Melbourne DUI Lawyer

Defending Against DUI Charges in Brevard County

If you were arrested for drunk driving in Melbourne, you do not have to go through the legal system alone. At the Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers, we have over 20 years of experience defending clients against DUI charges in Florida. Criminal defense is all we do. We know the people and the processes involved in Florida’s legal system, and our DUI lawyer in Melbourne will do everything we can to protect your rights.

Are you facing a DUI charge in Florida? Call the Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers today at (321) 218-5512 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DUI attorney in Melbourne!

DUI Penalties in Florida

The sentence for a first-time DUI crime in Florida can cost you. Penalties for a DUI offender can include:

• Up to six months in prison
• Fines of up to $1,000
• A driver's license suspension for six months
• Up to 1 year of probation
• 50 hours of community service
• 10 days of vehicle impoundment
• Mandated DUI school
• Vehicle ignition interlock device

However, penalties for DUI offenses in Florida can increase with each following offense and accident involvement.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with DUI, it is important to act quickly. You only have 10 days, from the date of your arrest, to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. I will file the paperwork and fight for your license at the hearing.

Do You Need a DUI Lawyer in Florida?

DUI charges involve two separate legal processes:

• The administrative DMV hearing
• And charges in the criminal court

Even if you are found not guilty by a court, we will still need to deal with the DMV to get your license back. It can be very difficult to go through this confusing legal struggle alone. Our criminal defense attorney — Laura D. Siemers — handles these cases daily. We will guide you through the process and aggressively protect your rights.

Effective Strategies to Fight DUI Charges

We will challenge the legality of your arrest by asking the important questions, such as:

• Did the arresting officer tell you that your license would be automatically suspended if you refused a breath test?
• Was there probable cause to pull you over?
• Does the video of the incident tell a different story from the police report?

In many DUI cases, we also examine whether field sobriety tests were administered properly and whether any medical conditions could have affected your performance. We look closely at how breath or blood samples were collected, stored, and analyzed to determine if the results can be challenged. When appropriate, we consult with qualified professionals to review the evidence and help us identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. By taking a thorough, step-by-step approach, we work to uncover issues that may support a favorable resolution for you.

Handling Melbourne DUI Cases From Start to Finish

After a DUI arrest, many people are unsure what will happen next or how long the process will take. We walk you through each stage of a typical case in Brevard County, from the initial appearance in front of a judge to pretrial conferences and, if necessary, a trial in county court. At every step, we explain your options and help you weigh the pros and cons of negotiations versus continuing to challenge the evidence. By giving you a clear roadmap, we make it easier for you to plan for work, family, and other responsibilities while your case is pending.

As your case moves through the system, we communicate with the prosecutor’s office at the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center and review any offers or discovery they provide. We may request additional reports, videos, or maintenance records related to the breath-testing equipment used in your stop. Throughout this process, we keep you informed about upcoming court dates at the Brevard County courthouse in Melbourne and what to expect when you appear. Our goal is to help you feel prepared, supported, and fully informed as we pursue the best possible outcome with a DUI attorney Melbourne defendants can turn to for guidance.

Your Local DUI Defense Resource in Melbourne, Florida

Facing a DUI charge in Melbourne can be overwhelming, especially with the unique challenges that residents of Brevard County encounter. Local law enforcement, including the Melbourne Police Department and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, are vigilant in enforcing DUI laws, which can lead to serious consequences for those arrested. Understanding the local legal landscape is crucial, as the penalties for DUI offenses can significantly impact your life, from job prospects to personal relationships.

In addition to the legal ramifications, many individuals in our community struggle with the emotional and financial stress that comes with a DUI charge. The potential for license suspension can disrupt daily routines, making it difficult to commute to work or attend family obligations. The local DMV office in Melbourne can be a daunting place to navigate, especially when you have limited time to request a hearing to contest your license suspension. Our team is familiar with the local processes and can help you manage these challenges effectively.

Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, our knowledge of Melbourne and Brevard County's legal environment allows us to address your specific concerns. We can help you understand your options and fight for your future.

When you work with our firm, you benefit from local insight such as:

• Understanding how cases are processed at the Brevard County courthouse in Melbourne
• Knowing how local prosecutors and judges typically handle different types of DUI charges
• Recognizing how a DUI can affect employment, professional licenses, and everyday driving needs in Brevard County

We regularly appear in local courts such as the Brevard County courthouse in Melbourne, so we understand how local judges tend to view DUI cases and what prosecutors may be willing to negotiate. This familiarity allows us to give you practical guidance about what to expect at each stage of your case, from arraignment through potential trial or plea discussions. We also know how a conviction can affect your driving record and insurance in Florida, and we work to help you make informed choices about protecting your record and your long-term goals.

Get in Touch With Our Melbourne DUI Attorney

The answers to these questions and others are vitally important to your case. It may also be possible to challenge the breath test results in your case. You need an experienced, aggressive Melbourne DUI lawyer to protect your rights. We will thoroughly investigate your case and help you understand your legal options. We may be able to have your case dismissed or reduced to a reckless driving charge.

When you contact our office after a DUI arrest, we will discuss what happened before, during, and after the traffic stop so that we can quickly identify any immediate deadlines or risks. We explain the difference between the criminal case and the administrative license process and outline the steps we will take on your behalf. Our team will also review potential outcomes with you, including possible penalties, diversion options, or treatment programs that might be available in your situation. By taking the time to answer your questions and listen to your concerns, we help you feel more prepared to move forward with a drunk driving lawyer Melbourne residents can rely on for attentive representation.

Contact the Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers for  a FREE consultation with our DUI lawyer in Melbourne!