College Football is Back and So Are Aggressive DUI Arrests

October 7, 2016 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

With football season in full swing at major educational institutions in Tallahassee such as Florida State University and Florida A&M, the Tallahassee Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol are seeking out intoxicated drivers, willing and ready to make driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. If you have been arrested for DUI after leaving a tailgate, a football watch party, a local bar, or an actual sporting event anywhere in Leon County, it is in your best interest to have an experienced Tallahassee criminal defense attorney review your case.

DUI Laws in Tallahassee, Florida

Consuming alcohol before driving is not illegal in Florida, however, overindulging to the point you create a public safety hazard is. Under Florida Statute § 316.193, an alleged offender can be charged with DUI under the following conditions:

• The individual is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within the state of Florida;
• The person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; and
• The individual’s normal faculties are impaired due to the consumption of a controlled substance; or
• The person had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above and their normal faculties were impaired.

Types of DUI Offenses in Leon County, Florida

As with many other states, the state of Florida has multiple DUI offenses an individual under the influence can be charged with, depending on the circumstances surrounding their particular case. Some of which impose enhanced penalties, contingent on the individual’s BAC being above .15, a minor being in the vehicle, or the offense resulting in bodily injury or property damage. Pursuant to Florida law, the different DUI-related offenses an individual can be charged with in Florida include:

• Felony DUI;
• DUI with Serious Bodily Injury;
• DUI Manslaughter;
• Aggravated DUI;
• DUI with Property Damage;
• Commercial Vehicle DUI;
• Boating under the Influence (BUI); and
• Juvenile and Under 21 DUI.

Penalties for DUI in Florida

Whether people were celebrating victories or wallowing in bitter defeats, arrests for alleged drunk driving following football games can turn weekend fun into months of incredible stress. Convictions can result in serious penalties, even if it is your first criminal offense. To avoid costly fines, having your driving privileges suspended, and the possibility of time incarcerated, you need the assistance of an experienced Tallahassee criminal defense attorney with experience litigating DUI offenses on behalf of clients throughout various areas of Florida, including Leon County and Jefferson County.

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