DUI Property Damage

You probably know that driving under the influence (DUI) carries with it stiff penalties on its own. What you might not know is that when it is compounded by some sort of property damage or personal injuries, the penalties can double even for first-time offenders. If your Tampa DUI included some form of property damage, even to just your own vehicle, then it’s important to contact Musca Law right away.

Statistics indicate that as many as 40% of car crashes involving a fatality are the result of alcohol. Likewise, many of the crashes that produce personal injury are the result of DUI. Because of these numbers and heavy lobbying from a host of anti-DUI groups, the penalties are tougher across the board for these DUI offenders. A first offense DUI that involves property damage can lead to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine instead of 6 months and $500 for regular first-time offenders. If your situation involves damage to property, then you need the help of a Tampa DUI attorney immediately.

What Can Be Done?

There are many defenses that a good Tampa DUI lawyer can present in court to help save you from the harsh consequences associated with this form of DUI. For one, the attorney can challenge evidence taken in violation of crash report privilege. Drivers are allowed to report certain things during accident investigation and they are granted immunity in these situations.

Prosecutors will be forced to prove that you were actually behind the wheel. If there were no “wheel witnesses,” then it can be difficult for the State to prove that you were driving. Perhaps most important is the defense against improper DUI testing. Skilled Tampa DUI attorneys understand that roadside agility tests taken just after an accident can be excluded from evidence in most instances. Since you are likely still shaken up from the incident itself, your results are not indicative of intoxication. The same is true for breath test results after airbag deployment, as experts have established the inconsistency in these results.

There are many ways to fight against both the DUI and the enhanced penalties brought about by the property damage element. A solid defense team of Tampa DUI lawyers will be on your side. The skilled attorneys at Musca Law are able to help you today.