|
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (DECEMBER 2008)
Defendant was observed driving at the Tampa International Airport. The booth operator, after speaking with defendant, smelled alcohol and watched as the defendant had difficulty accessing his truck for his parking stub. Tampa International Police arrived and arrested defendant for DUI. Defendant provided a breath sample of .214 but was unable to provide a second sample and the officers considered it a refusal. Armed with the lack of evidence of impairment, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref No. 253570-X)
DUI REDUCED TO A RECKLESS DRIVING (DECEMBER 2008)
Officers arrived on the scene of a truck partially parked in a ditch. Upon contact with the defendant, Tampa Police officers immediately assumed DUI and advised the defendant that they were completing their crash investigation and beginning a DUI investigation. Defendant refused to answer any questions, refused to perform field sobriety tests and later refused to provide a sample. Based on the lack of evidence, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No 9769-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (NOVEMBER 2008)
Defendant was stopped for doing in excess of 100 MPH on the interstate. Upon initial contact with the police, defendant exhibited signs of impairment including slurred speech, vomiting and difficulty balancing. After failing the roadside field sobriety exercises, defendant provided a breath sample of .116 and .117. After intensive negotiations with the state, and despite the mounting evidence of impairment, Stephen Higgins was able to keep defendant from being adjudicated guilty of a DUI. (Ref No. 3445-XAU)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – BREATH SAMPLE OF .166! (NOVEMBER 2008)
Defendant was traveling westbound on Kennedy near Armenia Ave. in Tampa at which time he was observed by a Tampa DUI officer weaving within his lane. On video obtained by defense counsel, defendant was seen weaving and crossing the lane markers. During the field sobriety exercises, defendant stepped off the line during the heel-to-toe (walk and turn) test and counted incorrectly. Defendant was unable to perform the one legged stand. At the jail, defendant provided a breath sample more than twice the legal limit (.166). On the eve of trial, Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving and because Stephen was able to win the administrative hearing, defendant never went without driving throughout the entire case! (Ref No. 0848-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (NOVEMBER 2008)
Defendant was observed speeding and stopped on suspicion of DUI. Upon initial contact with Tampa Police Officers, there is an odor of alcohol emitting from defendant's breath and the officers requested that she perform field sobriety exercises, which she failed. Defendant also admitted to drinking. At the jail, defendant provided a breath sample just under the legal limit. Despite evidence indicating impairment, Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney to reduce the charge to a Reckless Driving with a withhold of adjudication meaning defendant was not convicted of any crime! (Ref No. 4652-GEZ)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – (OCTOBER 2008)
Defendant was stopped for weaving by a Hillsborough County Deputy, failed the field sobriety exercises and blew a .156. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state to get the defendant's charge reduced to a Reckless Driving to prevent him from a conviction of DUI (job related) and prevent him from losing his license for an additional 6 months. (Ref. No. 8615-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (OCTOBER 2008)
A 911 call was placed reporting that the defendant was passed out in his car and did not appear to be coherent. On arrival, police officers noted that defendant was passed out and there were approximately 15-20 beer cans spread throughout the vehicle. Defendant was unable to perform Field Sobriety Exercises and provided a breath sample more than twice the legal limit (.176). Stephen Higgins mitigated for defendant regarding the 911 call as well as the circumstances surrounding the arrest and was able to get the charge reduced. (Ref. No. 724078-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION! (OCTOBER 2008)
At 17 years old, defendant was arrested for DUI after being observed speeding. Upon contact with the officer, defendant's breath smelled like alcohol and she failed to adequately perform the field sobriety exercises. Defendant later provided a breath sample indicating impairment. Because of her age and the low level of a breath sample, Stephen Higgins was able to convince the state attorney to reduce the charge without any conviction so defendant can eventually get the case sealed/expunged from her record. (Ref. No. 3559-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (OCTOBER 2008)
Defendant was stopped for speeding and pulled into Dunkin Donuts to perform Field Sobriety Exercises. On video, defendant performed the exercises in a satisfactory manner, but the officer arrested her anyway. She later refused to provide a breath sample. At pre-trial, Stephen Higgins kept the defendant from being convicted of the lesser charge of Reckless Driving, meaning she was not convicted of any crime. (Ref. No. 0855-XEB)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (OCTOBER 2008)
