DUI in a School Zone: A Serious Offense in Palm Beach
Driving under the influence is always a serious offense, but when it occurs in a school zone, the stakes may become even higher. In Palm Beach and throughout Florida, law enforcement takes a particularly stern stance on DUIs near educational institutions to protect students and pedestrians from potential accidents.
However, a drunk driving arrest is not the same as a conviction. You are innocent until proven guilty, and our Palm Beach DUI defense lawyers are here to protect your rights every step of the way.
What Is Drunk Driving?
In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or chemical substances to the extent that your normal faculties are affected. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for most drivers, but lower limits apply to commercial drivers and individuals under 21. It's important to note that you can be arrested for DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit if law enforcement determines your ability to drive safely is impaired. A DUI charge can result from operating any motor vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
What Is a School Zone?
In Palm Beach, a school zone is marked with signs and school speed zone flashers. School zones can be established on roads fronting school property and on parts of streets that elementary or middle school children use to cross the street at established school crossings.
Penalties for Drunk Driving in Palm Beach School Zones
If you’re charged with drunk driving in a Palm Beach school zone, you could face serious penalties. While school zones are established for speeding violations, a judge may be less likely to be lenient and more inclined to sentence you to the maximum extent allowed by law. Your possible sentence may include:
- Jail time. You could face a mandatory minimum jail sentence for drunk driving in a school zone.
- Fines. The court may impose higher fines if you drive under the influence in a school zone.
- License suspension. You may lose your license for drunk driving near a school. The time may be longer than it would be in a typical drunk driving case.
- Ignition interlock device. The court may mandate the installation of this device in your vehicle, even if this is your first drunk driving offense.
- Enhanced probation terms. You may face stricter probation conditions, including more frequent check-ins and additional required programs.
However, it’s important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. You may not face these legal penalties unless you are convicted and sentenced for drunk driving.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve Before You Face Drunk Driving Consequences
Experienced legal representation may make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Attorney David Malove is a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense and Florida Bar Board Certified as an “expert/specialist” in criminal trial law. Robert and his team:
- Have DUI defense experience. Our firm has extensive experience with Palm Beach's court procedures and Florida DUI laws.
- Will thoroughly analyze your case. We'll meticulously review every aspect of your arrest, from the initial stop to the administration of tests, looking for potential procedural errors or rights violations that may help your defense.
- Will strategically plan your defense. Based on the specifics of your case, we'll develop a tailored defense strategy to protect your rights and future.
- Will negotiate, if appropriate. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can negotiate plea bargains with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties in some situations.
- Represent you in court. We will zealously advocate to protect your rights during court hearings and trial. We understand the stress you're under and will provide compassionate support while vigorously defending your rights from the time you contact us until your case is resolved.
Our experienced Palm Beach drunk driving defense lawyers will consider all aspects of your potential claim and create a unique defense strategy based on your case. While past results do not guarantee an outcome in your case, we encourage you to read our DUI client testimonials and case results to learn how we’ve helped others.