Panama City DUI Lawyer
Fight Your DUI Charges! Call (850) 215-5200 Today.
Panama City has one of the highest
per capita DUI rates in the country. Many people who have been arrested for driving
under the influence give-up on fighting the charge and holding the state
to the burden of proving the case. In the face of evidence such as a failed
field sobriety test or a breath/blood test which demonstrates a blood
alcohol concentration ("BAC") above .08%, many people believe
there is no way to avoid a DUI conviction.
How Can I Avoid a DUI Conviction?
On the other hand, a plea to a DUI carries many mandatory penalties including steep fines, drivers license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock devise on your vehicle, community service hours, and the possibility of jail time (of course there your insurance company will likely dramatically increase of your rates). The truth is that it is possible to challenge any DUI case and in many cases, the circumstances surrounding the case lead to a good defense.
Further, it is not uncommon to have a DUI case reduced from a DUI to Reckless Driving once a good defense is presented to the prosecutor.
Entrust your case to a former prosecutor with a 6,000 case track record - we are available 24/7! Get started with a FREE consultation today.
Proven Strategies to Fight DUI Charges
There are many tactics that are specific to defending against the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Did the arresting officer did not have probable cause to pull you over?
- Did the officer made mistakes in explaining or administering the field sobriety tests?
- Was the Intoxilyzer 8000 out of calibration?
No matter how dire the situation may appear, as experienced former prosecutors, Mr. Shepard approaches DUI cases with the goal of having the DUI charge dismissed, reduced, or to attain a "Not Guilty" verdict at jury trial.
DUI Penalties
Penalties for a DUI in Panama City can include the following:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 50 hours of community service
- One year on probation
- As long as six months in jail
- Vehicle impoundment lasting ten days
- Driver's license suspension for 180 days to one year
The penalties can be enhanced in cases where the defendant has a blood alcohol concentration above .15% or is accused of causing injury in an accident, while the punishment for a second, third or fourth DUI is gradually increased to the point of being a felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a permanent license revocation.
Call for Your Free Evaluation and Qualified Legal Guidance
Whether this is your first arrest or if you have a prior conviction on your record, you cannot afford to take any chances with the situation. Our attorneys have handled more than 6,000 criminal cases and are ready in your defense!
Contact a Panama City DUI attorney at Shepard Law today. Mr. Shepard is available 24/7 to take your calls at (850) 215-5200.