Jacksonville DUI Attorneys

Have you ever consumed a couple of beers or a glass or two of wine and gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle? If so, like many of us, you may have wondered if your blood alcohol level was high enough for you to be considered, “driving impaired.” Due to the number of alcoholic beverages consumed in this country, DUI has become the most common criminal offense being charged. Many law-abiding citizens, who have never been arrested for any crimes, are being pulled over and charged with DUI, at alarming rates. Taking the chance of drinking and then getting behind the wheel of a car can be a dangerous and very costly mistake. In Florida, as in most states, blood and breath alcohol levels of .08 or higher are considered to cause impairment of what the law describes as “normal faculties.”  Even though a first-offense DUI conviction is usually considered a misdemeanor, it is still a crime, and Florida has enacted some of this country’s strictest DUI laws and penalties. If you are under 21 years of age, Florida has a zero-tolerance law, and those younger drivers, caught operating a boat or vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol level of .02 or higher, will automatically have their license suspended for six months. Additionally, if an adult has a minor in the vehicle, your fines and penalties can be much greater than the standard fines and sentencing guidelines. It is important to know the law and the penalties involved if you are arrested for a first-offense DUI. Depending on your blood alcohol level, many of the penalties can be quite severe, including fines up to $1,000, 1-year driver’s license suspension, permanent criminal record, incarceration (jail) time up to 6 months, vehicle immobilization or impoundment, installation of an ignition locking device, mandatory DUI school, community service hours, attendance at a substance abuse treatment program, and a term of probation.  With all of this riding on your guilt or innocence, it’s important to retain competent and experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and explain your legal options. DUI convictions not only have immediate consequences, but also life-long effects, including, but not limited to:  loss of job, housing, school enrollment, scholarships, future employment, security clearances, obtaining affordable insurance, background checks, permission to enter foreign countries, and obtaining commercial licenses.

Arrested? Contact Criminal Defense Attorneys Curtis Fallgatter and Lisa Varon Right Away

If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence of either drugs or alcohol, it is imperative that you obtain a free legal consultation at Fallgatter Catlin & Varon P.A.  As experienced criminal defense and DUI attorneys, we will explain to you your legal rights, and can protect your immediate driving privileges.  Any delay, outside of the 10-day window you have from the date of your arrest, could cause your driver’s license to experience a longer suspension period. Fallgatter Catlin & Varon P.A. have experienced criminal defense and DUI attorneys who have worked for both sides of the law. Curtis Fallgatter was the former Chief Assistant federal prosecutor, and past President of the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and has been in private practice for the last 25 years, representing those arrested and charged with a crime. Lisa Varon has practiced criminal law in Jacksonville for more than 20 years. She was an Assistant Public Defender in the Fourth Judicial Circuit for 10 years, past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and past President of the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  Both are partners in Fallgatter Catlin & Varon P.A. They understand that not everyone arrested for DUI is guilty of driving under the influence. 

If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, make no statements to police and contact Fallgatter Catlin & Varon P.A. immediately, at 904-353-5800.  If you get arrested and charged with a crime, inform the arresting officer you wish to retain an attorney, and contact Fallgatter Catlin & Varon immediately.