Should You Hire a Tampa DUI Attorney

Kelly McCabe and Joe Uccello DUI Defense Trial Attorneys - Serving Citizens of Tampa Bay, Florida

If you're arrested in Tampa, St. Petersburg or in Pasco County, Florida on a DUI or BUI and it's a first or second offense, you may be tempted not to hire a Tampa Bay, FL DUI attorney to represent you. Florida has some of the toughest DUI and BUI laws as outlined in Florida Statute 316.193, Driving Under the influence and penalties. If you don't understand the law, or what your charges actually mean, you may look at the Statutes and think the penalties for a first time offense aren't that bad. However, should your case go to trial and you are adjudicated guilty, the fact is that you could end up serving time, losing your license and you'll be paying fees and costs. 

Tampa DUI Trial Attorneys - Importance of Trial Experience When Hiring a Tampa DUI Attorney 

Although a good majority of DUI cases do not go to trial, many DUI and BUI cases do. Even if your case does not go to trial, that doesn't mean you should represent yourself.
Not understanding Florida DUI laws or criminal defense law, can be detrimental to the outcome of your case. Representing yourself or hiring an inexperienced Tampa, FL DUI lawyer can be equally as damaging. Once you have one DUI conviction, any subsequent charges will increase your chances of doing jail time, losing your license and you'll be financially burdened with costs and fines.

First Step in DUI Defense in Tampa Bay, Florida 

Consulting with an experienced DUI attorney is the first step to get an idea of what is likely to occur with your particular case. If your case does go to trial, you need to be sure to use an experienced DUI or BUI trial lawyer. Your DUI attorney's trial experience is important, because frankly, your future and finances are hanging on that experience. Although no attorney can guaranty the outcome of a DUI case, the best Tampa DUI attorney will do everything possible to get your charges reduced or dropped. Joe Uccello's record of getting his DUI cases reduced to a reckless driving charge this year alone is 100%. 

In short, there are many Tampa DUI lawyers who will take your case, but you must be smart about who you hire to represent you. The more courtroom experience your DUI attorney has, the better off you will be if your case goes to court. As seasoned Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Trial Attorneys, when we set a case for trial, the opposing parties are aware of our ability to do our job. In short, we're not afraid to fight for our clients who have been charged with DUI, aggravated DUI or DUI manslaughter and have a reputation of doing just that.


 
Some things to keep in mind if you are arrested in Tampa Bay on a DUI or DUI related charge:

Don't Cross Your Fingers and Hope for the Best. 

A first offense DUI can result in any of the following penalties. Even if you are facing a first time DUI the laws are geared to get your attention and the penalties can cause you considerable damage. If you've been charged you should explore your options. Crossing your fingers and hoping for the best outcome in a DUI case, is not recommended.





Serious Florida DUI Laws Geared to Make Even a First Offender's Life Difficult. 

• Jail Time
• Fines
• Driver's license suspension, 
• Vehicle Impoundment 
• Ignition interlock device
• Increased penalties for BAC of .15% or higher
• Increased penalties for other extenuating factors such as an accident or if you had a minor in the vehicle when charged

If You Believe You Need to Hire a DUI or BUI Attorney in Tampa Bay 
Call Kelly McCabe or Joe Uccello at 727-824-5727 for a consultation

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, DUI manslaughter or aggravated DUI in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo or in Pasco, Sarasota or Manatee Counties, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to help you. Remember, time is of the essence in DUI cases.  Kelly McCabe and Joe Uccello are experienced criminal defense attorneys who are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients. 

Learn more about:

• Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Attorneys, McCabe and Uccello 
• Florida DUI Statutes 
• Tampa DUI Attorney Consultation

Disclaimer - This blog does not represent  individualize legal advice of any kind, and we cannot guarantee that the outcomes stated is representative of all cases. complete or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site. Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and Florida laws are constantly changing, nothing on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent Tampa Bay legal counsel.

Felony Charges in Tampa

Have You Been Charged with a Felony in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, New Port Richey or Sarasota? 

Criminal Charges and Classifications in Florida Understanding Your
Degree and Classification of Felony in Florida. 

As Tampa Bay criminal defense trial lawyers, usually the first question a client will ask us is about their charges. Most people who have been arrested have no idea what their charges mean, what charges may be pending, and how that or other factors can effect the sentencing guidelines and outcome of their criminal case. It is always the best choice to sit down with a Tampa/St.Petersburg area criminal defense attorney who will provide you with a detailed explanation of what your felony charges mean, and how they could effect your future. 

If you've been arrested and charged with a felony in Tampa Bay, Florida, Florida law helps to clarify and to classify that charge by the jail time you can receive for the crime you are charged and convicted of. If your charge carries a prison term of more than one year, it is likely your charge is a felony. 

Most Felonies in Florida will be Charged as a First, Second or Third Degree Felony.

Depending on the crime you have been charged with, it will likely be in the first, second or third degree. If you have been arrested or are being investigate for any of the following crimes in Tampa Bay, Florida it is important to discuss your charges with a Tampa criminal defense attorney regarding additional charges that could follow, and possible sentencing. Kelly McCabe and Joe Uccello are dedicated, tenacious and experienced trial lawyers, focused on protecting the rights and futures of those they defend. 

Here are a Few Examples of Felonies according to Florida Law.  The degree will depend on the specifics of your criminal case.

Violent Crimes 

• Assault and aggravated assault Battery or  
• Aggravated battery Sexual battery/rape 
• Robbery 
• Carjacking 
• Murder and attempted murder 
• Vehicular homicide Manslaughter 
• Kidnapping 

Other crimes that you can be arrested and charged for that are considered felonies in Florida are as follows:

Non Violent Felonies Florida

• Weapons violations 
  
• Certain drug crimes 
• Felony DUI 
• Theft Burglary Larceny 
• Motor vehicle theft 
• Arson Disorderly conduct 
• Vandalism Fraud Stolen property, dealing in stolen property 
• Forgery and counterfeiting 
• Theft and Fraud
  
  If you are arrested, charged and convicted of a felony charge in Tampa Bay Florida, the punishment could range anywhere between one year in prison or you could receive the death sentence. Your punishment for a felony will depend upon the degree and classification of the felony and other various factors.
• Class 1 Felony in Florida - This is the most serious classification, which can result in a minimum life sentence in prison, without • If the authorities charge you with a 1st degree Capitol Felony, and you are convicted, you must be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and a maximum penalty of death could be imposed. 
• Class 2 Felony in Florida - This classification can result in life imprisonment, or a minimum of 20 years imprisonment. 
• Class 3 Felony in Florida - A class 3 felony can result in imprisonment of 5-20 years. 
• Class 4 Felony in Florida - A class 4 felony can result in imprisonment of 2-10 years.
• Class 5 Felony in Florida - A class 5 felony can result in imprisonment of up to 1-10 years in prison, or jail of up to 12 months. 
• Class 6 Felony Florida - A class 6 Felony can result in a minimum prison sentence of one year.
  
  Minimum sentences are part of the U.S. Penal code, but each state can impose additional imprisonment, fines or both. 

Please read more: Florida felony sentencing guidelines. 

If you need a criminal defense attorney in Tampa, St. Petersburg/Clearwater or in Pasco, Sarasota or Manatee County, contact Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyers Kelly McCabe or Attorney Joe Uccello. For more information, visit :

Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyers