Can I still drive after the police take my license away? Am I going to jail? How much will a Sarasota DUI cost me? These are just some of the DUI questions we hear from our clients everyday when it comes to the penalties and procedures they may deal with following a Sarasota DUI arrest. One of the more immediate questions we hear from clients has to do with the actual DUI testing process. Many drivers are overwhelmed and intimidated by the police and the DUI process and refuse to take a DUI test. Doing so may be an impulse decision but unfortunately comes with additional consequences.
To answer this important DUI question, the first thing you should know about has to do with Sarasota implied consent laws. When you first got your Florida drivers license, you probably did not realize all the paperwork you were signing. Why would you? You were probably young and excited to get on the road! One of the items you agreed to in signing for your license was the very DUI tests your just refused. This is a reality that many individuals have no idea of until they are unfortunate enough to get pulled over for a DUI in Sarasota. The tradeoff is simple—Florida will grant you the privilege of driving and in exchange you agree to submit to DUI testing when necessary.
.08 or above is the BAC that can get you in DUI hot water in Sarasota. In order to arrive at this number, police employ a chemical test in the form of a breath test or drawing your blood. These tests are not fool proof but they are fairly convincing pieces of evidence. When you refuse to take these tests, the prosecution then uses your refusal as “proof” of your guilt. Although that may not be the case, we have seen this argument presented many times over. Ultimately, a DUI conviction can be either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specifics of your case.
Some of the additional penalties you may face for a Sarasota DUI include: fines, criminal charges, education courses, installation of an ignition interlock device, probation and jail. If you have been arrested for a DUI before and refused chemical testing in that instance as well, then you will be charged with a first degree felony. As you can see, Sarasota and the state of Florida take DUI test refusal very seriously.
If you have recently been charged with driving under the influence in Sarasota, one of the best things you can do for yourself is hire a qualified DUI attorney. At Finebloom & Haenel P.A. we have years of DUI experience and will work hard to get you the best results possible. We also have experience working with clients that have refused DUI testing and know the best arguments to present to the court. Give us a call today for an obligation-free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
