http://flduilawfirm.com Hillsborough County DUI Lawyer -- Katz & Phillips, P.A. Auto Accidents and DUI accidents Most people would assume that they are careful drivers even if they had a drink or two, but accident and fatality rates prove different. The United States Department of Transportation reports that 45,000 fatal accidents occur every year in the United States, and that over 56,000 DUI tickets were issued in the Tampa area that resulted in 3,443 convictions. County Statistics Hillsborough County is a fantastic county for tourists in Florida because of the beautiful west coast beaches and the thriving city of Tampa. Over 55 million visitors come to central Florida every year, so this means there are visitors on the roads that are unfamiliar with the area and are driving rental cars. They contribute to the statistics that show there are more fatal accidents in here than in any other county in Florida. Statistics show that Tampa has an average of 4,500 fatal car crashes every year, which is 25 percent more than either Miami-Dade or Jacksonville. Driving Under the Influence No one plans to get a DUI when they get into their vehicle, whether they are a first time offender or a repeat offender. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, you need an experienced DUI attorney to represent you in court. No one can safely drink alcohol or use drugs and drive because impulse-reaction time slows dramatically, and this is a significant driving skill. When an accident occurs in Tampa, the Florida Highway Patrol will generally give the drivers of both vehicles a breathalyzer test if they appear to be intoxicated. The Blood Alcohol Content or BAC for the legal limit is 0.08, and records show that four out of ten fatal accidents are caused by drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or higher. Strategic Plans A DUI lawyer from the Law Firm of Katz and Phillips is experienced in DUI laws and knowledgeable about the Hillsborough County court system. Their skill and knowledge will guide you through the legal process from start to finish. They are often able to reinstate your driving privileges by going before the judge. With an attorney on your side, there is a chance of finding resolution of your charges. It is important to find a DUI lawyer as soon as possible because the law only allows 10 days from your arrest. Florida DUI Penalties A DUI conviction remains on the record forever unless you have a lawyer that can expunge it. Florida's penalties are serious. First conviction - Fines between $600 - $2,100, up to a year in jail, or both. Driver's license suspended for 90 days. Second conviction (in five years) -- Mandatory jail time of five days to one year, 30 days of community service and Driver's license is suspended for one year. The fine ranges from $1,100 to $5,100. Third conviction -- Mandatory jail time of 60 days up to one year, mandatory fine of $2,100 - $10,100 and driver's license revoked for three years. Fourth conviction -- is a Class C felony with mandatory jail time of one to ten years, and driver's license is revoked for five years. Contact Katz and Phillips today for your free consultation.

• published: 26 Mar 2013
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