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.
