Tampa DUI Defense Lawyers

Initial Police Contact - The 2nd Element of a TAMPA DUI arrest

After the Hillsborough County Deputy or Tampa, Florida Police Officer has made a decision to stop your vehicle based on his or her visual observations of your driving pattern, he or she will approach your vehicle to make some further assessments.  

First, the Tampa officer will typically approach your driver's side window and ask to see your driver's license and registration.  As you are searching for your license, the officer is making mental notations regarding your actions and he will commonly ask you where you were going or 'Do you know why I stopped you?"  Although the officer is interested in your response, he is much more interested in whether, during your response, he can smell an odor of alcohol coming from your breath and whether you are fumbling with your license and registration. 

Other signs of intoxication include: 

• Incoherent/Slurred speech
• Inability to follow instructions or belligerent
• Bloodshot eyes
• Flushed cheeks
• Alcoholic beverages in the vehicle

Once the Tampa Police Officer or Deputy checks the status of your license, and if he determines there are initial signs of impairment, he will likely ask that you to perform field sobriety tests to further determine whether you are DUI.

Defending your TAMPA DUI case based on Initial Police Contact

Initial police contact may have a big impact on defending your TAMPA DUI charge.  Many times, the interaction you had with the Tampa police officer is recorded on videotape.  Both Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department as well the Tampa Police Department utilize video surveillance during the stop of your vehicle.  When we obtain this evidence, we analyze and review it to determine if the officer did something incorrectly during his interaction with you. 

For example, did he fail to mention that he could smell an odor of alcohol coming from your breath?; does the video show a different interaction then what is in the police report?; does your speech sound coherent and clear as opposed to what is written in the police report?; and did the officer order you to perform field sobriety excercises as opposed to requesting that you do them?  

Any number of things may be wrong with the initial police interaction.  It is important for us to discuss your case with you, obtain the police report and acquire the video so we can determine whether your the facts of your case support a DUI arrest.

Contact us today.  YOUR TAMPA DUI LAWYERS

Proceed to the 3rd Element of a DUI charge. 

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If you have been arrested for DUI in Tampa, Florida or any the following areas:

Valrico, Plant City, Brandon,  Lithia, East Tampa,
South Tampa, Hyde Park, Apollo Beach, Palm River, Ruskin, Seffner,
West Chase, Ybor City, Temple Terrace,
Sun City Center, Gibsonton, Palma Ceia, Riverview, Lutz

be sure to contact one of our Tampa DUI attorneys immediately. At Finebloom & Haenel, we offer a free consultation to discuss your specific case. 

Arrested for a Tampa, Florida DUI? Contact our law offices immediately.

Tampa Office Address:
3426 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609
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