Criminal traffic convictions can result in sentences including expensive fines, community service, a criminal felony record, and substantial jail or prison time. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your driving record, Mr. Prieto may be able to have the charges against you reduced or negotiate a lighter sentence.
We understand how to work with the court in exploring alternatives to jail, the loss of your driver’s license, and extensive fines. In a case involving hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident, repeat DUI’s, Frank Prieto, Esq. will work with investigators and eyewitnesses in order to undermine the allegations against you. At each stage in the process, we will keep you involved and informed so that you understand the options available and the potential outcome of a trial.
Attorney Frank A. Prieto represents clients charged with the following felony traffic violations:
- Repeat DUI / felony DUI
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Reckless endangerment
- Hit and run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Reckless driving
- Vehicular manslaughter
Felony DUI – Understanding the Consequences
If you are convicted of a felony repeat DUI you face substantial fines, jail time, and the loss or revocation of your driver’s license. If your driver’s license is reinstated, you will likely be required to purchase and install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car. An IID works like a Breathalyzer, measuring your blood alcohol content before you drive and while you are driving. Your car will not start unless you blow into the IID and register a blood alcohol level of .05% or lower. As you drive, you are required to periodically blow into the device.
If your job requires you to drive their company car or vehicle, you must obtain a “P” restriction driver’s license and a letter of permission from your employer allowing you to drive their car without an ignition interlock device. Additionally, a felony DUI conviction will go on your permanent record, making it difficult for you to either keep your current job or find a new one.
Boating Under the Influence (B.U.I), Reckless Boating, Vessel Homicide/ Vessel Manslaughter
There are many nuances to defending boating offenses from BUI to vessel homicide that are not present in defending a motor vehicle charge. Let attorney Frank Prieto’s experience in Maritime Law prove to be the winning factor in your Boating offense.
Boating offenses are also something that South Florida brings to the prosecutorial table. Marine violations are common place. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a law enforcement division that takes marine crimes extremely seriously. Often times the FWC officers will push for jail time, even for first-time offenders when facing violations for undersized fish, lobster, crab, and other boating offenses. In addition, local police departments also have specialized maritime units. Many investigations are jointly conducted by local law enforcement and the FWC and/or the US Coast Guard.
