South Florida Multiple DUI Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Broward Man Facing Seventh DUI Charge

March 22, 2012

A Pompano Beach, Florida man convicted six times of DUI was arrested Monday night for a seventh DUI offense.

The 51-year-old man was charged with having a third DUI offense within 10 years, driving on a permanently revoked driver’s license, corruption by threat to a judge, resisting an officer without violence and DUI breath alcohol content greater than .15.

According to reports, the man allegedly kicked out a window frame of a patrol car door, which resulted in a criminal mischief charge. The damage total was estimated at $300.

In his first court appearance Tuesday, the man was ordered a $128,100 bond. He remained in jail as of 6 p.m.

The man began a 20-month state prison sentence followed by probation in 2003 for a third felony DUI conviction.

In that case, the man apparently refused to perform a breath test.

State legislature has increased the penalties for refusing a breath test by passing the “refusal statute.” If you are charged with DUI and refuse a breath test, and have previously refused a breath test in the past, you will be charged with another crime.

The Assistant State Attorney claims these charges will be prosecuted severely based on the man’s prior record.

None of the man’s previous DUI convictions involved a serious bodily injury. However, if the man is convicted of a seventh offense he could face a 17-year state prison sentence.

Multiple DUI offenses can severely tarnish your future, and the consequences attached have the ability to change your life forever. It is important to understand that prior DUI convictions may influence your treatment by the court throughout the criminal process. Due to multiple convictions, a jury may be inclined to believe you are guilty of additional charges as well. Judges and prosecutors have little tolerance for repeat offenders and will do anything to keep them off the roads for as long as possible. In determining your sentence, a judge will likely impose harsher penalties. The prosecution will probably pursue maximum consequences.

Unfortunately, if you have been convicted of multiple DUIs in the past, the State could charge you with a felony DUI. For every additional drunk driving conviction, prosecutors tend to tack on additional penalties. This is why repeat DUI offenders need a Florida DUI Defense Attorney to make sure their rights are protected under Florida law. Failing to secure a strong defense for a third or subsequent DUI charge could result in increased time behind bars, enhanced fines and other additional consequences.

The Multiple DUI Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can review your current DUI charge in order to locate anything that could help with building your defense. We will look into your past DUI cases to determine if any crucial information was overlooked. With your future freedom at stake it is important contact us today so that the investigation into your case can begin right away. We will fight aggressively in your defense despite prior drunk driving convictions.

If you are being charged with your third, fourth or subsequent drunk driving charge anywhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Multiple DUI Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or dial us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).