DHSMV Hearings in Florida

Panama City DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and refused to take a breath test, or had more than a 0.8 blood alcohol level, your driver’s license will be suspended by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A first refusal to submit to the breath test is a 12-month administrative suspension, and a second or subsequent refusal is an 18-month administrative suspension, as well as a misdemeanor criminal charge of Refusal to Submit. It is critical to act quickly as you have only 10 days in which to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to contest this administrative suspension. After this time, you lose the ability to contest the administrative driver’s license suspension.

DUI hearings are complex. Securing strong legal representation will make a critical difference in your case. With more than 20+ years of legal experience, Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law has spent years helping clients in your exact situation overcome both the administrative and criminal DUI penalties they face.

What can the firm’s criminal defense attorney bring to the table?

• Former Assistant State Attorney in your corner
• Track record of success handling DUI cases
• Highly rated by clients
• One-on-one personalized legal service

What to Expect at Your Hearing

An administrative hearing must be scheduled within 30 days from when a written request is received, and will be held at the Bureau of Administrative Reviews office in the district where the offense occurred. At your review, a hearing officer will be looking at two main issues: (1) if an arresting officer had probable cause and (2) whether the accused had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher or refused to submit to the breathalyzer. After reviewing your case and evidence from both sides, the Hearing Officer will determine if sufficient evidence exists to uphold or invalidate a suspension.

Speak with an Experienced DUI Attorney Today

While being suddenly thrust into the legal system and given as little as 10 days to act can be overwhelming, you do not have to go through this process alone. During your DHSMV hearing, you can secure the guidance of an experienced legal representative and it is highly recommended that you do so. Attorney Al Sauline and his legal team can help you to understand your legal options, defend against officer testimony, and present a strong, effective case.

Are you ready to get started? Contact the firm today to learn about how to protect your driving privileges.