Indian River County, Florida DUI Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been charged with drunk driving in Florida, Indian River County DUI Lawyer Charles Shafer can help.

If your Florida driver’s license has been suspended because of a DUI arrest, Indian River County DUI Attorney Charles Shafer can help.

Being charged with driving under the influence in Florida is very serious crime. It surely raises questions of consequences and what to do next. Vero Beach, Florida DUI Lawyer T. Charles Shafer helps those accused of drinking and driving. He will answer your questions, outline your legal options and aggressively fight for the best possible results from your case.

For immediate assistance, contact Indian River County DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles Shafer by filling out the consultation request form to the left or calling (772) 467-2601. The initial review of your case is free and confidential.

About Florida DUI

DUI or Driving Under the Influence is charged when a motorist operates a vehicle while having a blood-alcohol content at or above the legal threshold of 0.08%. A driver can still be arrested with a BAC below the legal limit if a law enforcement officer detects signs of impairment.

Penalties for driving drunk in Florida

For even a first conviction for DUI, you are facing a jail term, loss of license, community service, alcohol awareness classes, victim impact meetings and significantly higher auto insurance premiums. Additional drinking and driving offenses increase the penalties.

About your driver’s license

According to drunk driving laws in Florida, your driver’s license is seized when you are arrested for DUI with a BAC above the legal limit or you refused to submit to a blood, breath or urine test. You are issued a traffic ticket by the arresting officer, which acts as a temporary license.

From the date of your arrest you have 10 days to request a driver’s license suspension hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you do not petition for this hearing your license will be automatically suspended. The length of the suspension depends on details of the case though it usually is one year for first refusal of a BAC test and 6 months for being tested and having a BAC above .08%

Having Indian River County, Florida DUI Lawyer Charles Shafer represent you at the DMV hearing can improve the chances of keeping your driving privileges. The process of a formal review is very similar to a court appearance, with witness testimony and introduction of evidence against you. Having legal guidance at this civil part of your case could help in the foundation of a defense during your criminal case.

About T. Charles Shafer & Associates

The Vero Beach DUI Attorneys at T. Charles Shafer & Associates practice criminal law, with a focus on defending Florida DUI cases. The attorneys have significant courtroom experience and knowledge of Florida DUI laws, both of which could make a positive difference in the outcome of your case.

T. Charles Shafer & Associates knows that a DUI can be very emotionally trying. The law firm will listens to you, answers your questions and works with you throughout the case.

The founding principal of the law firm is Indian River County, Florida DUI Attorney Charles Shafer. He has an extensive background as a public defender in criminal matters, including nearly two decades operating his own law practice. Charles Shafer graduated from the University of South Carolina, Cum Laude, where he was a member of Carolina Leadership Program and Phi Beta Kappa. He received his law degree for the University of North Carolina, School of Law. Charles Shafer is licensed to practice law in both State and Federal Courts.

Charles Shafer continues to develop his legal skills and stay apprised of recent DUI court rulings and drunk driving defense strategies by attending seminars and conferences across the country. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National College For DUI Defense and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Legal Committee. Charles Shafer is a member and past president of the St. Lucie County Bar Association.

Beth E. Allen is an associate with the law firm of Vero Beach DUI Lawyer T. Charles Shafer. She has experience as a public defender and a Legal Research Associate for a national law database company.

Beth Allen received an undergraduate degree from Ohio Northern University and a juris doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law. She is a member of Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the St. Lucie County Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Criminal Law Section.

To get the aggressive and qualified legal assistance you need with your Florida drunk driving case, contact the Vero Beach, Florida DUI Attorneys at T. Charles Shafer & Associates. They will use their experience to your advantage and fight for your freedom and your future. Call Charles Shafer now at (772) 467-2601 or simply fill out the consultation request form to the left.