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DUI

Florida Penalties for a DUI

July 8, 2018 • ryan

The Florida DUI penalties are very strict and can vary on a number of given factors including whether this is your first DUI offense, how long it has been since your last DUI offense, who you had in the car with you at the time of the DUI arrest, etc.  Provided below is a list of penalties for a DUI in Florida.

First Offense DUI

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Up to 6 months imprisonment
  • 1 year probation (combined with imprisonment)
  • $500 to $1,000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Community service (at least 50 hours)
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days

First Offense DUI, Enhanced Penalties

A DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over .15 or if there was a minor, a person under the age of 18, in the vehicle, will result in enhanced penalties.  The penalties will include the above penalties modified with these changes:

  • Up to 9 months imprisonment
  • $1000 to $2000 fine
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for up to 6 months

Second Offense DUI in More than 5 Years

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Up to 9 months imprisonment
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • $500 to $1000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 1 year

Second Offense DUI in More than 5 Years, Enhanced Penalties

A second DUI with a BAC over .15 or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:

  • Up to 1 year imprisonment
  • $2000 to $4000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Second Offense DUI in Less than 5 Years

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Mandatory 10 days to 9 month imprisonment
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • $500 to $1000 fine
  • 5 years license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 30 days (not concurrent with incarceration)
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 1 year

Second Offense DUI in Less than 5 Years, Enhanced Penalties

A second DUI with a BAC over .15% or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:

  • Mandatory 10 days to 1year imprisonment
  • $1000 to $2000 fine
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Third Offense DUI in More than 10 Years

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Up to 1 year imprisonment
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • $2000 to $5000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Third Offense DUI in Less than 10 Years

A third degree felony with penalties that include:

  • 30 days to 5 years imprisonment
  • Up to 5 years probation
  • $2000 to $5000 fine
  • 10 years license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 90 days
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Third Offense DUI within 10 Years, Enhanced Penalties

A third DUI with a BAC over .15% or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:

  • Minimum $4000 fine

Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer to defend your DUI charges at The Morris Law Firm – We Put Our Clients First

If you or a loved one needs the assistance of a DUI attorney, do not hesitate to contact The Morris Law Firm. We’re available 24/7, so call us now if you need help from an experienced lawyer in Panama City or the surrounding areas, (850) 257-5680. We have a Spanish translator available if you are looking for a Spanish speaking criminal defense attorney (abogado de defensa criminal) on your defense team.  We’ll provide the compassionate support, sound legal advice, and aggressive advocacy you need to get through this difficult time.  Furthermore, we’ll be happy to schedule a free consultation with you and our attorney to discuss your case and your rights at your convenience.

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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach, FL

Spring Break ordinances in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break

March 7, 2018 • ryan

9 of the best things to know before you party on Panama City Beach during Spring Break in March

I’m a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, and it’s that time again for me to try to do my best to warn you about our unique spring break laws passed by the local PCB City Council or Bay County Commission.

On Panama City Beach, Florida, each year we have our own version of March Madness; it’s called Spring Break!  The weather is typically sunny and beautiful and college students and families flock to our beautiful beaches for rest, relaxation and a great time.   We hope that you will plan your spring break vacation here and enjoy all that these beautiful beaches have to offer.

Here you will find many of the best things to do on Panama City Beach like pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, night clubs, Shell Island dolphin tours, go-karts, putt-putt golf and so much more.  However, you will also find some unusual spring break laws that you need to know about.

Here are the Spring Break ordinances in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break:

1. During the month of March, no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the sandy beach of Panama City Beach, so leave the alcohol in the room.

2. No alcohol possession or consumption in commercial parking lots.

3. During the month of March, all alcohol sales on Panama City Beach end at 2 a.m.

4. No open house parties.

5. Parking in a closed business parking lot is not allowed.

6. Overnight scooter rental is not allowed.

7. It is illegal to climb, jump from or throw things from balconies of hotel or condominiums on Panama City Beach.

8. Parking is prohibited on unmarked or unpaved portions of the road after dark.

9. Metal shovels are not permitted on Panama City Beach, and any holes dug in the sand should not be deeper than 2 feet.

I am a criminal defense attorney at the Morris Law Firm in Panama City, Florida, and have helped with countless spring break arrests of wonderful people who were in violation of one or more of these 9 spring break laws.  I want you to be informed and avoid the hassle of having to hire a Panama City attorney to help you navigate through the legal process.  If you do find yourself in need of an experienced attorney in Panama City, I am experienced in defending spring break law violations and will work hard to try to get your charges dropped or minimized.  Call me, Dana Morris, for a free consultation, (850) 257-5680.

