Helping Florida Residents Facing Out-of-State DUI Charges

Orlando attorney advises on in-state consequences of foreign convictions

A DUI conviction in another state has consequences for your Florida license. Florida is a signatory of the "Interstate Driver’s License Compact," whose members agree to honor the penalties imposed by other member states for DUI convictions. If a Florida resident is arrested for DUI in another state, that state reports the arrest to Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In some cases, Florida may impose penalties, including fines or a driver's license suspension, based on the foreign conviction.

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. helps those drivers find capable counsel where the arrest took place, so they have the benefit of proven defense representation. If you are facing out-of-state DUI charges and need assistance on the necessary steps to restore your driving privileges, Mr. Yates is ready to help.

Consequences of an out-of-state DUI for Florida residents

Florida drivers who are convicted of DUI in another state face various local consequences, including:

  • License suspension — The most immediate consequence is that Florida may suspend your driver’s license. The Florida license suspension generally mirrors the length of the suspension imposed by the state where the DUI occurred.
  • Insurance rate increases — An insurance company does not care where a DUI occurs. A conviction counts against your driving record and will drive up the cost of your premiums.
  • Criminal record — A DUI conviction from another state creates a criminal record, potentially affecting employment opportunities, travel and other aspects of the individual’s life.

For these reasons, it’s important to obtain qualified DUI defense counsel to face charges in the other state.

Driver’s license suspension and reinstatement process

To reinstate a Florida driver's license after a DUI conviction in another state, the driver must typically do the following:

  • Fulfill the requirements of the other state — These can include serving jail time, paying fines, attending DUI education programs and completing community service.
  • Submit to Florida’s reinstatement process — After fulfilling the out-of-state penalties, the driver must apply for reinstatement in Florida. This may require additional fees, taking driving tests and providing documentation of the completed requirements.
  • Installation of interlock device — Florida authorities might require a driver to install an ignition interlock device as a condition of driving.

An Orlando out-of-state DUI lawyer, such as Mr. Yates, can explain the steps you must take based on your specific circumstances.

Legal options and defenses for out-of-state DUI cases

An experienced DUI defense attorney might challenge the validity of the arrest, argue that the field sobriety tests were not properly administered or claim the driver was not informed of his rights. Mr. Yates can help Florida drivers connect with a capable defense attorney in the state where the DUI occurred.

Steps to take after an out-of-state DUI arrest

Florida drivers arrested for DUI in another state should follow these crucial steps:

  • Contact a local attorney — Mr. Yates is available to assist in identifying a quality local lawyer. 
  • Cooperate in your defense — Follow your attorney’s instruction to minimize your in-state and Florida consequences. Attend all the required hearings and comply with any court orders.
  • Contact a Florida DUI attorney — You should a Florida lawyer who can work to reinstate your Florida driver’s license.

Taking prompt legal action can help mitigate the impact of an out-of-state DUI on your life back in Florida.

Contact a proven Orlando attorney for an out-of-state DUI consultation

If you face out-of-state DUI charges, the Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. can help you obtain skilled defense representation and can advise on how to deal with the Florida consequences. Call us at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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