Defendant was driving on Dale Mabry in Tampa and was stopped for following too closely and flashing his high beams at the car in front of him. Tampa police officers initiated a traffic stop on defendant and immediately transported him to a nearby parking lot to perform Field Sobriety Exercises. On camera, Defendant, who was spanish speaking, had difficulty understanding the instructions during the Field Sobriety Exercises. The officers arrested defendant based on his failed performance and he later provided a breath sample over the legal limit (.081). Stephen Higgins was able to keep his client from ever returning to court (because he was an out of state resident) and keep him from being convicted of the lesser charge of Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 0510-XDY)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (OCTOBER 2008)
After blatantly running a red light directly in front of a deputy, defendant was stopped on suspicion of DUI. On video, defendant's speech sounds warbly and he appears to be off balance while walking. He admitted to drinking 3-4 beers. Defendant refused to perform Field Sobriety Exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. Arguing to the state attorney that they had nothing to prove DUI, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 8906-XCL)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (OCTOBER 2008)
Defendant was stopped in the City of Tampa for DUI. He refused to perform Field Sobriety Exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. Despite his mannerisms on video surveillance indicating impairment, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. Because defendant's administrative suspension of his driver's license was also invalidated, defendant NEVER went without driving throughout his entire case. (Ref. No. 0739-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – SECOND OFFENSE (OCTOBER 2008)
Officers arrived on the scene on suspicion of DUI because of an odor of alcohol on defendant's breath and other indicia of impairment. During the walk and turn test, defendant did not touch heel to toe and during the finger to nose test, defendant failed to touch her nose. Despite, these facts, and the fact that she had a prior offense, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving and keep defendant driving throughout her entire case. (Ref. No. 0200-XCG)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (OCTOBER 2008)
After attending a Tampa Bay Lightning game, defendant was stopped on suspicion of DUI for weaving within his lane. Defendant performed the Field Sobriety Exercises, but failed. He later refused to provide a breath sample. Arguing that the video showed defendant's decent performance on the exercises and the lack of any breath sample, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 1254-XCM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (SEPTEMBER 2008)
Defendant was followed by a Hillsborough County Deputy for several miles and eventually stopped in the parking lot of a convenient store. On video, defendant's driving pattern indicated signs of impairment. Defendant later failed the field sobriety tests, but refused to provide a breath sample. Despite the lengthy driving pattern caught on camera and the signs if impairment during the Field Sobriety Exercises, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving – with NO CONVICTION! (Ref No. 8884-XCL)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (SEPTEMBER 2008)
Defendant was stopped for speeding and running a stop sign. Despite a decent performance of the field sobriety exercises, including the walk and turn and raised leg test, the officer placed defendant under arrest. At the jail, defendant refused to provide a breath sample. After months of negotiating with the state attorney Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced from DUI to Reckless Driving without any conviction and keep the defendant's drivers license from being suspended. (Ref. No. 720498-X)
2ND DUI WITHIN 5 YEARS- REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (SEPTEMBER 2008)
Defendant was found asleep at the wheel on the shoulder of I-75. When paramedics and Florida Highway Patrol arrived, client's car moved forward and came into contact with the rear of the ambulance. Defendant failed the field sobriety tests and refused to provide a breath sample. There was no video surveillance of the field sobriety tests. With a prior offense within 5 years, defendant was facing a 5 year driver's license revocation. Knowing his client's need to drive, Stephen Higgins convinced the state attorney to reduce the charge to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 5555-XAU)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – .125 and .117! (SEPTEMBER 2008)
Defendant was stopped for weaving. Upon contact with the officer, defendant; breath omitted a strong odor of alcohol. He failed the field sobriety tests and later provided breath samples of .125 and .117. Based on his negotiations with the state attorney regarding the stop of defendant's vehicle as well as defendant's adequate performance on the FSE's, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced. (Ref. No. 461868-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – WITHHOLD OF ADJUDICATION (AUGUST 2008)
