Drunk driving and DUI charges are most often associated with cars or other land-based vehicles. But under Florida and federal law, you can also face serious consequences if you are caught boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In fact, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, a person operating a boat “is likely to become impaired more quickly”...
Continue ReadingFlorida residents may soon have more options when it comes to purchasing liquor. On April 26 the House of Representatives approved a bill that would end most of Florida’s restrictions on selling alcohol with other merchandise by 2021. Proponents argue lifting this “liquor wall” will benefit consumers and free markets, while critics say it will hurt local businesses and...
Continue ReadingFlorida legislators continue to struggle with last year’s decision by voters to legalize medicinal cannabis through an amendment to the state constitution. Some legislators, concerned that medical marijuana might lead to a rash of people “driving while stoned,” have proposed new laws to expand existing DUI laws to cover THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. However, medical and law...
Continue ReadingUnder certain circumstances, Florida residents convicted of DUI may be required to install special “ignition interlock” devices in their cars in order to regain their driving privileges. Interlock devices contain a breath analyzer that determines if the driver’s blood-alcohol content is below the Florida legal limit of .08 percent. If the driver is above the limit, the vehicle will...
Continue Readingby David W. Bate Emotional As a criminal defense lawyer in Bangor, ME, I have been practicing for over 20 years and it still surprises me every time: Ordinary people charged with drunk driving are devastated by the prospect of facing real criminal charges with real criminal consequences. You are afraid to face family and friends. Through mere negligent conduct,...
Continue ReadingWe often think of DUIs as a charge related to drunk driving and forget that DUI charges are about driving while impaired. This means that you can be arrested for driving while using drugs prescribed to you by your doctor. Florida DUI laws focus on driving while under the influence of any unnatural substance. This includes prescription drugs. There...
Continue ReadingWe all enjoy those moments that make us happiest. We tend to enjoy not only the moment, but the people we around at the time. Our happiest moments are often times celebrated with alcohol, from grabbing a beer with a friend, to wine, liquor, and champagne. Though celebratory times call for celebratory measures, it is important not to drive...
Continue ReadingWhile it may seem fun, underage drinking is never a good idea. This is particularly true when you consider that the Florida laws that deal with underage drinking have become increasingly stringent over the years. Punishment for underage drinking can impact more people than just the intoxicated teen. There can be legal consequences for any minor who transports or...
Continue ReadingProsecutors allege that a college student was speeding and drunk by twice the legal limit when he collided with an Uber driver, killing a passenger in Southwest Miami Dade. The accident captured the city’s attention after the victim’s family filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant and Uber. Last month, the victim and friends called an Uber after a...
Continue ReadingThe Supreme Court is taking another “shot” at the DUI laws and the drunk-driving test. They will be examining three separate cases that will be argued together at a one hour hearing. The issues presented in this case are defendants declining to take the tests. In this case they are a blood test, a breath test, and finally a...
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