DUI involving Property Damage

Most Floridians know that a DUI is a serious criminal offense that comes with dire consequences. However, most are unaware that causing property damage, even a slight "fender bender", while driving under the influence can increase the penalties substantially, including more costly fines and the possibility of serving more time imprisoned.

If you have been arrested for any DUI offense, please do not take your legal matter lightly. You need the immediate assistance of an experienced Miami DUI criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights and prevent your reputation from being permanently tarnished by a DUI conviction.

Property Damage DUI Attorney serving Miami, Florida

Being arrested for a DUI is a serious offense, not only because it could result in lengthy imprisonment but because it could negatively impact a person's career, as well as the relationships they have with their family and friends.

Attorney Evan Hoffman is an experienced Miami-Dade County criminal defense attorney that has successfully represented clients faced with DUI charges such as DUI involving property damage, felony DUI, first DUI, personal injury DUI, and intoxicated manslaughter.

With offices conveniently located in Miami and North Miami, Florida, The Hoffman Firm defends clients throughout Miami-Dade County, Florida, including but not limited to Aventura, Coral Gables, Homestead, and Doral.

Contact The Hoffman Firm today at (305) 249-0090 or submit one of our online contact forms to schedule your free initial consultation so our talented team can begin reviewing your case and begin preserving your rights.

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What is DUI in Florida?

Under Florida Statute Section 316.193, a person can be charged with the criminal offense of driving while intoxicated (DUI) if they are driving or in physical control of a vehicle while their normal faculties have been impaired due to the consumption of alcohol or a controlled substance.

In order to be convicted of driving while intoxicated, the prosecution must prove the following:

The Defendant was driving or in physical control of the vehicle,
The Defendant's normal faculties were impaired, and
The Defendant's impairment was caused by consuming a controlled substance, or
The Defendant's impairment was caused by BAC above the legal limit (0.08 or above).

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What is a Property Damage DUI in Miami, Florida?

Property damage DUIs are not taken lightly in Florida. Florida Statute Section 316.193.3C1 provides enhanced penalties for any person that is convicted of driving while intoxicated (DUI) that caused or contributed to property damage. DUI with property damage is a first-degree misdemeanor which could impose life altering penalties to any person convicted of this offense.

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Penalties for DUI involving Property Damage

As an enhanced form of a DUI in Florida, the penalties can be severe for a person, even if this is their first DUI offense.

Any person that caused property damage while they were driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and could face the following consequences:

Up to one (1) year in Jail
Up to $1,000 Fine,
License Revocation for up to twelve (12) months, and
50 Hours of Community Service

However, the potential consequences do not merely end there. A DUI conviction can negatively impact a person's reputation for the remainder of their life because DUI convictions can not be expunged, resulting in the DUI conviction permanently remaining on their record.

Not only will the person convicted of a DUI have a permanent blemish on their record reputation, their DUI conviction could negatively impact their finances by deeming them ineligible for certain professional licenses and certain jobs. This is because most employers and review boards require applicants to disclose their DUI convictions, which is taken into heavy consideration when their application is reviewed.

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Florida Resources for DUI with Property Damage

Bureau of Transportation Statistics – Visit this website for up to date traffic statistics collected and compiled by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to assist policy makers and local governments develop strategies to ensure safer roadways throughout the nation.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety – Visit this website to access the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety's research data, proposed legislation, and developmental strategies in a diligent effort to promote more effective automobile safety standards throughout the country and safer roads for all commuters.

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Miami Florida DUI Defense Attorney

Being convicted of a DUI offense, including a DUI that resulted in property damage, can be a life-altering event that could negatively impact a person for the remainder of their life. Not only will their reputation have a permanent blemish, it could negatively impact their finances by making them ineligible for certain professional licenses and certain jobs.

If you have been arrested for DUI with property damage or are under investigation for property damage DUI, you need an experienced Miami-Dade DUI criminal defense attorney representing you and your rights.

With offices The Hoffman Firm conveniently located in Miami and North Miami, The Hoffman Firm has successfully represented clients throughout Miami-Dade County, Florida, including but not limited to Aventura, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and Miami Gardens.

Contact The Hoffman Firm at (305) 249-0090 or submit an online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation to have your case reviewed by an experienced Miami DUI criminal defense attorney and preserve your future.

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Evan A. Hoffman

Mr. Hoffman’s philosophy is "our knowledge and experience is your best defense." He has been a featured author on criminal law issues such as driving under the influence, domestic violence and illegal searches.