Defendant was stopped for speeding and drifting within his lane. On video, defendant refused to perform field sobriety exercises and later refused to provide a breath sample. Stephen Higgins was able to reach a negotiated resolution on the eve of trial with the state attorney to get the charge reduced and keep defendant from being adjudicated of any charges. (Ref No. 7392-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (AUGUST 2008)
Defendant was stopped for speeding and stopping abruptly at a red light. The stopping officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from defendant's breath and asked him to perform field sobriety exercises. Despite an adequate performance on the walk and turn and raised leg tests, defendant was arrested. He later refused to provide a breath sample. Based on the lack of evidence indicating impairment, either in defendant's driving pattern or breath sample, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 1118-XCG)
SECOND DUI OFFENSE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (AUGUST 2008)
Defendant was stopped for failure to maintain a single lane. After participating in Field Sobriety Exercises, the defendant was arrested and provided breath samples of .164 and .176. As a result, defendant was charged with her second DUI. Due to issues with the video surveillance in the case, lawyers at Finebloom & Haenel filed a motion to dismiss and pressured the state attorney into reducing the charge to Reckless Driving despite the level of defendant's breath sample. (Ref. No. 0944-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (AUGUST 2008)
Defendant was stopped for allegedly weaving and failing to maintain a lane and even driving off the road. He failed to perform the Field Sobriety Exercises properly and was arrested for DUI. After implied consent was read, he refused to provide a breath sample. At pre-trial, Stephen Higgins' month long negotiations with the state attorney resulted in a reduction of the charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 8559-XCL)
SECOND DUI WITHIN 5 WEEKS DISMISSED! (JULY 2008)
Defendant was charged with a second DUI within five weeks of his first offense. In the first DUI, defendant was stopped for weaving, failed Field Sobriety Exercises, provided a breath sample of .054 and provided a urine sample which tested positive for narcotics. Five weeks later, defendant was stopped for speeding too fast and weaving within his lane. His breath sample was .000 for alcohol, but his urine tested positive for drugs. Stephen Higgins was able to negotiate with the state attorney to drop the second DUI charge based on the facts, keep the defendant out of jail and keep defendant from losing his license for five years. (Ref No.'s 8165-FGK, 0154-GAA)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS – NO ADJUDICATION!! (JULY 2008)
Defendant was stooped for weaving. He later performed Field Sobriety Exercises and failed. At the jail, he provided breath samples of .130 and .135. After receiving the video, Stephen Higgins prepared a motion to suppress based on the stop of defendant's vehicle arguing that it did not rise to the level of weaving to indicate impairment defined in case law. The state attorney was forced to reduce the charge from a DUI to a Reckless Driving and withhold adjudication despite the level of defendant's breath sample. (Ref. No. 0197-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (JUNE 2008)
Defendant was stopped for weaving within her lane. Hillsborough County Deputies determined that she did not perform well on the Field Sobriety Exercises and she was arrested. At the jail, Defendant's breath test results were .130 and .127. Upon Finebloom & Haenel's investigation of the case, a drafted motion and discussion with the state attorney's office, the charge was reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 0880-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – .187 & 192!! (June 2008)
Defendant was stopped for allegedly squealing her tires and weaving within her lane. She failed field sobriety tests and provided a breath sample more than twice the legal limit. Negotiating with the state attorney to get the case reduced, Stephen Higgins argued the unlawful reason for the stop of her vehicle. On the date the case was set to be resolved, the State Attorney agreed to reduce the charge despite the high level of her blow. (Ref. 8476-XCL)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (June 2008)
Defendant was observed by a Hillsborough County deputy weaving and then driving over the center median of a four lane highway into traffic. On video, defendant's action were visible signs of impairment. Pending a motion to suppress based on destruction of evidence (because some portion of the video surveillance was missing), Stephen Higgins argued to get the case reduced to a Reckless Driving, with the minimal sanctions being imposed on the defendant. (Ref. 1522-XCM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING WITH 2 PRIORS AND BLOW OF .151!