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General, Spring Break Arrests
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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach, FL

FAQ with Panama City Defense Attorney Dana Morris

May 28, 2017 • ryan

Dana Morris, one of the most trusted and highly rated criminal defense lawyers in Panama City, Florida, answers some commonly asked legal questions:

 

1. As a criminal defense attorney, what is one common legal mistake that people make that you wish you could teach everyone?

     You do not have to give consent to a search of your vehicle by law enforcement.  Our 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.  In the absence of strong evidence (probable cause), police need your permission to perform a search of you or your property.   You may believe that if you tell an officer that he/she can search your car, the officer really won’t take you up on the offer.   Perhaps it’s just a bluff by the officer to see if you will act as though you have something to hide.   Please be advised, they are not bluffing.  Most of the time when this question is asked, officers do not have probable cause to conduct a search.  If they had it, they would be busy searching your car, not spending their time asking you for your consent.

2. Practicing law in Bay County, what is your favorite resource to point people to for legal questions?

     There is absolutely no substitute for legal advice provided by a lawyer practicing in the area of law in question.  However, more and more these days, the clerk of courts websites in their respective counties here in Florida have created a substantial online presence that is helpful for frequently asked questions related to legal terms and procedure.  The Bay County Clerk of Courts website can be found here.
 

3. What is one legal myth that you’ve heard of and would like to dispel?

     Myth?  That law enforcement must read you your Miranda rights in order for the arrest to be valid.  It’s not true!  The two circumstances that must come together for a citizen’s Miranda rights to be triggered are for someone to be placed into custody and for that person to be asked questions about the suspected criminal activity. An officer can ask you questions to establish an individual’s identity without Miranda being triggered.  If you are placed in custody and an officer asks you nothing, Miranda is not triggered.  Likewise, if an officer asks a lot of questions about the criminal activity suspected but does not place you in custody, Miranda is not triggered.  So, what constitutes custody?  Custody is generally defined as occurring when a reasonable person would believe that they were not free to leave the officer’s presence.  Being asked to sit in a patrol car uncuffed, being cuffed, or answering questions from an officer whose tone and body language is aggressive in nature, can constitute “custody” for purposes of triggering Miranda.    
Everyone has rights!  We at the Morris Law Firm in Panama City, Florida, can help you defend yours.  We offer free consultations to discuss the details of your case.  We will guide you through the legal process every step of the way.  We are available 24 hours a day, so call now if you need us, (850) 257-5680.
Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI
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Want a Guarantee that I’ll Win Your Case?

April 27, 2016 • Dana Morris

Would you hire me if I said, “I’ll win your criminal case, guaranteed”?

I have potential new clients call my criminal defense firm all the time. Sometimes they ask me, in no uncertain terms, if I can guarantee that I will win their criminal case and get their criminal charges dropped. An actual call can go something like this, “Mr. Morris, I’ve read the great reviews that other clients have posted about you.  I want to hire you if you can guarantee that you will win my case, too.”

Why can’t a criminal defense lawyer give a client a guarantee that he(she) will win his (her) criminal case?

Ok, there are several reasons. First of all, it’s illegal. Did you know that rules from the Florida Bar on ethics strictly prohibit a lawyer from making a guarantee as to any outcome in any criminal case? There are no guarantees as to any outcome for any criminal case. Lawyers who give a guarantee as to a result could get sanctioned, suspended or worse, disbarred. However, some unscrupulous lawyers give people guarantees as to an end result all the time.

Besides being illegal, it’s just plain wrong. Having handled thousands of criminal cases in Florida, I counsel my clients about possible ways to beat their cases and probable outcomes. This comes from years of experience, as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, not from a crystal ball that allows me to see into the future.

Everyone wants a guarantee. But when we are working with an officer, a prosecutor, a judge and a jury, there simply are no guarantees on the outcome.

Here is a list of guarantees that I can make:

  • I guarantee to stay in touch with you as your case progresses. In fact, I strive to return all of my phone calls within one hour. When my day is packed with back-to-back court appearances, it may take longer than an hour, but I guarantee that I’ll call you back as soon as possible.
  • As your criminal defense attorney, I guarantee to work extremely hard and to stay focused on my top priority; to win your case and get you the best possible outcome for your charges.
  • As a father, I guarantee you that I will keep your child’s best interest foremost in my defense efforts.  I try to treat each client as if they were my own child and work as hard for them as I would for my own son and daughter.
  • I can also guarantee that if you don’t trust the lawyer that you hire, you’re not going to be happy. Trust your instincts; it’s important that you get along from the beginning.
  • I guarantee that any lawyer that gives you a guarantee as to an outcome in your criminal case is one that you should want to run, not walk, away from. Most likely, this same attorney will tell you anything you want to hear just to get your money. I’d rather not get your business than be dishonest with you.

