convicted and the options available for appeals.

Our dedicated team will guide you through each phase, answering your questions and addressing your concerns, so you can make informed decisions about your case. Don't face the DUI legal process alone—reach out to Seaton Law Offices today for personalized support and expert representation.

Understanding Your Rights During a DUI Stop

Being pulled over for a suspected DUI can be a stressful experience. It's crucial to know your rights during this process to ensure you are treated fairly. At Seaton Law Offices, P.A., we believe that informed clients are empowered clients. Here are some key rights you should be aware of:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You are not obligated to answer questions beyond providing your identification and vehicle registration. Politely exercising this right can prevent self-incrimination.
• The Right to Refuse Field Sobriety Tests: While refusal may lead to certain consequences, you have the right to decline these tests, which can be subjective and open to interpretation.
• The Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to contact an attorney before making any decisions or answering questions. Having legal counsel can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
• The Right to a Fair Trial: If charged, you have the right to fight the allegations in court, where your attorney can challenge the evidence against you.

Understanding these rights can help you navigate the complexities of a DUI stop and subsequent legal proceedings. If you find yourself facing DUI charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at Seaton Law Offices, P.A. We are here to protect your rights and provide you with the best defense possible.

Is it possible to beat DUI charges in Panama City?

Contrary to what you may have heard, it is nearly always possible to successfully challenge the evidence in a DUI case, with the result of having the charges reduced or even dismissed, or even to secure a full acquittal in a trial. One of the most common strategies involves demonstrating that the police officer did not have probable cause to pull the suspect over in the first place, which constitutes an unlawful traffic stop in violation of the suspect's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure-this would make the evidence that was subsequently gathered inadmissible in court.

Similarly, we might be able to use cross-examination and other evidence to reveal that the police officer made errors in administering the field sobriety tests, or that there were mistakes in analyzing and handling your blood test sample. You cannot be convicted unless it is proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime, and we place the burden of proof squarely on the prosecutor.