(May 2008)
Defendant was observed by homeowners to have backed into their fence, causing it to fall over. They immediately called police, who arrested defendant after he failed field sobriety tests. He later provided breath samples of .146 and .151. Despite the overwhelming evidence of impairment, as well as TWO PRIOR DUI OFFENSES, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving with no additional license suspension. (Ref. 1578-XCM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for speeding in excess of 20 MPH over the limit on 272 Northbound. On video, defendant's speech was slurred and his performance on the Field Sobriety Exercises was inadequate. Defendant subsequently provided breath samples of .113 and .110. Stephen Higgins argued to reduce the charge, despite the level of the blow, based on miscommunication between the defendant (who was non-english speaking) and the arresting officer. The State Attorney reduced the charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 3287-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was stopped for speeding and squealing his tires. The Defendant was then asked to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant refused to take a breath test. Darren Finebloom pushed the case to trial and the State reduced the DUI charge. (Ref. 627309-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for weaving and failing to maintain a single lane. He later provided a breath sample of .175, more than twice the legal limit. After reviewing the evidence and the scene of arrest, Stephen Higgins argued that the stop was unlawful given the inadequate time the officer followed the defendant and the unsupported statements in the police report. Despite the defendant's breath sample, the State Attorney reduced the charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 3806-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was arrested on suspicion of DUI after the stopping officer observed him make a 360 degree turn on the middle of the roadway. Defendant failed Field Sobriety Exercises and provided a breath sample of .083. On the eve of trial, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. 3874-XDQ)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for driving without headlights. Once stopped, defendant performed, and failed Field Sobriety Tests and later provided a breath sample of .095. Stephen Higgins argued that the stop of defendant's vehicle was unlawful and as was able to negotiate with the State Attorney to reduce the charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 0266-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant, a school teacher, was charged with DUI and risked losing her teacher's license and career. She was found asleep in the parking lot of a gas station, was unable to satisfactorily perform Field Sobriety Exercises and provided a breath sample of .104. Because of her employment and the specific facts of her case regarding the 'stop' of her vehicle, Stephen Higgins was able to negotiate with the State Attorney to reduce the charge to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. 3539-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION
Defendant, a college student, retained Stephen Higgins and David Haenel after being charged with DUI. Defendant was arrested because he was found in his car in the school parking lot, allegedly vomiting out the driver's side window. Defendant failed Field Sobriety Tests and refused to provide a breath sample. Stephen filed a Motion to Suppress based on the stop of defendant's vehicle. Pending the Motion to Suppress, the State Attorney reduced the charge to Reckless Driving without any conviction. (Ref. 3861-XDQ)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION
Defendant was stopped on suspicion of DUI and provided a breath sample below the legal limit (.069). Stephen Higgins reached a negotiated settlement to reduce the charge to Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. 6905-ELQ).
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION FOR LEAVING THE SCENE
Defendant was arrested for DUI after fleeing the scene of an accident and returning to her home. Upon arrival, the Officer observed the defendant emerge from her house with slurred speech, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol. Defendant refused to perform Field Sobriety Tests and refused to provide a breath sample. Pending a Motion to Suppress based on witness testimony and evidence in the police report, Stephen Higgins negotiated with the State Attorney to reduce the charge to Reckless Driving and withhold adjudication on the Leaving the Scene of an Accident charge. (Ref. 1975-XCG)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was on probation for DUI when he was arrested for a second DUI. Lawyers at Finebloom & Haenel filed a Motion to Dismiss the new DUI charge based on lack of evidence that the defendant was driving the vehicle. Pending the Motion to Dismiss, lawyers at Finebloom & Haenelwas able to keep the defendant out of jail and the State agreed to reduce the DUI to Reckless Driving without any conviction, dismiss the Leaving the Scene of an Accident Charge and the Driving While License Suspended charge and reinstate his probation to complete the terms. (Ref. 6211-XDN)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for speeding and subsequently failed to perform Field Sobriety Exercises including the walk and turn and the raised leg tests. Defendant later provided breath samples of .117 and .123. Based on the video surveillance of the roadside exercises and the lack of any criminal history and despite the blow over the legal limit, Stephen Higgins and David Haenel were able to reduce the DUI charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 8940-XDK)
DUI TO RECKLESS DRIVING, FELONY DL CHARGE TO MISDEMEANOR
Defendant, a college student, was stopped for allegedly having his music too loud on campus. He was asked to get out of his car, did field sobriety exercises and later had a breath sample of .12. He was charged with DUI and Unlawful Possession of a Drivers License (fake ID). Stephen Higgins was able to get the felony license charge reduced to a misdemeanor and the DUI reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 3888-XAM)
