After a DUI arrest in Florida, a person will be asked to submit a sample of their breath for analysis. Also referred to as taking the breath test. Upon refusing to provide a sample, the arresting officer is supposed to read a warning that the license will be suspended. Sometimes, people change their mind and provide a sample immediately. What if the officer says it is too late to blow and announces the arrestee has refused?
Recanting Refusal, Changing your Mind When arrested for DUI
Driving While Under the Influence - Impaired Definition Coming Soon, Maybe
A frustrating issue defending those accused of Driving Under the Influence or DUI, has been the lack of a definition of the word "impaired" in the standard jury instructions. Without a breath, blood or urine result or sample the State of Florida must prove that the person is "impaired" in order to convict a person of DUI. This is especially true if the accused is DUI by drugs or prescriptions. However, the Florida Supreme Court in issuing jury instructions has sought fit to leave the word "impaired" undefined.
Roadblocks or Roadside Safety Checkpoints
Roadblocks or "Roadside Safety Checkpoints" as they are referred to by law enforcement are legal only if the police follow the rules. Yes, the Constitution does still apply as do the laws of the State of Florida, even though it certainly does not feel like it or a particular law enforcement officer's god complex has raised its ugly head. In order to be legal, they have to have followed several steps including publishing an operational plan, communicating the plan and then actually complying with the operational plan.
Criminal Cases Involving an Auto accident
Auto accidents frequently give rise to criminal cases in addition to civil lawsuits and traffic tickets. For example law enforcement may charge a driver in a car crash with Reckless Driving with Property Damage, Vehicular Manslaughter, DUI Manslaughter, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, DUI with Property Damage, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Failure to Render Aid, etc. Vehicular Manslaughter is essentially Reckless Driving with a Death. If law enforcement does not believe a crime was committed, then the driver will be charged with careless driving. (More on the difference between Careless Driving and Reckless Driving)
Jurisdiction to Suspend a Driver's License for Refusal to Submit in a DUI
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ("DHSMV") has jursidcition to suspend licenses for refusal to submit a breath sample, however their jurisdiction must be properly obtained. A person who is arrested for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol ("DUI") in Florida will be asked to provide a sample of their breath by blowing into an Intoxilyzer 8000. If you refuse to blow, then your license will be suspended but you can challenge the suspension at an administrative hearing at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ("DHSMV"). There are several challenges that can be raised at a DMV hearing.
Traffic Stops and Vehicle Searches
In criminal cases, searches resulting from vehicle stops have been hotly litigated since the automobile became available to the public in mass. Since cars are mobile and not as private as your home, the Supreme Court has interpreted the constitution to give vehicle searches and seizures less protection.
