Tough Defense Against DUI Or BUI Charges

While DUI is often considered a relatively minor criminal charge, it can have major consequences, especially as the laws have been tightened and penalties increased in recent years. Attorney James C. Campbell of the Campbell & Madden, PLLC, has been practicing criminal defense law in Shalimar for more than 30 years. Attorney John A. Madden Jr. has handled thousands of criminal cases while serving as an Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit of Florida.

Contact us to get our experience fighting DUI and closely related BUI charges on your side. We serve clients in Okaloosa County and throughout the Panhandle.

Honest Advice And Skilled Representation

Driving under the influence (DUI) is sometimes known in Florida as driving with an unlawful blood alcohol level (DUBAL). In other states, the term driving while intoxicated (DWI) or another term may be used. If the state can prove that you were driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, you can be convicted of DUI. However, you can also be convicted even if you did not test above that level on the basis of other evidence such as erratic driving, statements made to the police and a performance captured on video.

Criminal penalties for a drunk driver can include fines and jail time, especially for repeat offenses. The penalties can be doubled if a minor child was in the vehicle or if you had a BAC of .15 or higher. Driver’s license penalties include an automatic 30-day administrative suspension if you fail a breath test (or a 90-day suspension if you refuse to take the test) and a possible additional suspension imposed by the criminal court. It may be possible to arrange for these suspensions to run concurrently and/or to get a hardship license that will allow you to drive to work.

Honesty is a cornerstone of our practice. We will give you an honest assessment of the likely penalties and driver’s license suspension implications of your DUI charges, based on your individual circumstances.

Boating Under The Influence Charges

The pleasures of boating in our local waters are well-known. Police scrutiny of boaters can, however, lead to the less pleasant situation of boating under the influence (BUI) charge. The legal standards for BUI are mostly the same as for DUI. One major difference is that a BUI conviction cannot directly result in a driver’s license suspension. However, a prior BUI conviction can affect your penalties if you are later convicted of DUI. If you were arrested for BUI, we can help you sort out the charges.

Protect Your Rights And Driving Privileges

Let our attorneys protect your rights while keeping you behind the wheel. Call 888-646-1535 or email our firm to arrange an appointment with our lawyers today.