DUI WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant, a student, became distracted in his vehicle and crashed into the front of a Circle K store. The defendant submitted to field sobriety tests, provided a breath test above the legal limit and had a prior DUI which was reduced to Reckless Driving. Despite these facts, Stephen Higgins was able to negotiate with the State based on the facts of the case and the charge was reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7811-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was involved in a crash with another vehicle as he misjudged a turn. The defendant submitted to field sobriety tests and provided a breath test. Based on the facts and circumstances lawyers at Finebloom & Haenel were able to negotiate a reduction in the charge from DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 8937-XDK)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was charged with DUI after being found by the police in a parking lot, asleep behind the wheel. Police arrived on the scene and after requesting defendant perform field sobriety tests, arrested him for suspicion of DUI. Defendant later provided a breath sample of .105 and .104. Pending a motion to suppress based on lack of actual physical control of the vehicle, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 9691-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for weaving within his lane and making an improper lane change. Defendant was asked to perform field sobriety tests and after being arrested, provided breath samples of .150, .125 and .135. Working in tandem, Darren Finebloom and Stephen Higgins reviewed the evidence against the defendant. First, they reviewed the video of the Field Sobriety Tests and noticed that defendants performance was excellent. Second, they filed a motion to suppress the results of the breath samples because of the inconsistent results. On the eve of trial, and despite defendants high breath alcohol content, Darren Finebloom and Stephen Higgins were able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 9230-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for speeding 25 miles an hour over the speed limit. Defendant performed field sobriety tests, but refused to provide a breath sample. Arguing that the video was malfunctioning and therefore the state lacked evidence to indicate the defendant was impaired, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 339965-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant, an out of state resident, was stopped for making an illegal turn and proceeding the wrong way on a one way street. Defendant performed field sobriety tests on video and later provided a breath sample of .120 and .115. Post Miranda, defendant admitted to having had several drinks. Despite this evidence, and through vigorous negotiations with the state attorney and on the eve of trial, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 6095-XDN)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for driving on a flat tire. Defendant performed superbly on the field sobriety tests which were captured on video. Defendant later agreed to provide a breath sample, and blew a .138 and .142. Despite this very high blow, Stephen Higgins was able to negotiate with the stat attorney, discuss the performance on the filed sobriety tests and get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7939-XAU)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for speeding. Despite a pre-existing medical condition, defendant performed field sobriety tests and because of his medical condition, performed them poorly. Defendant later provided a breath sample of .095 and .094. Arguing that the medical condition was in fact the cause for the poor performance of the field sobriety tests, and despite the evidence of a breath alcohol content over the legal limit, Stephen Higgins was able to negotiate with the state attorney and get the case reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7321-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for suspicion of DUI and later provided a breath sample of .104 and .100. After negotiating with the state attorney regarding the reason for the stop, which defense attorney Stephen Higgins argued was invalid, and based on the low breath alcohol sample, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 1760-XCA)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant's car was found in a ditch with defendant behind the wheel. Defendant was subsequently arrested for DUI and Criminal Driving with a Suspended License. Defendant provided a breath sample of .122 and .117. Stephen Higgins pushed the case on the theory that the state could not prove actual physical control of the vehicle and was successful in dropping the charge from a DUI to Reckless Driving and dismissing the criminal driving while license suspended. (Ref. 9212-XCF, 6682-EOL)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was arrested for DUI, his 2nd offense within 5 years, and leaving the scene of an accident after hitting two cars and a stop sign. Defendant refused both field sobriety tests and breath tests. At the jail, defendant requested medical assistance because of a severe diabetic condition, but was refused. On the eve of trial, and after Stephen Higgins subpoenaed jail personnel to potentially provide damaging testimony, the DUI charge was reduced to Reckless Driving and the defendant was not adjudicated of leaving the scene of the accident. (Ref. 8609-XCF, 2638-EQZ)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was arrested for DUI after being observed speeding and provided a breath sample of .112 and .116. During discovery negotiations, Stephen Higgins ascertained that the State had lost a videotape pertaining to defendants alleged driving. Despite the breath sample over the legal limit, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced from DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 127785-W)
FELONY DUI – NO PRISON
