AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE & DEDICATED REPRESENTATION Our Panama City Firm Has Much to Offer. Learn Why People Choose Shepard Law. Call today

After an Arrest

What to Do When Facing a DUI Conviction

When you have been arrested for drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs in Panama City, you have only ten days to act to protect your driver's license from being suspended. Under Florida's ten-day rule, your license will be subject to an automatic administrative revocation unless you take action now. You can lose your driving privilege for anywhere from 180 days to a full year, causing serious disruption in your personal life and potentially making it difficult or impossible for you to commute to work. Perhaps the most effective step you can take towards defending your license is to contact Shepard Law, P.A. for dedicated legal representation.

Defending Your Driver's License in Panama City

An attorney from the firm can represent you at your DMV hearing, challenging the evidence in the case and seeking to protect your driver's license from the automatic suspension. This is separate from the criminal trial, but is based on much of the same evidence such as the police officer's testimony and the results of chemical tests of your breath or blood. It is, however, less formal than a criminal trial, and the police officer may not even appear to testify against you. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine witnesses and the evidence against you, and to introduce evidence in your favor, in an effort to defeat the charges and preserve your driving privileges.

Many people simply fail to realize that they have the right to contest a driver's license suspension, thinking that there is no way to fight the evidence in the case and giving up any hope of avoiding the negative consequences. The fact is that in a DUI-as in any other case-you are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty. Unless the prosecutor can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime of driving under the influence, you cannot legally be convicted on the charges. By hiring an attorney to represent you, you will have a dedicated advocate whose goal will be to challenge the evidence and seek to clear your name of the charges.

Contact the Firm Today for Help!

Don't hesitate to retain legal representation as early as possible after your arrest, to advise you of your options and begin working on a strategy for defending you. The actions you take at the outset of the case will largely determine the final outcome of the situation, and you cannot afford to make any mistakes which could cost you in the long term. Your attorney will represent you with law enforcement officials and in court, helping you decide whether to accept a plea bargain or to take the case to trial.

This may be a highly stressful situation for you and your family, but it is not one that you have to face alone-let the team at Shepard Law guide you through the process and help you find your way back out of the criminal justice system.

Commonly Asked Questions

Why is it important to hire an attorney immediately after a DUI arrest?

Securing legal representation immediately after a DUI arrest is crucial because the initial steps you take can significantly impact the case's outcome. An attorney can provide valuable advice, help you understand your options, and develop a defense strategy. Mistakes made early on can have long-term consequences, so having an attorney to navigate the legal system and represent you in interactions with law enforcement and in court is essential.

Am I automatically guilty if charged with a DUI?

No, being charged with a DUI does not automatically make you guilty. In the United States, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecutor must establish your guilt with strong evidence before a conviction can be made. Hiring an attorney can help you challenge the evidence and strive to clear your name of the charges.

What Sets Shepard Law Apart?

  • Available 24/7
  • Former Prosecutor
  • Free Initial Consultation
  • Over Two Decades of Experience
  • Superb Rating on Avvo
  • Handled 5000+ Cases
  • “Shepard Law was amazing. I worked with Rusty Shepard and Megan Hance. They were a pleasure to work with during a challenging time in my life. They were considerate, kind, non-judgemental, and very effective.”

    - D. C.
  • “Rusty is an ethical, knowledgeable, and highly skilled attorney. He is contentious in working with his clients to assure the best possible outcome. Rusty kept me fully informed of the strengths and weaknesses of my case and had me fully prepared.

    - Jared H.
  • “This is the Best hands down for Criminal Defense. Mr Shepard is personally involved in everything he has called on weekends,nights and many more times that took him away from personal time. He goes way Above and Beyond.”

    - Frank D.
/

Defending your rights
and your future

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy