Florida Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys
Finebloom and Haenel, P.A.
Finebloom and Haenel, P.A. is devoted to handling drunk driving cases and other criminal matters, no matter how large or small. The Firm has a well-earned reputation for fighting hard for each client and obtaining the best possible results, whether that means preventing a charge from being filed, taking a case to trial, or negotiating the best possible deal.
Contact the experienced Florida Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys of Finebloom and Haenel for exceptional legal representation in Sarasota, Tampa, and throughout the State of Florida, within the following areas:
Individuals convicted of a crime in Florida, whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury, are subject to, among other penalties, fines, imprisonment, probation and community service. Defending your criminal case in the strongest possible way is critical to your freedom and your future.
The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. As skilled Florida Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys, Finebloom and Haenel will navigate you through this complicated legal process.
Over the years, the attorneys of Finebloom and Haenel have developed good working relationships with law enforcement and the various State Attorneys’ offices throughout the Counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Charlotte. The State prosecutors know that Firm can and will zealously represent its clients.
"We pride ourselves in our ability to provide the answers to your questions. We are quick to return your phone calls and keep you up to date on your case. We strive to provide you with unmatched skillful legal representation as you go through this difficult time in your life."
The criminal process is a difficult and frustrating experience for anyone charged with a crime. The attorneys of Finebloom and Haenel understand what you are going through and will be with you every step of the way to provide the best representation possible. The Firm's attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the local court system, the prosecutors and judges. Combined with their many years of trial experience, expert witnesses, and professional office staff, the Firm is able to provide clients with the finest criminal defense services available throughout Florida.
Finebloom and Haenel, P.A. serves the following cities and counties:
Contact the experienced Florida Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys of Finebloom and Haenel for exceptional legal representation in Sarasota, Tampa, and throughout the State of Florida, within the following areas:
- Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI)
- Criminal Defense
- Traffic Offenses
- Felony & Misdemeanor Crime
- Bench Warrants
- Drug Offenses
- Juvenile Delinquency Matters
- Sex Crimes
- Expungement Motions
- Domestic Violence
Individuals convicted of a crime in Florida, whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury, are subject to, among other penalties, fines, imprisonment, probation and community service. Defending your criminal case in the strongest possible way is critical to your freedom and your future.
The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure, and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. As skilled Florida Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys, Finebloom and Haenel will navigate you through this complicated legal process.
Over the years, the attorneys of Finebloom and Haenel have developed good working relationships with law enforcement and the various State Attorneys’ offices throughout the Counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Charlotte. The State prosecutors know that Firm can and will zealously represent its clients.
"We pride ourselves in our ability to provide the answers to your questions. We are quick to return your phone calls and keep you up to date on your case. We strive to provide you with unmatched skillful legal representation as you go through this difficult time in your life."
- Attorney David Haenel
The criminal process is a difficult and frustrating experience for anyone charged with a crime. The attorneys of Finebloom and Haenel understand what you are going through and will be with you every step of the way to provide the best representation possible. The Firm's attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the local court system, the prosecutors and judges. Combined with their many years of trial experience, expert witnesses, and professional office staff, the Firm is able to provide clients with the finest criminal defense services available throughout Florida.
Finebloom and Haenel, P.A. serves the following cities and counties:
- Sarasota County: Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, North Port, Osprey, Nokomis, Casey Key, Englewood
- Manatee County: Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Ellenton, Parrish
- Pinellas County: Oldsmar, Clearwater, Bellair, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island
- Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Temple Terrace, Sun City, Plant City, East Tampa, Lithia, Lutz, Macdill, Wimauma, Valrico
- Charlotte County: Cape Haze, Englewood, Grove City, Inglewood, Murdock, Placida, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Rotonda West
Practice Areas and Legal Definitions
Driving with a Suspended License:
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is usually charged as a serious misdemeanor punishable by substantial fines and up to a year in jail. Under some circumstances, as where someone is killed or injured in an accident caused by a driver whose license is suspended or revoked, the offense can be charged as a felony, with a high fine and a possible state prison sentence. Fines and jail sentences are typically heaviest in cases where the license suspension or revocation resulted from a traffic offense involving alcohol and/or drugs.
Reckless Driving:
Reckless driving is operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or the property of others. It generally involves drastic misconduct on the road, such as driving on the wrong side of the road or driving at dangerously high speeds. It is generally charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and a local jail sentence. It sometimes results in a driver's license suspension or revocation, and it very often results in the cancellation of insurance. Automobile insurance companies know that people who drive “recklessly” are more likely than others to get in traffic accidents. Also, “reckless driving” convictions are commonly seen as part of a plea bargain in which an initial DUI/DWI charge is “reduced” to reckless driving.
