Finebloom and Haenel, P.A.

The Law Offices of Finebloom & Haenel, P.A. is a DUI defense law firm servicing clients on the West Coast of Florida.  As experienced DUI attorneys, we have helped countless clients contest their DUI charges and sentences.   David Haenel was named the 2004 State of Florida DUI Prosecutor of the Year and spent a large majority of his time traveling throughout the State of Florida training new prosecutors in DUI issues. 

At Finebloom & Haenel, our attorneys understand Florida DUI law.  We use our knowledge to defend our DUI clients to the fullest extent possible.  With three offices located in Sarasota, Tampa, and Plant City, we proudly extend our legal expertise and trial skill to people who have been arrested for DUI in Sarasota County, Bradenton County, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Charlotte County, and Polk County. 

Our attorneys know that being arrested can be a devastating and confusing experience.  This is why we strive to provide our clients with the legal representation they need from the very beginning, starting with their arrest.  With our capable DUI attorneys on their side, clients can be assured that they will receive the information, counsel, and defense they need to successfully combat their charges. Remember that you only have 10 days to send paperwork to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to challenge your license suspension.  

• The state can prove the accused was driving while their faculties were impaired OR
• The state can prove that the accused was operating a motor vehicle with a Blood or Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Tampa DUI Stop and Arrest
Generally, law enforcement will notice certain suspicious driving behaviors before they make a DUI traffic stop.  These behaviors may or may not indicate that a driver is operating under the influence.  An officer may be suspicious if he/she notices a person:  swerving, disobeying traffic signs, going into the wrong lanes, speeding, driving too slow, or weaving.  If an officer notices that a driver is exhibiting these behaviors, the officer will most likely make a DUI traffic stop.

Once a person is stopped for suspected DUI, the officer will examine the person for signs of intoxication such as:

• Flushed cheeks
• Slurred speech
• Incoherent speech
• Blood shot eyes
• Inability to follow directions
• Evidence of open containers

If these behaviors are evident, the officer may request that the person take an Intoxilyzer (breath), Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), or urine test.  While these tests are considered voluntary, it is advisable that the person consent to them.  If a person refuses to take the breath, blood, or urine test, and he/she is convicted of DUI, he/she may be subject to harsher legal consequences.  In some cases, failure to take a BAC test can be perceived as an admission of guilt.

At some time during the arrest process for DUI, he/she should be read Miranda Rights by the arresting officer.  Failure to read Miranda Rights can result in the dismissal or suppression of comments or confessions made by the accused.

Florida DUI Penalties
If you are convicted of DUI in Florida, you will face a variety of life impairing consequences.  A DUI conviction should not be taken lightly, as it will impact many areas of your life.  Florida law does not allow for someone to expunge or seal a DUI conviction.  Once you are convicted of DUI, your criminal record will be damaged.  A damaged criminal record can lead to limited employment, housing, and education opportunities.

When will an officer stop a person for DUI?
An officer may make a DUI traffic stop if they observe a person:  swerving, weaving, disobeying traffic signs, speeding, making wrong turns, or stopping excessively.

Am I required to take the breath test?
In Florida, Breathalyzer tests are voluntary.  If you refuse to take the breath, blood, or urine test, and you are convicted of DUI, you may be subject to harsher legal consequences.

Are Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) Accurate?
The accuracy of most Field Sobriety Tests is questionable.  There are many factors that may lower a persons ability to pass or fail a FST.  A person may fail a FST due to inadequate lighting, poor coordination, weather conditions, or because the officer failed to give clear directions.  In most cases, the results of a FST are not accurate. 

What happens if I was not read my Miranda Rights?
According to Florida law, an officer must read you your Miranda Rights before arresting you.  Failure to read Miranda Rights can result in the dismissal or suppression of comments or confessions you may have made.

If I am convicted of DUI, what penalties do I face?
If you are convicted of DUI, you may be sentenced with jail time, monetary fines, probation, license suspension, community service, and court mandated drug and alcohol programs.  Your vehicle may be impounded and may also have an ignition interlock device installed.  A DUI conviction will also appear on your criminal record and may limit your employment, housing, and educational options.

The legal penalties for a DUI conviction are very serious.  If you have been charged with DUI in Florida, contact our attorneys to discuss your options.

What is an ignition interlock device?
An ignition interlock device connects your automobile to a breath alcohol analyzer.  If your breath alcohol level is at or beyond the legal blood alcohol concentration limit, your automobile will be prevented from starting.  

Why should I hire an attorney?
If you have been charged with DUI in Florida, it is to your benefit to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.  The DUI attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel, P.A. have successfully represented countless Florida clients.  Our attorneys will protect your rights, inform you of your legal options, provide you with aggressive counsel, and represent you in court.  In some cases, our experienced attorneys have been able to have our clients DUI charges and sentences reduced or dismissed.

Sarasota County, Florida: Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, North Port, Osprey, Nokomis, Casey Key, Englewood

Bradenton County, Florida: Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Ellenton, Parrish

Pinellas County Florida: Oldsmar, Clearwater, Bellair, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island

Hillsborough County, Florida: Tampa, Brandon, Temple Terrace, Sun City, Plant City, East Tampa, Lithia, Lutz, Macdill, Wimauma, Valrico

Charlotte County, Florida: Cape Haze, Englewood, Grove City, Inglewood, Murdock, Placida, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Rotonda West

Polk County, Florida: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fedhaven, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Highland Park, Hillcrest Heights, Indian Lake Estates, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Mulberry, Nalcrest, Polk City, Providence, and Winter Haven.