The Umansky Law Firm

Although the Fourth of July isn't until next Monday, Independence Day begins this Friday for many people. This means increased parties, barbecues, eating out, and probably drinking alcohol. When it comes to drinking, most people know when to say when especially if they're driving. Law enforcement is betting against this, though, and will step up their DUI patrols and checkpoints this coming weekend.

Independence Day weekend should be fun, but you also need to be aware that there will be more police setting up traffic stops, road blocks, and other means to spot people driving under the influence. In fact, they'll be looking for any type of driving infraction across the state of Florida to test you.

On one hand, you should be able to understand that it's for the safety of the public. No one wants to be involved in a drunken driving accident. On the other hand, if you are pulled out of your car and asked to perform a field sobriety test, even though you may have driven safely a thousand times before after a couple drinks, you may feel you are being singled out. If the police then decide to arrest you for driving under the influence, it will do more than ruin your weekend.

However, even if you are arrested under suspicion for driving under the influence, you still have rights. Ask yourself if the police have:

• The right to stop you
  
• The right to take your license
  
• The right to ask you to perform a field sobriety test
  
• The right to ask you to take a breathalyzer test
  
• The right to arrest you
  

If you can honestly answer no to any of these, you stand a chance of having your DUI charge reduced or thrown out.

If you are pulled over and charged with DUI this Fourth of July weekend in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for a free and confidential case consultation today.