Panama City, Florida DUI Lawyers

 

In Florida, DUI is often called the “Capital Misdemeanor” due to the severity of the sanctions if you are convicted.  The attorneys at Virga Law Offices, P.A., have been involved in hundreds of cases where someone has been accused of DUI, DWI, or quite simply, drunk driving.  If you have been arrested for a DUI or DWI, it is important that you prepare a vigorous defense early.  The Panama City DUI defense lawyers at Virga Law Offices, P.A. have the knowledge and experience necessary to formulate a defense that will minimize the long-term effects of a DUI arrest.  

 

You Only Have Ten Days To Challenge Your License Suspension!

 

If you arrested for DUI, your license will be suspended after ten days.  In order to contest the suspension, you must file the necessary paperwork at the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days. 

 

Is It Really That Serious?

 

Yes! Unfortunately, the Legislature and Prosecutors take DUI offenses very seriously, and the consequences can be far reaching for you both personally and professionally.  At Virga Law Offices, P.A., our experienced attorneys understand that the majority of people accused of DUI or DWI have never had any experiences with the criminal justice system.  The Panama City, Florida DUI attorneys at Virga Law Offices, P.A. understand that you are worried about the consequences of a DUI conviction.  If you are convicted, the Legislature has set forth specific guidelines for sentencing:

 

DUI Penalties	1ST DUI	2ND DUI (within 5 years of 1st)	3RD DUI (within 10 years of 2nd or felony)
Jail	0-180 Days ( >.15 0-270 Days)	0-270 Days ( >.15 0-365 Days)	30 Days-5 Years
Fines	$500-$1000 ( >.15 $1000-$2000)	$1000-$2000 (>.15 $2000-$4000)	$1000-$4000 (>.15 Not Less Than $4000)
License Suspension	6 months – 1 year	5 years	10 years
Business Purposes	Yes After 30 days	Yes After 90 days	Yes After 1 year
Vehicle Immobilization	10 days	30 days	90 days
Ignition Interlock	If Court Ordered ( >.15 Not less than 6 months)	At least 1 year ( >.15 Not less than 2 years)	At least 2 years

 

An Experienced Former Prosecutor On Your Side.

 

Attorney Rachel Seaton-Virga is an experienced former Prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida.  Her experience as a former prosecutor allows her to view a case and its evidence from all angles to formulate the best defense for your particular case.  In addition, she is familiar with the policies and procedures of the local law enforcement agencies and the best ways to minimize the evidence in the State’s case.  As a former prosecutor, Ms. Seaton-Virga is experienced in dealing with the strategies and techniques of both the State and law enforcement.  When you retain Virga Law Offices, P.A. you can be sure that the experience is on your side.

 

Potential Defenses

 

DUI is an opinion crime, as such it is not uncommon to find that law enforcement has made a mistake somewhere along the way, from the initial stop to the administration of field sobriety evaluations and breath test to the arrest. Failure of law enforcement to require certain procedures may lead to the dismissal of your DUI case.  If any of the following apply to you, contact Virga Law Offices, P.A. immediately to speak with a knowledgable attorney about your case. 

• Were roadside sobriety evaluations conducted on a surface that was not flat, was wet or poorly lit?
• Did the officer observe you for a period of 20 minutes prior to taking the breath test?
• Did a police officer tell you to “keep blowing” during the breath test?
• Were you stopped for any of the following reasons: speeding, weaving, failing to maintain a single lane, obstruction of traffic, failure to use a turn signal, or an equipment violation?
• Do you suffer from any injuries or illnesses which might affect your balance?
• Were you involved in an accident in which you suffered injuries?
• Do you suffer from Diabetes?
• Did the officer mistake nervousness or exhaustion for intoxication?
• Did the officer or another witness actually observe you in physical control of an operable vehicle?

 

How Can Virga Law Offices, P.A. Help Me?

 

At Virga Law Offices, P.A. we represent people who have been accused of DUI.   Due to organizations such as MADD, DUI has become an increasingly political offense, and prosecutors aggressively pursue DUI related offenses.  If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important that you prepare a defense early.  The Panama City, Florida DUI Defense team at Virga Law Offices, P.A. will evaluate the various defenses that you may have, investigate the case against you, and aggressively defend your rights and reputation so you can get back to focusing on what’s important to you.  Contact Virga Law Offices, P.A. today for your free initial consultation.

 

The Panama City, Florida DUI Lawyers at Virga Law Offices, P.A. proudly serve Northwest Florida including the following cities and counties:    Apalachicola, Blountstown, Bonifay, Chipley, Lynn Haven, Marianna, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Port St. Joe, Springfield and Tyndall Air Force Base; Bay County, Calhoun County, Franklin County ,Gulf County, Holmes County, Jackson County , and Washington County.