If you’re looking for a lawyer that you can trust to work hard for you, guaranteed, I’m available 24/7, so call now, (850) 257-5680.

 Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach, FL  Best Law Firm in Panama City, FL

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General, Spring Break Arrests
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How to hire the best attorney in Panama City

March 21, 2016 • Dana Morris

“Who is the best attorney in Panama City to handle my case?”

If you have found yourself or a friend in legal trouble, I am sure you have wondered or asked others, maybe even Siri, this very question.  Perhaps you’ve even wanted the answers to similar questions like:

  • “Which lawyer gets the best results in Panama City, Florida?”
  • “How do I know which attorney to hire for my criminal case?”
  • “Who is the best attorney to call for a DUI in Panama City?”
  • “Which attorney should I call to get me out of the Panama City jail?”
  • “My son/daughter has been arrested, who is the best attorney to hire in Panama City, Florida?”

We suggest that you do your homework and check the results of the attorney(s) that you are considering.  In a time like this, you don’t want to leave the future of your defense to chance.  You want someone who will work hard to learn the details of your case and strongly defend you.  You want someone who will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Dana Morris is a Panama City criminal defense lawyer who others trust, too.

If you need to hire an attorney, a great place to start is by looking at the reviews that others have left.  A great review site I recommend is Yelp.  The Morris Law Firm has excellent reviews on Yelp.  I also suggest that you check out a firm’s Google+ page. The Morris Law Firm also has really great reviews on Google+ that can be found here. Lots of people share their experience  with lawyers on Facebook, too.  I encourage you to read our Facebook reviews to see what people are saying about the Morris Law Firm.

At the Morris Law Firm, Dana Morris goes the extra mile to make sure that he handles each of our client’s cases as if they were his own.  Don’t just take our word for it, check out what others have said about us.  Take the time to read the reviews and hire the attorney that you think will do the best job with your defense.

I’ll leave you with a great review that a mother recently left for us after we defended her daughter.  Reviews like this one and countless others mean the world to us. This truly is why we do what we do at the Morris Law Firm.  Results matter:

best-review-panama-city-attorney

Give us a call to talk to our attorney, (850) 257-5680.  We are available 24 hours a day, so can now if you need us.

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General, Spring Break Arrests
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Questions asked of a Criminal Defense Attorney

March 10, 2016 • Dana Morris

New laws are in place on Panama City Beach this Spring Break leading to more arrests. If  your student has been arrested, you likely need answers to legal questions that you have never even thought of.

As a parent of a college students you probably have questions you are used to asking. Questions like:

  1. What is a typical workload of homework, papers, and tests in your classes?
  2. How much is tuition?
  3. How many credit hours will it take to graduate?
  4. What are some of the reasons students leave or transfer?

The best questions to ask a criminal defense attorney after an arrest are much different than the questions you are accustomed to asking.

Criminal Defense Attorney Dana Morris, at the Morris Law Firm, can counsel you through the entire legal process, from arrest to resolution, answering your questions and easing your confusion and fears.

Panama City criminal defense lawyer, Dana Morris, will help you answer questions like:

  1. What is pretrial diversion (PTD) and is my son/daughter eligible to receive that?
  2. What is a first appearance and when will my son/daughter receive one?
  3. Will you be present for first appearance if I hire you as our criminal defense attorney?
  4. How much is bail and how can I find a bail bondsman?
  5. When is an arraignment and what is it?
  6. Where is the jail and how will my son/daughter get home from there?
  7. How often will we have to travel back to Panama City for court dates or can this be avoided?
  8. How can we get the record sealed or expunged?
  9. What are your legal fees and do you charge by the hour or flat fee?
  10. Do you take payments or do we have to pay all up front?

Dana Morris has extensive experience in criminal law charges and has helped many students and parents in situations just like yours. Keep in mind that the sooner you hire an attorney after an arrest, the better.  

Call our office 24 hours a day at (850) 257-5680.

 

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General, Spring Break Arrests
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Panama City Beach Prepares for Spring Break

February 4, 2016 • ryan

Well, it’s official; Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and Captain Anderson’s Restaurant opened tonight. What does this mean for Spring Break on Panama City Beach?  Winter is coming to an end and Spring Break is upon us.

