Indian River County, Florida DWI Lawyer

In Florida the charge of drinking and driving is called DUI or Driving Under the Influence. It can also be referred to as DWI or Driving While Intoxicated. Drunk driving in Florida is a serious crime with severe consequences if found guilty.

The penalties for a first offense DWI/DUI can include loss of driver’s license, a jail sentence, alcohol awareness classes, community service, victim impact meetings and higher auto insurance premiums. Additional drinking and driving arrests within a certain period of time would increase the penalties.

Having legal representation will ensure your rights are protected and that you will achieve the best result from your case. Indian River County DWI Lawyer Charles Shafer can help. He handles criminal cases, especially Florida DWI charges.

Charles Shafer will listen to you and answer your questions. He will discuss your legal options and work with you to seek reduction or dismissal of your case. The initial review of your case is free and there is no obligation.

Florida DWI

According to Florida DWI laws, a motorist with a blood alcohol content at or above .08% is considered Driving While Intoxicated. It is still possible to be arrested if your BAC is below the legal limit if a police officer feels you are impaired or unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.

The fact that you can be arrested for drinking and driving with a blood alcohol content within the legal range, illustrates that the process of arresting a motorist for DWI can be subjective. Vero Beach DWI Attorney Charles Shafer knows how to make the legal system work for you, and he will use the laws to try to get your case reduced to a lesser infraction with fewer penalties and long-term consequences.

About your Florida driver’s license

During an arrest for DWI in Florida, the law enforcement officer will confiscate your license if you register a BAC above the legal limit or if you refused to submit to a blood and breath test. You are given a ticket, which is also a temporary driving permit.

Unless you request a special hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of your arrest, the temporary license will expire and you will loss your driving privileges. Working with the DMV is a complex process. Indian River County DWI Lawyer Charles Shafer can schedule the DMV hearing on your behalf and represent you in an effort to keep your driver’s license from being suspended.

About T. Charles Shafer & Associates

The Vero Beach, Florida DWI Attorneys at T. Charles Shafer & Associates practice criminal law, and they have successfully defended many DWI clients. Their courtroom experience and knowledge of Florida DWI laws could make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Indian River County DWI Attorney Charles Shafer understands how disruptive an arrest for DWI in Florida can be. The law firm offers personal service, taking the time to determine the best legal defense strategy for you and your needs.

Vero Beach, Florida DWI Lawyer Charles Shafer has extensive experience as a public defender in criminal matters, including nearly twenty years as principal his own law firm. Charles Shafer graduated from the University of South Carolina, Cum Laude and he earned his juris doctorate from the University of North Carolina, School of Law. Charles Shafer is permitted to practice law in Florida and Federal Courts.

Attorney Charles Shafer is a member of the National College For DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Legal Committee, and he is member and past president of the St. Lucie County Bar Association. Charles Shafer regularly attends professional legal seminars and conferences across the country in order to develop his knowledge and courtroom skills.

Associate Beth E. Allen has a background as public defender and legal research. She graduated from Ohio Northern University and received a law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. Ms. Allen is a member of the St. Lucie County Bar Association, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Criminal Law Section.

Being charged with drunk driving in Florida can mean life-changing consequences. Vero Beach DWI Lawyer Charles Shafer will protect your rights while providing an aggressive defense. Contact T. Charles Shafer & Associates by calling (772) 467-2601 or filling out the consultation request form to the left. Time is important, so act now for the best result in your case.

The Indian River County, Florida DWI Attorneys of T. Charles Shafer & Associates practice in the following areas: Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, Orchid, Sebastian and Vero Beach, Florida.