Jump to Navigation

DUI FAQ

DUI Frequently Asked Questions

10 DAYS?
That is all the time you have before your license is automatically suspended, if you do NOTHING. The clock is ticking... If you hire us, we can contest your license suspension with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. CALL US NOW!

WHAT IF I WAS PULLED OVER FOR NO REASON?
Law enforcement officers are not perfect, they make mistakes. The decision to stop your vehicle may be successfully challenged in a Motion to Suppress Hearing. If the stop of your vehicle was improper, then all evidence obtained thereafter will not be admissible against you in court. At that point, the charge is commonly reduced or even dismissed!

WHY WAS I CHARGED WITH DUI IF I DIDN'T TAKE A BREATH TEST?
DUI is an opinion crime, and the officer arrested you based on his or her opinion and observations. An officer's opinion can be challenged by us, which may convince the state to reduce your charge, or result in a 'not guilty' verdict.

I'VE HEARD BREATH TEST RESULTS AREN'T ALWAYS ACCURATE
No machine is perfect. The Sheriff's Office is required to follow certain procedures before results are considered valid. We can make sure the Sheriff's Office followed the proper procedures. If they did not, we can file motions to exclude your breath results.

I CAN'T MISS WORK. WHAT DO I DO?
We can go to court for you - to try and help you keep your job. We will strive to ensure you will only be required to appear for the most critical court dates ~ usually less than 3 times.

DON'T THE POLICE HAVE TO GIVE ME A COPY OF THEIR REPORT?
ABSOLUTELY! The State must turn over all evidence they have to you and your attorney once your case is started, including all police reports. Once received, we can analyze the evidence together and develop your defenses.

WHY DID THE POLICE TAKE MY LICENSE AND HOW DO I GET IT BACK?
If your breath results were above the legal limit, your license was automatically suspended. Your DUI citation now acts as a temporary license for 10 days. During that 10-day period you MUST CONTEST your suspension with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles or it will automatically be suspended for AT LEAST 6 months and possibly longer.

Howard H. Ellzey, P.L.
5420 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Phone: 727-498-4397
Fax: 727-623-0973
Map and Directions

VISA MasterCard American Express Cards

Have Questions? Contact Our Firm Today for All of Your Legal Questions.

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information
disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

close