Spring Break certainly brings a lot of fun to our 27 miles of sugar white sands located right here in the Florida Panhandle. Some fun things to do while on Spring Break on Panama City Beach should include:

  • Parasailing
  • Pontoon Boat Rental for a Dolphin Tour
  • Jet Ski Rental
  • Shopping at Pier Park
  • Putt-Putt Golf
  • Shipwreck Island Water Park
  • Shell Island
  • Spring Break Concert Series
  • St. Andrew’s State Park

Sadly, Spring Break on Panama City Beach can also bring legal troubles.  Some of the most common Spring Break arrests on Panama City Beach include:

  • Possession of Alcohol by a Minor; Underage Drinking
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Public Intoxication
  • Traffic Tickets

Talk to a Panama City Beach Attorney Who’s Helped Students Just Like You

If you or your child gets pulled over, involved in a wreck or into a situation where the police are involved, our best initial advice is to stay calm, provide the basic information required, but make sure you contact a Panama City Beach attorney immediately to guide you through the legal process from arraignment to expungement, and every step along the way.  With over 15 years  of practicing law, we’ve helped a lot of Spring Break students avoid the serious consequences of a criminal record and get on with their lives.

If you are from out of town and are arrested and charged with these or other common Spring Break offenses, you may be able to “waive” your appearance at court in Panama City by having a Panama City Beach attorney appear on your behalf.  This means that you would not have to incur the expense and headache of traveling back and forth to Panama City Beach for many court appearances.  Contact an attorney at the Morris Law Firm right away, (850) 257-5680, to determine if you or your loved one may be eligible for this.

An attorney at the Morris Law Firm is available when you need us, 24 hours a day, so call (850) 257-5680 now.  

Panama-City-Beach-Attorney Spring-Break-LawyerDana Morris Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General, Spring Break Arrests
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The Morris Law Firm Expands by Two Feet

January 30, 2016 • ryan

Panama-City-Spring-Break-Attorney

The Morris Law Firm had a very successful and busy year in 2017.   As we begin 2018, we are very pleased to announce the location of our law office at 400 W 11th Street, Suite A.

At the Morris Law Firm, we always strive to meet and exceed the goals of our clients while providing the best criminal defense representation possible. We have established great relationships with the clients that we have worked with thus far and their families.  As our firm continues to grow, we feel that our attorney, Dana Morris, and his legal assistant, Megan, will continue be an integral part of furthering our outstanding client relations.  Megan or Dana can be reached at (850) 257-5680 to assist you whether you’re an existing client or in need of some advice such as which criminal defense attorney to hire in Panama City.

If you get a chance, stop in to see our office, enjoy some coffee and to say ‘hello’ to Megan and Dana. We are located downtown between Jenks Middle School and Jenks Avenue at 400 W 11th Street, Suite A, Panama City, FL.

 

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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach, FL

When Do You Need A Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney?

March 24, 2015 • Dana Morris

Many of the best vacations are had right here on Panama City Beach, Florida!  In fact, our beaches are often called “the World’s most beautiful beaches,” and this area is known as one of the top beach vacation destinations in the country.  Tourists and locals, alike, enjoy eating at Captain Anderson’s, having great adventures at sea, cruising the strip, enjoying the clubs on Thomas Drive, shopping at Pier Park, sunbathing or having lots of fun by the pool.

But what if the spring break partying gets out of hand?  What if alcohol, drugs or weapons are involved? Sometimes what starts as a great vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare and some spring breakers find themselves unfortunately charged with misdemeanor or felony charges.  Spring break charges that we see often include:

Was your son or daughter arrested on a spring break trip to the beach?  If so, you need a Panama City attorney to stay on top of things here locally in Panama City long after the vacation is over and everyone has returned home.  Once hired, we will file all the necessary paperwork to keep you and/or your son or daughter from having to return to Bay County for court dates.  Instead, we will be able to appear in front of the judge on your behalf.  This will save both additional expense and trouble.

We can walk you through the entire legal process, starting with first appearance, leading to and including expungement if applicable.

  • Within 24 hours of the arrest a first appearance takes place. In Bay County, the county that Panama City Beach is located in, the defendant will appear in front of a judge or a magistrate by live video feed. The prosecutor, an assistant state attorney, will be present.  We recommend you hire a private attorney to represent you at first appearance to start fighting immediately for the best possible outcome in your case.  Contact Attorney Dana Morris at (850) 257-5680 if you would like for him to represent you at your 1st appearance.

In Florida first appearances are held to:

  • notify the defendant of the charges brought against him/her by law enforcement
  • determine if there is probable cause for these charges
  • set bond and the conditions of release, if there are any.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who’s Helped Others Just Like You

How do you choose a criminal defense firm to hire in Panama City?  A good criminal lawyer will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.   Attorney Dana Morris, a criminal defense attorney with The Morris Law Firm, will represent you or your loved one with your case starting at first appearance and proceeding throughout the entire process.  Rest assured that he will be fighting for the best possible outcome.  He has over 17 years of legal experience and has handled thousands of criminal cases including indecent exposure, resisting arrest, fleeing or eluding a police officer, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and much more.   Contact an experienced attorney.  Contact Dana Morris at (850) 257-5680 for a free consultation in our office or over the phone.

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