Being convicted of DUI can result in:

* Loss of liberty
* Loss of driving privileges
* Fines and court costs
* A criminal record

Other penalties may include years of higher insurance rates, many hours of enforced community service, and a tarnished reputation.

Many DUI cases can be successfully defended, thereby preserving your driving privileges and avoiding jail time.

Frequently, it can be shown that a police officer’s decision to arrest you was improper. Evidence favorable to you may be presented to show that your condition at the time of your arrest was caused by factors other than alcohol. These factors include having been in an accident, fatigue, your physical condition, or use of medication. Most importantly, you may deny that you were impaired by alcohol and can document what you had to drink and have witnesses to prove your sobriety.

The Law Offices of Stephen G. Birr represent people charged with DUI and other criminal offenses. If you are facing this serious charge without a lawyer and you have not entered a guilty plea, you still have an opportunity to obtain representation in your case. There is no charge for the initial consultation and payment plans are available.

As you may know, the State of Florida has greatly enhanced the penalties for DUI in recent years. The first conviction may result in a term of imprisonment or probation, a substantial fine, community service time, and a loss of driving privileges. If the judge decides to give you probation rather than a jail sentence, you must be required to report to a probation officer once a month up to a year and pay monthly for the costs of probation. Completion of DUI school and an evaluation for substance abuse is also mandatory. If your car insurance company discovers your conviction, normally your car insurance rates will increase substantially if you are convicted of DUI. Once the conviction is entered by the court, it is very difficult to successfully challenge that conviction after the fact.

A second conviction for DUI can carry with it a mandatory term of imprisonment of not less than 10 days. Subsequent DUI convictions carry even more severe penalties, including long-term jail sentences and permanent revocation of driving privileges.

The prosecutor must prove a DUI beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt. The breathalizer machine might have been in error and the results could be challenged. The circumstances of the arrest might also be subject to legal attack.

It is important for you to have a skilled attorney on your side in order to protect your valuable legal rights. Contact the Law Offices of Stephen G. Birr for a free consultation regarding the charges against you.

If you have been arrested:
* Don’t wait - call a lawyer immediately.
* Don’t talk to any police investigators or anyone else about your case.
* Write down all the facts about your case as soon as possible. You might forget many important details by the time your case goes to court.

Over the years, the Law Offices of Stephen G. Birr has handled hundreds of criminal cases, from DUIs and other misdemeanors to complicated felonies. You need someone who knows the system and can fight to protect your rights.

Your case is important to us. We will represent your side in plea negotiations or a complicated trial. Call today to discuss your case without charge or further obligation.

MAIN OFFICE - TAVARES:
122 N. St. Clair Abrams Ave.
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 343-5800
sgbirr@aol.com

FORT LAUDERDALE OFFICE:
1650 N.E. 26th St., Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
(954) 561-5800