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Florida May Be Getting a Change to its DUI Laws, and Guess Who the Reporters Asked About It?

Posted by Tom Hudson | Mar 23, 2017 | 0 Comments

As things currently stand, Florida law requires that persons convicted of DUI put an ignition interlock--a portable breathalyzer--on their car only after a second DUI or an extraordinarily high breath test. Lawmakers started out to make interlocks mandatory for everyone convicted of DUI, but then decided to use the carrot instead of the stick.  

The "mandatory interlock" bill which passed out of committee on March 22 got changed. Instead of requiring an interlock after every conviction, at the offenders sole expense, the law dangles a benefit. If the offender puts the interlock on his car for six months, he can get his adjudication withheld. A withheld adjudication means that there is no formal conviction, and the offense may be sealed and removed from the defendant's record after he completes his penalties.

So instead of an additional penalty, the amended statute will give accused drunk drivers a benefit if they voluntarily (or by court order) install the device on their car for six months. ABC7, WWSB in Sarasota, came out to talk with Tom about the possible change.

About the Author

Tom Hudson

Known nationwide as a leading DUI defense lawyer, Tom has tried over 350 jury trials, including numerous death penalty cases. He now limits his criminal practice to DUI defense. His civil practice is devoted to getting fair compensation for the victims of negligence. Tom has attained multiple verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million, and is a Life Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In 2008, Tom Hudson passed the National Board Certification Test for DUI Attorneys in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOTE: The State of Florida does not yet recognize DUI defense as a Specialty.

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Board Certification as a DUI Specialist by the National College for DUI Defense. Formal NHTSA Certification as an Instructor of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests given by police in DUI cases. Formal training as a NHTSA Drug Recognition Evaluator. ("Drug Evaluation & Classification") Formal training to operate the Intoxilyzer 8000, Florida's official breath test instrument. Extensive experience in teaching other attorneys how to handle DUI cases. Hundreds of jury trials both as defense lawyer and as prosecutor.

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