Hit and Run Driving:
Hit and Run Driving is a serious offense that involves leaving the scene of an accident without first stopping and identifying oneself to the other driver or drivers. It is, at minimum, a serious misdemeanor punishable by jail time and a high fine. If someone is injured or killed in the accident, hit and run driving is charged as a felony that can result in a state prison sentence. In either case the charge has nothing to do with who was at fault in the accident. Apart from the other penalties, hit and run driving can result in long-term driver's license suspension or, in some cases, actual license revocation.
Driving While Intoxicated from Drugs or Prescription Medications:
Most people know that it is illegal to drive under the influence of illegal drugs, but many believe they can avoid a conviction for DWI by producing a prescription for the drug in question. This is not true. A DWI (drugs) charge has nothing to do with whether or not possession of the drug was lawful. The legal issue in any DWI case is whether, as the result of "impairment," the driver has lost the ability to drive safely. It is just as unlawful to drive under the influence of a properly prescribed medication as it is to drive after drinking too much alcohol.
Contests of Speed (Drag Racing):
In most states, engaging in contests of speed (racing) is a serious misdemeanor punishable by local jail time and a fine. It can also trigger license suspension or revocation by the Department of Motor Vehicles or other state licensing agency. It is also fairly certain to result in cancellation of automobile insurance. Repeat offenders usually face escalating penalties including felony prosecution in aggravated circumstances.
Other Traffic Crimes:
Every state has its own set of laws governing the operation of motor vehicles on public streets and highways. Most of these laws classify violations as infractions - relatively minor offenses for which a fine is the only penalty. One cannot be given a jail sentence for an infraction. It can be very important to fight infraction prosecutions in some situations. Many states have “point” systems to track individual driving records and the accumulation of too many points can have serious consequences, ranging from license suspension to revocation. Automobile insurance carriers often cancel the policies of drivers with too many “points.” The decision whether or not to fight an infraction ticket is one that should receive very careful consideration.
Administrative License Suspension Hearings:
Most states provide for administrative driver's license suspension in certain circumstances, but in every case the driver is entitled to a hearing in which the suspension can be contested. If a hearing is not requested within the time provided by law the right to a hearing is waived, and the suspension goes into effect automatically. In some cases the time for requesting a hearing is very short, and the scope of the hearing is usually very narrow and highly technical, from a legal standpoint. Self-representation at a suspension hearing is rarely successful. The different types of administrative suspension include:
- Medical/Drug Suspension
Some medical conditions require administrative driver's license suspension. These include certain diseases involving seizures, blackouts, fainting spells, serious physical coordination problems, some mental disorders and loss of vision. The defense to this type of suspension usually involves the submission of written reports from health care providers and other experts. - Negligent Driver Suspension
This involves situations in which a driver has accumulated too many “points” for traffic tickets or has been involved in an unusually high number of accidents. - Drunk Driving Suspension Based on BAC
If a defendant’s chemical test shows a BAC of .08% or more most states impose a 30 to 90 day suspension. This varies from state to state and may be longer than that. At the hearing, skilled counsel may attack the probable cause for the defendant’s detention and arrest and/or the validity of the chemical test. - Drunk Driving Suspension Based on Test Refusal
Where the defendant refuses to submit to a chemical test most states provide for a license suspension ranging from six months to a year, but in at least one state the term is three years. The refusal suspension is not affected by the outcome of a DUI/DWI trial. If there is a refusal suspension it remains in place even if the defendant is adjudged “not guilty.” At the hearing, skilled counsel may attack the probable cause for the defendant’s detention and arrest and/or the validity of the chemical test.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):
A DUI or DWI occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender's expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, it typically results in higher insurance premiums and an offender may become ineligible for credit.
DUI/DWI – Manslaughter:
Manslaughter is the criminal charge for unlawfully killing someone without actually intending to do so. When someone is driving while intoxicated and causes an accident in which someone is killed, the driver may be charged with manslaughter.
DUI/DWI – Murder:
Murder is the criminal charge for unlawfully killing someone, either deliberately and intentionally or recklessly with extreme disregard for human life. In some states, when someone is driving while intoxicated and causes an accident in which someone is killed the driver may be charged with murder if the circumstances are particularly aggravated.
DUI/DWI with prior convictions:
In all 50 states, repeat DWI offenders face progressively stiffer penalties. In some states, the third or fourth offense may be charged as a felony and, upon a conviction, result in a multi-year state prison term. The elements of the offense are the same, whether or not there are prior convictions.
If you or someone you know in Tampa, Sarasota or throughout the state needs the assistance of an experienced Florida Drunk Driving Defense Attorney, call Finebloom and Haenel, P.A. today at 866-653-4617, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.
Professional Profiles
FIRM ADDRESS:
Finebloom and Haenel, P.A.
100 Wallace Ave. Suite 13010053 Adamo Drive Brandon
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 866-653-4617
Hours: Seven Days a Week, 9:00AM-6:00PM
After hours appointments available
MEMBERS OF THE FIRM:
David Haenel, Esq.
