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Posted: November, 2011

Florida DUI Attorneys Whittel & Melton Warn Residents of FHP’s Increased Traffic and DUI Checks Thanksgiving Weekend

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As we near one of the biggest holiday seasons beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with New Year's, it is important to be aware of road safety initiatives that are being implemented from coast to coast. While you and your family celebrate and enjoy this holiday season, keep in mind that with the large number of celebrations and parties, local law enforcement will increase their focus on traffic checkpoints.

The Sun-Sentinel is reporting that the Florida Highway Patrol is increasing its efforts to catch traffic violators over Thanksgiving week. FHP pilots will be patrolling statewide to spot unsuspecting violators from a fixed wing aircraft.

FHP said that supervisors and traffic homicide investigators will be stepping in to assist with ticketing speeders and investigating possible intoxicated or impaired drivers.

The agency warned that troopers will be ticketing for seat belt violations and baby car seats will also be checked.

According to the FHP, Florida roads on Thanksgiving Day are not the most dangerous. The agency identifies Labor Day 2010 as the worst.

Overall, traffic fatalities in the Sunshine State are decreasing. In 2010, FHP reported 2,444 deaths, down almost five percent from the 2,563 fatalities on Florida’s roads in 2009.
Turkey day traffic fatalities are said by the FHP to be rising again. In fact, statistics show that 52 lives were lost in 2008, 36 in 2009 and 38 in 2010.

These enhanced http://www.thefllawfirm.com/lawyer-attorney-1511739.htmltraffic and DUI enforcements undoubtedly coincide with a new study released by the National Safety Council that predicts Thanksgiving traffic accidents and fatalities nationwide. According to statistical analysis, the NSC predicts this holiday weekend more than 43,000 people will be injured and more than 400 will be killed.

It is important to remember that DUI checkpoints are legal if they are carried out in a reasonable manner, meaning that police must have an unbiased method for stopping drivers. Courts have ruled that while DUI checkpoints can be viewed as invasive, that is generally offset by the concerns for public safety.

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Posted In: DUI , DUI Checkpoint , Florida

Posted: November, 2011

Aggressive Statewide Florida DUI Defense Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Jacksonville Dad Arrested for DUI with a Minor and LSA

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A drunk-driving accident, collision, or hit-and-run can lead to a considerably greater penalty in a DUI case. Aside from the probable DMV consequences in these types of cases, it is specifically imperative to consult with an experienced Florida DUI Defense Attorney right away.

The Florida Times-Union is reporting that a 41-year-old Jacksonville, Florida man was arrested Friday shortly before 9 p.m. for drunk driving and a hit-and-run accident while accompanied by his two young daughters and young son, aged 5, 6 and 9.

Police allegedly stopped the man after noticing his Toyota driving erratically. Officers at the scene supposedly noted the man had slurred speech and a strong presence of alcohol.

During the stop, dispatchers allegedly matched the Toyota the man was driving to a hit-and-run accident where another vehicle was rear-ended.

Police apparently found the man’s three children in the passenger side and rear seat after looking inside the man’s vehicle. The children were released to their mother.

The alleged victim of the hit-and-run was brought to the scene and supposedly confirmed the man’s car as the one that hit her and then fled.

According to a police report, the man supposedly told police he had consumed three beers and codeine. During the investigation, he allegedly fell asleep in the patrol car.

The man was charged with DUI while accompanied by a minor, DUI causing damage, leaving the scene of an accident and careless driving.

Numerous hit-and-run accidents involve people who have consumed alcohol or drugs.
Sometimes a driver, who may or may not be legally drunk, may leave the scene of an accident because they are scared of being charged by police for DUI. On the other hand, a driver who has been drinking may not even realize he or she hit another car. A vital role in the defense of a DUI hit-and-run accident involves the question of intent. Did the driver of the car that hit another vehicle actually realize he or she had been in a collision and consciously and deliberately leave the accident scene? The charges against you may be reduced if it can be shown that you did not intentionally leave the scene of an accident because you were afraid of being charged with DUI. The Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can further investigate your case and prepare a defense to combat allegations of DUI and hit and run.

The consequences for a conviction of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident varies depending on who or what was involved and if any serious injuries occurred. A conviction for hit and run can result in jail, fines, and the loss of your license. When you face criminal charges of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident in Florida, you should consult with the Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible.

Our Office assists individuals arrested for DUI throughout the State of Florida including Jacksonville, Bartow, Brooksville, Boca Raton, Bronson, Bushnell, Clearwater, Dade City, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Inverness, The Keys, Miami, Naples, New Port Richey, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee and Tavares as well as everywhere in between.

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Posted In: DUI Leaving Scene of Accident , DUI with Property Damage , DUI with a Minor , Florida

Posted: November, 2011

Dade City DUI Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Pasco Man Arrested for DUI while on Probation for DUI Manslaughter

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According to reports, a 37-year-old Dade City man, presently on probation for a 2006 Florida DUI Manslaughter conviction, was arrested by Tampa police Saturday morning for DUI.

The man was arrested just before 1 a.m. and had an alleged blood alcohol level of 0.18.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, the man was pulled over for apparently driving without a seat belt. Stops for seat belt violations are immediately suspicious and should investigated by any lawyer handling this file.

Officers at the scene wrote in the arrest report that the man’s eyes were bloodshot and glossy, his speech was slurred and alcohol was detected on his breath. The man allegedly indicated impairment during a field sobriety test.

The man was released from prison in March of this year after serving four years for a 2005 DUI Manslaughter charge in Hillsborough County that resulted in the death of a 48-year-old motorcyclist.

According to the Florida Department of Corrections, he is currently serving 10 years of probation.

He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail Saturday with no bond set.

The state of Florida enforces certain stipulations in association with every DUI probationary sentence. Some terms of probation are reliant on whether you are experiencing your first, second, third, or subsequent DUI conviction and others are inflicted no matter how many prior DUIs you have on your record. Probation is a very common consequence following a DUI conviction, but a violation can start the legal process all over again. Violations can potentially result in the offender being sentenced to jail or prison and can possibly bring about an even longer probation sentence.

Violating the terms of any DUI conviction is a very serious offense. When facing charges of probation violation, it is extremely necessary to consult with a Florida Violation of DUI Probation Lawyer as soon as possible. By delaying this process, you could permanently damage not only your reputation but also your future abilities to get a job, improve your career and even qualify for a loan. At Whittel & Melton our attorneys can aggressively pursue the opportunity of having the terms of your probation reinstated or potentially decrease any punishments resulting from your violation.

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Posted In: DUI , Pasco County | Dade City

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Jason M. Melton

Criminal Defense Attorney

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