Largo DUI Arrests Lawyer

Largo is the third largest city in Pinellas County, Florida with a population of approximately 84,000 people. The city is incorporated in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and has been dubbed the “City of Progress.” However, with a growing population and tourism industry Largo law enforcement agencies are always on the lookout for drunk drivers.

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it’s imperative you seek legal representation. Florida has some of the harshest DUI penalties in the nation. You could find yourself stuck paying expensive fines or spend time in jail or even prison. Start planning your defense now by securing trusted legal counsel today.

Defense Attorneys for Largo DUI Arrests in Florida

Having a night out in Largo can unfortunately lead to serious consequences. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could result in criminal charges. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, then it’s important you seek an experienced criminal defense attorney.

You can find a skilled and reputable attorney by contacting Morris Law Firm, P.A.. The defense lawyers at Morris Law Firm, P.A. understand how stressful DUI charges can be. That is why we want to provide you with an excellent defense using our resources and knowledge. 

Call us today at (727) 592-5885  to set up a free consultation surrounding your charges.

Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents people throughout the greater Pinellas County area including St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Largo and Oldsmar.

Overview of Largo DUI Arrests in Florida

• DUI Arrest Statistics in Largo
• Penalties for DUI Arrests in Florida
• DUI Resources in Largo
• Additional Resources

DUI Arrest Statistics in Largo, Florida

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has adopted a way of collecting data known as the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) program. The program was designed by the FBI to collect arrest data for certain offenses across the country. FDLE does this by gathering all reports by law enforcement agencies throughout Florida. Listed below are some 2017 UCR statistics regarding DUI arrests in the Largo area.

• There were 36,566 arrests were made in Pinellas County;
• The arrest rate per 100,000 population in Pinellas County was 3,801.0; and
• Out of those arrests, 2,425 of them were for DUI-related incidents
• Largo Police Department arrested 3,514 people in 2017;
• The arrest rate per 100,000 population in Largo is 4,287;
• Out of those arrests, 329 of them were for DUI-related incidents

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Penalties for DUI in Florida

Florida has harsh penalties for those convicted of DUI. You can find the consequences associated with driving under the influence under Florida Statute § 316.193. The laws state the minimum and maximum penalties as well as aggravating factors that may enhance your charges altogether. The penalties for a first-time DUI charge include:

• Up to six months in jail
• A probation term of up to 12 months;
• License suspension for up to 12 months;
• A fine of up to $1,000;
• Possible ten-day impoundment or immobilization of your vehicle;
• 50 hours of community service;
• Completion of a 12-hour DUI course; and
• Completion of any other court ordered substance abuse program or treatment

A second DUI within 5 years will result in enhanced penalties. These include:

• Up to nine months in jail;
• A probation term of up to 12 months
• Minimum five-year suspension of your driver’s license;
• A fine of up to $2,000;
• Possible 30-day impoundment or immobilization of your vehicle;
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device;
• 50 hours of community service;
• Completion of a 21-hour DUI Substance Abuse class; and
• Completion of any court ordered substance abuse program or treatment

If you’re convicted of a third DUI within the last ten years, you could be sentenced to:

• Up to 5 years in prison;
• A probation term of up to 5 years;
• Minimum ten-year driver’s license suspension;
• A fine of up to $5,000;
• 90-day impoundment or immobilization of your vehicle;
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device;
• 50 hours of community service;
• Completion of a 21-hour DUI substance abuse class; and
• Completion of any other court ordered substance abuse program or treatment

Certain aggravating factors can enhance your penalties even further. Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher will aggravate your charges. For instance, if it’s your first DUI and you blew .15 or higher, then you would face:

• Up to 9 months in jail;
• A fine of up to $2,000; and
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for up to one year.

If you’re accompanies by a minor during the offense, then your consequences will be elevated. For example, if it’s your first DUI and a child was in the car during the crime, then you could face the following consequences.

• Up to 9 months in jail; and
• A fine of up to $2,000

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DUI Resources in Largo, Florida

• Largo Police Department – The Largo Police Department (LPD) protects Largo citizen and promotes community-oriented events. The current Chief of Police in the LPD is Jeff Undestad. You can locate their offices at 201 Highland Avenue in Largo, Florida.
• Pinellas County Sheriff’s DUI Unit – The Pinellas County Sheriff vows to serve and protect its citizens through quality policing. The current Pinellas County Sheriff is Bob Gualiteiri and he also runs a specialized DUI unit designed to effectively spot drunken drivers. You can find the Sheriff’s Office at 107050 Ulmerton Road in Largo, Florida.
• Pinellas County Bureau of Administrative Review – The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Department has a division known as the Bureau of Administrative Review. Here, you can schedule a formal review hearing to contest your license suspension if you failed or refused a chemical DUI test. The Bureau can be located at 1663 Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida.
• DUI School in Largo – The judge may court order you to attend DUI classes. The program focuses on substance and alcohol abuse, how it affects your body and ways to reduce your alcohol or drug consumption. You can find these courses at the Suncoast Safety Council, which has two locations. The Clearwater Office is located at 1145 Court Street and the St. Petersburg office can be found at 455 31^st Street North.

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Additional Resources

DUI Arrest Data in Pinellas County – Visit the official website for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to learn more about their UCR program. Access the site to find arrest data reports that are categorized by race, gender, and jurisdiction through 1999 to 2017. You can also access juvenile arrests divided by gender and type of offense.

DUI Laws in Florida – Visit the official website for Online Sunshine, a collection of state laws and legislation. Access the site to learn more about what a DUI is defined as, the penalties of DUI, the look-back period for DUI charges and how your sentence could be enhanced.

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Largo Attorney for DUI Charges in Florida

There’s no reason one bad mistake should ruin all you’ve worked for. To avoid the statutory penalties, we recommend you hire quality legal counsel. One great option is to contact Morris Law Firm, P.A. for legal representation. The attorneys at Morris Law Firm, P.A. have years of criminal defense experience that can be put to work for your case.

We at Morris Law Firm, P.A. understand the difficulties of understanding the criminal justice system. Let us guide you by using our skills and extensive resources. 

Call Morris Law Firm, P.A. today at (727) 592-5885  to set up your first free appointment. We practice throughout the greater Largo area and nearby cities including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor and Oldsmar.