Traffic Crimes Defense Lawyer
Many people believe that traffic crimes are minor offenses that do not need to be taken seriously. This common misconception is dangerous. Convictions for traffic crimes can upend your life, limiting your ability to drive for months or even years, subjecting you to hefty fines, and even land you in prison for an extended period. Traffic crimes, whether minor or severe, are no joke.
If you have been arrested or charged with a traffic crime in South Florida, call the seasoned dedicated team at Nichols Law for immediate advice and representation. Don’t let a traffic crime conviction prevent you from living and enjoying your life.
Dedicated Service to South Florida Clients Charged With Traffic Crimes
The traffic crime defense team at Nichols Law represents clients charged with any Florida traffic crime, including the following:
- DUI
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Driving without a license
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Auto Theft
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Fleeing & Eluding a Police Officer
With over 50 years of litigation experience, the team at Nichols Law is prepared to hear your case and ensure that you get the defense you deserve.
DUI in Florida
Because Broward County is a tourist town, the State Attorney’s Office takes an especially hard line on DUI cases. In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or controlled substances is a criminal offense with mandatory penalties attached.
Proving a DUI
There are two separate and distinct ways that DUI can be proven in Florida. First comes from your appearance: If the state can prove your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Second, regardless of your appearance, if you take a breath test that shows your blood alcohol level is .08 or more. That can be critical at trial… if the jury thinks you look just fine on the video, but you’re BAL is over a .08, then technically they can find you guilty. Similarly, if you BAL is less than .08 but you appear to be intoxicated, they can find you guilty. An experienced defense attorney knows how to approach this delicate balance before a jury.
Proof of Impairment
We all know that everyone is physically different. What normal faculties are for a 20-year-old athlete are far different than they are for an elder person with bad knees. Some people are just generally clumsy…some have naturally bad balance… some become so scared standing with police that nothing is normal. It is our job to expose this fallacy of this unfair law to the jury.
Breath Test Machine
Just as people make mistakes, so can machines. The Challenger Space Shuttle was a technological wonder made with cutting-edge technology and layer upon layer of technical safety measures. In 1986 we watched in disbelief as the Challenger exploded because it’s technology failed. Today we experience high-tech failure every time our computer crashes for no apparent reason. No matter how confident we are in our technology, at the end of the day they are gadgets that can fail. It is our job to point out to a judge or jury that gadgets are not foolproof. In trial, if my client looks sober on a video, but the machine claims he’s drunk, it’s my job to convince the jury to trust their own eyes and common sense, rather than putting your life in the hands of a cold machine that they don’t really understand. These are common-sense arguments that resinate with jurors who are increasingly suspicious of technological manipulations. The team at Nichols Law is well-versed in these subtle points to help you navigate through a shaky DUI case.
Suspended License
When you are arrested for a DUI in Florida, you will have two separate government entities coming after you: The State Attorney’s Office will file criminal charges against you which will take place in a courtroom. At the same time, the Department of Motor Vehicles will likely suspend your driver’s license regardless of what happens in the criminal case. Even if a jury finds you not guilty, the Florida DMV will still take action against you. Ignoring the DMV action is very dangerous because driving with a DUI suspension is a quick way to end up in jail.
At Nichols Law, we handle both sides of your DUI. We provide you with a vigorous defense in the courtroom, and take steps to keep you legally driving when the DMV takes action against you. We all have lives to live. We drive to work…we pick up our kids… we go to the grocery store. Not being able to drive is a tremendous hardship. At Nichols Law, you’re not a client, you’re a person with responsibilities and hardships just like us. Keeping that human perspective helps us serve you better so you can get back to living your life.
Florida Hit and Run Defense
Florida law requires drivers who are involved in an accident to stop at the scene of the accident and render appropriate assistance. They may need to exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers, report the accident to the police or other authorities, and if someone is injured, call emergency services and help as best they are able. Fleeing the scene of a crash is a criminal offense.
Violating the hit and run laws can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Fleeing the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a misdemeanor with low jail time. If someone was injured in the crash, fleeing the scene is a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. If the accident caused death, fleeing the scene of the crash is a first degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
If you were involved in a car crash in Florida, it is essential to stop at the scene. If you left the scene of a crash, you might still have a defense. We can present your side of the case without setting yourself up for incrimination down the line. Call the hit and run team at Nichols Law for advice and representation. We can help you navigate through a hit and run conviction.
Advice and Representation for Traffic Crime Charges
If you or someone you know has been charged with a traffic offense, the dedicated and trailready team at Nichols Law is ready to help you get through this. We bring more than 50 years of litigation experience to bear in providing seasoned and effective service to criminal defendants accused of Florida traffic crimes. Call us today at 954-779-3313 for a free consultation, or fill out our contact form online. We are here to help protect your reputation, your freedom, and your future.