Defendant was arrested for his fourth DUI and driving on a permanent revocation. During vigorous negotiations with the state, Stephen Higgins was able to keep his defendant out of prison. (Ref. 06-CF-20979)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was arrested for DUI after the police officers observed him swerving and making an illegal turn. Defendant refused field sobriety tests and police indicated that client refused to provide breath sample, despite client attempting to blow in the machine. Absent any video of a driving pattern, and on the eve of trial, Stephen Higgins was able to reduce the charge from a DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7989-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped by the police for weaving and allegedly crossing the fog line and was subsequently arrested for DUI and provided a breath sample of .136 and .136. Stephen Higgins filed a Motion to Suppress based on an invalid stop and the state reduced the charge from a DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 8138-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was arrested for DUI after a police officer observed defendant step out of the passengers seat at a red light and switch seats with the driver and then drive approximately two miles to his apartment complex. Absent any video and after refusing the breath test, Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state to reduce the charge from DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7779-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was pulled over for driving without headlights. Defendant subsequently consented to field sobriety tests and providing a breath sample, which resulted in a .125 and .130. Pending a motion to supress based on a pretextual stop for driving without headlights, Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state reduced the case from a DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 5416-XDN)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was pulled over for an illegal turn. Client failed field sobriety tests and initially complied to provide a breath sample, which registered .135. During discovery, the state failed to provide vital evidence to support defendants case. As a result, Stephen Higgins was able to reduce the charge from a DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7992-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for making an illegal U-Turn and subsequently failed to perform field sobriety tests adequately. Defendant provided a breath sample of .70 and .69. Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state to reduce the case to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7408-ELP)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for allegedly speeding and weaving within his lane. During the performance of the field sobriety tests, defendant miscounted on the heel to toe and failed to listen to instructions during the finger-to-nose test. At the Central Breath Station at the jail, defendant provided a breath sample of .115 and .113, well over the legal limit. Despite the poor performance on the field sobriety tests as well as the level of the defendant breath alcohol content Stephen Higgins was able to reduce the charge to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. 7539-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Defendant was stopped for making an illegal u-turn, and subsequently provided field sobriety tests. Based on defendants very good performance on his field sobriety tests on the video as well as the lack of any breath sample, counsel for the defendant Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney to reduce the charge to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. 9670-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The defendant was stopped by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs office for being involved in a dispute outside of a bar. The Defendant explained to the police that she helped a friend who was being beaten up and that was the only reason she drove. The police arrested her for DUI nevertheless. The defendant blew over twice the legal limit in the state of Florida. Stephen Higgins and Darren Finebloom set the case for trial and used the defense of necessity. Upon review of case law provided to the State Attorney, the State Attorney's Office reduced the DUI to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. 731836-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was stopped for several traffic infractions including driving below the posted speed limit and weaving within her lane. The defendant was then asked to perform some field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The defendant blew a .107. Darren Finebloom set the case for trial and just before the trial the DUI was reduced to a reckless driving. (Ref. 5655-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The defendant was found asleep behind the wheel with the keys in the ignition. The police approached the vehicle and attempted to awaken the defendant. After several attempts they forced the defendant out of the vehicle and he was arrested for DUI. The Defendant refused to give a sample of his breath. Darren Finebloom set the case for trial and on the day of jury selection the State reduced the charge. (Ref. 6395-XAF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The defendant was stopped for speeding in Hillsborough County. He was asked to perform field sobriety tests and subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant took a breath test. Stephen Higgins set the case for trial and the charges were reduced from DUI to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 731471-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was stopped for speeding. The Defendant was then asked to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant refused to take a breath test. Darren Finebloom pushed the case to trial and the State reduced the DUI charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 3008-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was stopped for speeding. The Defendant was then asked to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant refused to take a breath test. Darren Finebloom pushed the case to trial and the State reduced the DUI charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 5792-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was then asked to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant refused to take a breath test. Stephen Higgins pushed the case to trial and the State reduced the DUI charge. (Ref. 7805-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was involved in an accident. The Defendant was then asked to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant took a breath test and blew over the legal limit. Darren Finebloom pushed the case to trial and the State dropped the DUI charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 729112-X)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
The Defendant was stopped for driving without headlights. The Defendant was then asked to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. The Defendant took a breath test and blew over the legal limit. David Haenel filed a motion to suppress because the stop was of the vehicle was unlawful. The State Attorney reduced the charge to Reckless Driving. (Ref. 2043-XAM)
|
