Lakeland Police have a new tool to stop drunk drivers. LPD will be patrolling in a 2009 Dodge Charger equipped with the "police package." This includes front and rear radar and a built in breathalyzer test. This new equipment allows officers to test suspects in out in the field versus the station. Wasted travel time will be reduced by 50%, making breath test results more accurate.
This new police ride is bad news for those driving under the influence. Previously, suspects had to be driven to the station to submit to blood alcohol testing. Precious minutes were wasted in travel time and allowed any alcohol in their system to be processed. This resulted in lower blood alcohol content readings and benefits the offender.
Florida's legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08. The number of drinks consumed to determine legal impairment depends on many factors: the size, age, gender, type of alcohol ingested, amount of rest and food the suspect had the day of the arrest. A first offense of driving under the influence is considered a misdemeanor in the State of Florida and is punishable by up to 60 days in jail.
A charge of DUI is considered a serious criminal offense. The cost of a DUI conviction goes well past tarnish on a criminal record. A conviction results in the loss of driving privileges, excessive monetary costs, loss of personal freedom with supervised probation and/or jail time and stress on your personal life. The Lakeland Police are stepping up patrol efforts and accumulating state of the art equipment to stop drunk drivers. It is also the goal of LPD to promote DUI community awareness, public education and prevention; not only enforcement.
If you are facing a criminal charge of driving under the influence, contact a knowledgeable DUI attorney for assistance. My firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience and I have represented countless clients in their DUI case. The Police utilize their best assets to catch offenders. If you are accused of a DUI or other criminal offense, aggressive legal representation is your best asset.
