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Sarasota DUI Defense Center
Expert DUI Defense in Sarasota – Protecting Your Rights in Court.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Sarasota, Florida, securing an experienced and determined DUI attorney is crucial. A DUI conviction can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. At our Sarasota DUI Defense Center, we are dedicated to defending individuals facing DUI charges and striving for the best possible legal outcome.
Why Choose Ajay Pallegar as Your Sarasota DUI Attorney?
Ajay Pallegar is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in DUI defense. His insider knowledge of how the prosecution builds DUI cases allows him to craft strong, strategic defenses for his clients. With a deep understanding of Sarasota’s legal system, he works tirelessly to protect the rights of those accused of DUI offenses.
- Extensive Legal Experience: With years of DUI defense under his belt, Ajay Pallegar has successfully represented clients in Sarasota courts.
- Aggressive Legal Representation: He challenges every aspect of your DUI case, including the legality of the traffic stop and the accuracy of sobriety tests.
- Personalized Defense Strategies: Each DUI case is unique, and Ajay Pallegar tailors his defense to fit the specific circumstances of your arrest.
- Proven Track Record: He has helped many clients get their DUI charges reduced or dismissed.
- 24/7 Legal Support: DUI arrests can happen at any time, and Ajay Pallegar is available when you need him the most.
Understanding Sarasota DUI Laws
Florida law defines DUI under Florida Statute §316.193 as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Sarasota law enforcement strictly enforces DUI laws, and penalties become more severe with each offense.
Florida’s DUI Implied Consent Law
Under Florida’s Implied Consent Law (§316.1932), drivers automatically consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if law enforcement suspects them of DUI. Refusing a chemical test can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension—one year for the first refusal and 18 months for subsequent refusals—and may be used against you in court.
Drug DUIs in Sarasota
DUI charges are not limited to alcohol consumption. Florida law also prohibits driving under the influence of controlled substances, including illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter drugs that impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drug-related DUI cases are particularly complex due to the following factors:
- No Set Legal Limit: Unlike alcohol, there is no defined legal threshold for drug impairment.
- Blood & Urine Testing: Law enforcement may require blood or urine samples to determine drug presence in a driver’s system.
- Field Sobriety Testing Issues: Officers use roadside sobriety tests to assess impairment, but these tests are subjective and can be challenged in court.
- Prescription Medications: Even legally prescribed medications can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your ability to drive safely.
The penalties for a drug-related DUI mirror those of alcohol-related DUIs and can include fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory drug education programs.
Florida DUI Penalties
| Offense | Fines | Jail Time | License Suspension | Ignition Interlock Requirement |
| First DUI | $500 – $1,000 | Up to 6 months | 6-12 months | Possible |
| Second DUI | $1,000 – $2,000 | Up to 9 months | 1-5 years | Mandatory |
| Third DUI | $2,000+ | Up to 5 years (felony) | 10 years | Mandatory |
Enhanced Penalties for High BAC & Repeat Offenders
- BAC of 0.15% or Higher: Increased fines and mandatory ignition interlock device installation.
- DUI with Minor Passenger: Additional penalties including longer jail time and higher fines.
- Third DUI Within 10 Years: Felony charge with severe consequences.
- Fourth DUI Offense: Automatic felony with possible prison sentence and permanent license revocation.
Other consequences may include probation, DUI school, community service, and vehicle impoundment.
How Ajay Pallegar Builds a Strong DUI Defense
As a skilled Sarasota DUI attorney, Ajay Pallegar thoroughly investigates DUI charges to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. His defense strategies include:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: If law enforcement lacked a valid reason for stopping you, the case could be dismissed.
- Disputing Field Sobriety Tests: Officers often administer these tests improperly, making them unreliable.
- Questioning Breathalyzer & Blood Test Accuracy: Testing devices must be correctly calibrated and maintained.
- Ensuring Proper Police Procedures: If your constitutional rights were violated, evidence against you may be inadmissible.
Effective DUI Defense Strategies
- Lack of Probable Cause: If the officer had no legal basis for the stop, the case may be thrown out.
- Medical Conditions & Diet: Certain medical conditions and diets can cause misleading BAC readings.
- Improper Testing & Equipment Malfunctions: Any errors in chemical testing procedures can be used to dispute DUI evidence.
- Unreliable Witness Testimonies: Inconsistent or inaccurate statements from officers or witnesses can weaken the prosecution’s case.
Take Control of Your Future – Contact our DUI Lawyer Today
A DUI arrest does not have to define your future. With the right legal representation, you can challenge the charges against you and safeguard your driving privileges, freedom, and reputation. Don’t wait—call Ajay Pallegar today for a free consultation and take the first step toward building your defense.
Call Us 24/7 at 941.893.5816 or Fill Out Our Online Form to Schedule a Consultation.
