I don’t want to make another mistake after being caught for DUI here in Palm Beach so I want to hire an attorney to defend me. Problem is, how would I select a DUI attorney among the available ones who could help me?

Eric

Palm Beach, FL

Certain DUI cases can just be resolved by having a plea bargain and you won’t need an attorney for it but that could end up having more jail time than if you have chosen to hire a DUI attorney.

When selecting a DUI attorney in Palm Beach, it is highly suggested that you hire one who is experienced in defending DUI cases. That attorney should also be one that offers free consultations in order for you to ask the right questions before hiring them. A lot of very good DUI attorneys may not offer free consultations but you can still be able to find ones that do. There are also DUI lawyers that have Websites in which you can learn more about their practice. Before you hire a lawyer to defend you, you must know first you would be contacted regularly about the status of your DUI case. Also, you need to make sure whether that lawyer you talked to will be the one who would handle your case or one of his/her associates. Feel free to ask the lawyer as well as to what the estimate cost of total fees would be.

Keep in mind that the one you choose to defend you on your DUI case can spell all the difference and can help you avoid jail time or pay very high fines. A good DUI attorney would push you to be involved in an AA program so that you can show the courts that you have been transformed. It is also very important that you trust your DUI lawyer and have confidence in him/her and at ease working together.

What will happen to my auto insurance policy here in Palm Beach, Florida should I get caught driving drunk?

Will

Palm Beach, FL

Hi Will, should you get caught driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) or get involved in any serious type of vehicular violations, then you can expect some very heavy consequences not only from your car insurance provider there in palm Beach but from the state of Florida as well. The law is very serious about drunk driving, car accidents and traffic violations. And the repercussions are also far reaching, something you will have to live with and work hard to rectify for the next two to three years.

Most likely your auto insurance coverage will either get canceled or your insurance premiums gets dramatically inflated but thats going to be the least of your problems. Your driver’s license might get temporarily suspended until you pay some healthy fees, thats if you’re not sentenced to spend some time behind bars . If you’re insurance does get canceled there are still insurance providers out there who’s willing to take in high-risk driver. Yes, you’re going to be considered a high-risk driver and get all the perks that come with it such as sky high rates and having to file and maintain an SR22 (proof of financial responsibility) for at least a couple of years. It’s going to be a dreadful experience in exchange for those few bottles of suds. So why risk it?

If a case of DUI was dismissed in court can it still affect my driving record and my auto insurance rate in Palm Beach Florida?

Nel

palm Beach, FL

It is possible that for a dismissed drunk driving case to affect your driving record still. I would recommend that you verify with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to know for sure what exactly will be listed on your driving history. The cost of a SR-22 insurance will depend upon your driving record and other personal information.

The Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) will be able to provide you more information if a dismissed case of DUI will still appear to your your driving history. You may also contact your insurance carrier to know if this will affect your car insurance Palm Beach Florida.

Will I have to contain an Ignition Interlock Device placed in my car as a condition of bond for a DWI offense in Palm Beach FL?

Messer

Palm Beach, FL

Thank you for your query, Messer. In Palm Beach FL, if you were stopped by a representative of the law enforcement, and the day you were stopped it was your first offense; conditions of bond are an issue of judgment with the Court. In general, most judges will not make an Ignition Interlock Device as a condition of bond for a first offense DWI. However, if you are accused with a succeeding DWI and this does not matter how long ago your first DWI was, with Intoxication Assault, or with Intoxication Manslaughter you are obligatory by law to put in an Ignition Interlock Device on your car. In actual fact, you will not be able to steer any means of transportation that is not equipped with an Interlock Device. If the piece of equipment verifies a certain level of alcohol on your breath, it will for the time being disable your vehicle. When driving, you have to constantly blow into the piece of equipment about every twenty minutes. Please be reminded, that the alcohol in some mouthwashes can still be enough to cause the Ignition Interlock Device to disable the vehicle if you do not remain a certain period of time following its use.