Florida Reminding Motorists of Cost of DUI Arrests as Tourism Season comes to a Close

March 26, 2011

The State of Florida is reminding motorists of the high cost of a DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere in the state as spring break and the winter tourism season draw to a close.

Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyers understand cost is often a factor when a motorist is facing a drunk driving charge in South Florida. Unfortunately, what many fail to realize is that hiring an experienced drunk driving defense attorney will frequently save a defendant money in the long run.
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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is telling motorists not to let drunk driving make spring break "spring broke." The state reminds drivers that the cost of a drunk driving arrest in Florida can exceed $20,000, including fines, court costs, DUI school, probation, jail time, impound fees, driver's license suspensions and reinstatements and skyrocketing insurance premiums.

"The Florida Highway Patrol isn't against having a good time. We just want spring breakers to celebrate safely so that no one has to go home in a body bag," said Captain Mark Welch, FHP's Chief of Public Affairs. "FHP does not tolerate impaired driving, so drive sober and drive safe."

Florida drunk driving law is particularly strict when it comes to underage drinking and driving -- for those under the legal drinking age of 21, a blood-alcohol level of .02 is enough to lead to criminal charges and driver's license suspensions.

While the Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies talk tough, the reality is that the type of special enforcement periods run through spring break and around holidays often lead to the type of marginal arrests that are easily defended against.

As we frequently report, only about half of motorists charged with drunk driving in Florida are convicted in any given year.

Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Carlos Canet is an aggressive and experienced drunk driving defense attorney, representing clients facing DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. Call 866-7ASKDUI to discuss your rights.