EDUCATION:
- SUNY Buffalo School of Law, L.L.M., 2000
- Widener Law School, J.D., 1999
COURTS ADMITTED:
- Florida
- New Jersey
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- Sarasota County Bar Association
- Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court
- International Association for Chemical Testing
TRAINING:
- State of Florida's Laser Operator's Course, designed to train law enforcement to effectively operate Laser speed measuring devices
PRESENTATIONS:
- International Association of Chemical Testers: issues involving evidentiary breath testing
- Florida Breath Test Conference, sponsored by the Institute of Police Technology and Management
PRACTICE AREAS:
- Criminal Defense
- DUI Defense
- Traffic Cases
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Cases
- Drug Crimes
- Felonies/Misdemeanors
- Sex Crimes
- Expungements
- Bench Warrants
Darren Finebloom, Esq.
EDUCATION:
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2000
- Florida State University, B.S., Criminology, 1996
COURTS ADMITTED:
- Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Sarasota County Bar Association
EXPERIENCE:
- Public Defender's Office, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
- Law Offices of Michael Moran
PRESENTATIONS:
- Florida Breath Testing Conference for Law Enforcement
- Sarasota County Teen Court Program, Volunteer Judge
PRACTICE AREAS:
- Criminal Defense
- DUI Defense
- Traffic Cases
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Cases
- Drug Crimes
- Felonies/Misdemeanors
- Sex Crimes
- Expungements
- Bench Warrants
Stephen C. Higgins, Esq.
EDUCATION:
- Rutger's Law School, J.D. 2005
- Rutger's Graduate School of Business, M.B.A. with specialization in law, 2005
- Northeastern University, Boston, B.S., 2000
COURTS ADMITTED:
- Florida
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
- Sarasota County Bar Association
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
EXPERIENCE:
- Brown & Connery, LLP, civil attorney practice
- Hon. Freda L. Wolfson, U.S.D.C.J., district of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage, Student Extern
PRACTICE AREAS:
- Criminal Defense
- DUI Defense
- Traffic Cases
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Cases
- Drug Crimes
- Felonies/Misdemeanors
- Sex Crimes
- Expungements
- Bench Warrants
Ken Poole, Esq.
EDUCATION:
- University of Florida, B.A., Cum Laude, 2001
- University of Florida, M.S., Business Administration, 2003
- University of Florida, J.D., 2005
- Florida
- Gainesville Office of the City Attorney
- Clerk for Civil Attorney Dora Kerner
- Juvenile Division of the State Attorney's Office for the 8th Judicial Circuit
- Assistant State Attorney with the State Attorney's Office of the 12th Judicial Circuit
- Jarvis case: AG's report cites confusion among police but says shooting was justified (New Hampshire Union Leader)
Two police officers who shot Anthony Jarvis 15 times in his camper last month were legally justified in using deadly force, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said in a preliminary report that details the confusion and miscommunication that occurred just before the shooting. - Hillsborough Fire Rescue Driver Hurt In Attack (The Tampa Tribune)
A Hillsborough County Fire Rescue employee was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital today after someone attacked him with a box cutter, officials say in a written statement. - CU's Riar Geer avoids jail (Boulder Daily Camera)
Family members and friends of University of Colorado football player Riar Geer lined up Monday to tell a judge why the tight end’s involvement in an off-campus brawl in March was “very out of character” and why he shouldn’t be sentenced to jail. - RUMBLE IN DISTRICT 8! (Orlando Weekly)
For nearly eight years, U.S. Rep. Ric Keller has been dutifully filling his seat in Congress, representing Central Florida as a staunch conservative. He’s been a reliable mouthpiece for the Bush administration, toeing the GOP line on immigration, gay marriage, war and stem cells. - ASD Fights to Re-Open Business UPDATE (WCTV Tallahassee)
Quincy internet advertising company Ad Surf Daily has filed a motion to re-open its doors. - Immigration at issue in crash (Gloucester County Times)
WOODBURY An illegal immigrant locked up on a death-by-auto charge out of Franklin Township had been living and working in New Jersey for four months before last month's deadly crash. - New officer struck down (New Hampshire Union Leader)
A former Marine who returned home after two tours in Iraq to serve his community as a Hopkinton police officer was killed minutes after his shift ended yesterday by an alleged drunken driver with numerous prior convictions.Sean M. Powers, 24, of Hillsborough, was riding home on his 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he was hit from behind at about 1:24 a.m. by a 1992 BMW sedan driven by ... - Deputy testifies at wrongful death trial (The Ocala Star-Banner)
OCALA - A former Marion County sheriff's deputy faced a withering cross-examination Thursday while fighting a federal wrongful death lawsuit in the case of a man he was trying to subdue after a chase into a dark, isolated field off Interstate 75.
Additional Questions or need further information?
David HaenelFinebloom and Haenel, P.A.
304 A East Baker Street
Plant City, FL 33563
Telephone: 866-653-4617
Fax: 941-365-6579
