FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

If my driver’s license was suspended for DUI, can I apply for a hardship license?
Whether or not you are able to apply for a hardship license, as well as when you are able to apply, will depend upon your particular DUI charges. A hardship license will allow you to drive to and from work and school, as well as for essential household needs. To find out if you may qualify and when, it is important to contact an attorney. Your ability to apply for a restricted license may vary greatly from case to case.

What are the penalties for a first DUI offense?
A first DUI conviction will result in a driver’s license revocation of 180 days to 1 year. You may face a fine of up to $2,000, 50 hours of community service, probation for up to 1 year, and up to 9 months in jail. Specific penalties may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and will depend upon your specific blood alcohol concentration, as well as other particulars of your case.

Do I have to schedule a hearing with the DHSMV?
Yes. Following a Florida DUI arrest, you have only 10 days to contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and schedule your DMV hearing. This is an administrative hearing which is held in regards to the suspension/revocation of your driver’s license.  A defense lawyer can schedule this hearing for you and can represent you in order to help you reach the best outcome possible.

What types of cases does your firm handle?
At Musca Law, we help all types of drivers in a variety of DUI cases, including underage drinking, multiple DUI offenses, commercial DUI, DUI with injury, felony DUI, DUI appeals and more. Our defense lawyers take on cases throughout the entire State of Florida.

When should I involve an attorney?
We recommend involving an attorney as soon as possible. You will need to schedule your DMV hearing, possibly secure your release from jail and will face criminal court proceedings. In the face of all of this, it is important to have an experienced attorney at your side so your rights are fully protected. Without an attorney, it is easy for your rights to be violated and for you to lose your DUI case even when you rightfully should have won.

Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a federal crime?

A federal crime, or federal offense, is an action which is illegal under federal statutes. Federal crimes also include those criminal offenses committed on federal property and crimes committed which involved crossed state lines or national borders. Some common examples of federal crimes include government fraud, bank robbery and kidnapping.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Felonies and misdemeanors are differentiated based upon the potential penalties that the criminal offenses may carry. A misdemeanor is an offense which is punishable by up to 1 year in a county correctional facility. A felony is an offense which is punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary (state correctional facility) for a minimum of 1 year. Some crimes may be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending upon the circumstances of the case. These are referred to as “wobblers.”

What is a white collar crime?

A white collar crime is a criminal offense which is most often a non-violent theft or fraud crime committed by an individual in a business or political environment, usually in a position of power or trust. Some common examples of white collar crimes include: fraud, embezzlement and identity theft.

Are juvenile crimes handled differently than adult crimes?

Yes. The Florida juvenile court system follows its own set of rules and procedures, and a juvenile faces different types of penalties than an adult. It is for these reasons that a defense attorney must be knowledgeable and experienced specifically with the juvenile court system and juvenile crimes in order to provide effective representation to a minor who is facing criminal charges.

How can a defense lawyer help me?

A defense lawyer can help initially by answering any questions you may have and by reviewing your particular situation. It is impossible to say whether you need legal representation and what you are up against without reviewing your case and charges, and an experienced lawyer can do this. If you decide to work with a lawyer, he or she can then begin protecting your rights immediately. This will include advising you regarding your case and essentially acting as your voice and representation through all criminal proceedings. This includes conducting independent investigations and working with expert witnesses in the field to build a strong defense strategy on your behalf.

If I have not been charged with any crime, is it still a good idea to consult an attorney?

It is wise to consult an attorney if you have been contacted by local law enforcement or by a federal agency for questioning in regards to a criminal offense. It is important to find out whether you are a suspect in the investigation; if you are, it is essential to have an attorney at your side. While you may want to do whatever you can to cooperate with law enforcement, doing so without legal counsel may result in law enforcement overstepping their bounds and violating your rights, or you unintentionally incriminating yourself.

At Musca Law, we are committed to helping people just like you who are facing criminal charges or any type of legal matter. We take on cases throughout the entire state of Florida.