Getting busted for DUI once is bad enough. But getting nailed a second time? That’s when you really need to lawyer up. A second-time DUI charge in Doral or anywhere in Miami-Dade County is serious business. We’re talking mandatory jail time, license revocation, and sky-high insurance rates that’ll have you begging for mercy.
But don’t freak out just yet. The experienced DUI attorneys at Johnson, Smith & Associates have got your back. They know all the tricks prosecutors use to stack the deck against repeat offenders. With decades of combined experience successfully defending DUI cases just like yours, they’ve seen it all. These guys live and breathe DUI law – they can find weaknesses in the State’s case and get charges reduced or dismissed. Let’s dig into why you need a top-notch lawyer for a second DUI charge and how the legal eagles at Johnson, Smith & Associates can help.
Why a Second DUI is a Big Deal
After a first-time DUI conviction, you probably got off with a fine, DUI school, and maybe some probation. But get busted again within 5 years and it’s a whole different ballgame. We’re talking:
- Mandatory jail time – 10 days to 9 months for a second conviction within 5 years. Doesn’t matter if it’s in Doral, Hialeah, Miami Beach or Timbuktu. State law requires jail time.
- License revocation – A second DUI means automatic revocation of your license for at least 5 years. Yeah, that’s right, FIVE years without a license. Start taking the bus.
- Ignition interlock – Even after getting your license back, you’ll have to blow into one of these annoying devices to start your car for up to 5 years. Cha-ching – it’ll cost you around $150 to install it and $70 per month to maintain it.
- DUI school – Back to class for you! Second-time offenders have to complete 21 hours at DUI school. Zzzzzz.
- Fines and court costs – Expect to pay around $1,500 or more in fines and other costs. Ouch.
- SR-22 insurance – High-risk SR-22 insurance for 3 years will drive your rates through the roof. We’re talking premiums 2-3 times higher than normal. OMG.
- Felony charge – A third DUI within 10 years becomes a felony. You do NOT want to go there.
See why you need an experienced DUI lawyer to help beat a second DUI charge? The penalties are no joke. But an aggressive attorney can get charges reduced or dismissed so you avoid these harsh punishments.
How Doral DUI Lawyers Can Help
The seasoned DUI defense attorneys at Johnson, Smith & Associates have a long track record of success challenging second DUI charges. Their legal eagles will thoroughly analyze your case, identify any police mistakes or lack of evidence, and build the strongest defense.
Here are some of the proven strategies they use:
- Attack probable cause – If the traffic stop or DUI investigation was illegal, the entire case can get tossed out. The lawyers will scour the police reports to find any hints of an improper stop or lack of probable cause for the DUI investigation.
- Challenge breath test results – Breathalyzers are notoriously unreliable. An expert lawyer can pick apart the results and cast doubt on their accuracy. Was the machine properly calibrated? Were contamination safeguards followed? If not, the breath test results may get excluded from evidence.
- Dispute blood test results – Blood tests are also vulnerable to challenge. Were the samples stored and tested properly? Do the results really prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt? Skilled lawyers know how to dispute blood evidence.
- Negotiate plea bargains – DUI lawyers are masters at negotiating with prosecutors. Often they can leverage weaknesses in the State’s case to get charges reduced or even dismissed. This avoids the harsh mandatory minimum penalties for a second DUI conviction.
- Advocate for treatment programs – For clients battling alcohol abuse, DUI lawyers can advocate for sentencing to rehab rather than jail. This compassionate approach gets clients needed help while minimizing penalties.
- Fight license suspensions – Using their expertise of DMV regulations, lawyers can often get hardship licenses granted so clients can still drive to work while their case is pending.
- Educate clients – The lawyers at Johnson, Smith & Associates are totally up-to-speed on constantly changing DUI laws. They’ll educate clients on their rights and options, explaining the complex legal system in simple terms. Knowledge is power.
With this arsenal of legal strategies, an experienced Doral DUI lawyer can help you avoid the severe consequences of a second DUI conviction.
Why Choose Johnson, Smith & Associates?
When you’re facing a second DUI charge, you need Miami’s best DUI defense team in your corner. Johnson, Smith & Associates have the skills, experience, and track record of success to give you the best shot at beating your case. Here’s why you should trust them with your future:
- Decades of experience – With over 70 years of combined DUI defense experience, they’ve seen every trick in the book. You want seasoned legal eagles that have been around the block a few times, not fresh-faced newbies still wet behind the ears.
- Exclusively DUI defense – All they do is DUI law, day in and day out. That laser focus is invaluable when navigating the complexities of DUI cases. General practice lawyers just can’t match their expertise.
- Great relationships with prosecutors – Key to getting charges reduced or dismissed is negotiating effectively with prosecutors. The lawyers at Johnson, Smith & Associates have long-standing relationships with DAs across Miami-Dade County they can leverage.
- Compassion for clients **-** They know a DUI charge is devastating. With empathy, concern and respect, they work tirelessly to help clients move forward while achieving the best legal outcome.
- Payment plans – They work with clients on flexible payment plans so top legal representation is affordable.
If you or a loved one is facing a second DUI charge, put Johnson, Smith & Associates in your corner. Their legal firepower can help minimize penalties so you can move on with your life. Call them now for a free case evaluation. You’ve got nothing to lose – and your freedom to gain.