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Tampa DUI Charges Reduced-DUI with Refusal Amended to Reckless Driving With No Conviction
Ref. No. 03722-XDQ May 20, 2011 Judge Courtnet
Defendant was arrested after making an illegal u-turn in front of a law enforcement officer from the University of South Florida Police Department. Defendant submitted to field sobriety tests and following his performance on the exercises he was arrested. He told the officer that he didn't believe he was impaired and when he got to the jail he refused to submit to a breath test. After hours of negotiation with the state attorney, the state agreed to reduce the case and the client was very happy with the end result and is now eligible to seal the case to remove it from the public record.
Tampa DUI Charges Reduced-DUI with Refusal Amended to a Recklesss Driving
Ref. No. 00190-XEH May 13, 2011 Judge Grieco
Tampa DUI Charges Reduced – DUI With 0.19 Breath Sample Amended to Reckless Driving With No Conviction
Ref. No. 5972-XEC
Defendant was arrested for weaving and failure to maintain a single lane. Tampa police officers followed her for a few miles, stopped her and arrested her after she failed to satisfactorily perform field sobriety exercises. She was transported to Central Breath Testing and provided a breath sample of .19. Upon review of the video, DUI defense lawyer Stephen Higgins filed a motion to suppress the evidence against her based on the stop of her vehicle. Stephen was able to get her DUI charge reduced to Reckless Driving (with no conviction) and minimum sanctions. Because of the result in her case, she is eligible to seal her case.
Case 6321-XEL, May 12, 2010 Judge Courtney
NO CONVICTION FOR ANY CHARGE! – Defendant retained Stephen Higgins on his DUI. Defendant was stopped for following too closely and failure to maintain a single lane. Deputies smelled alcohol and requested that defendant perform field sobriety exercises, which defendant failed. He refused to provide a breath sample. Stephen was able to beat the license suspension at the DMV allowing defendant to reinstate his full driving privileges. On the criminal side of the case, Stephen was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving, with no conviction, no probation and no community service hours.
Case 7153-XEF, May 11, 2010 Judge Conrad
NO CONVICTION FOR DUI –Defendant was stopped by Hillsborough Deputies after they observed her car hit and drive over a curb. Defendant had trouble exiting the car and was unable to perform the field sobriety exercises. She later admitted to drinking, but refused to provide a breath same. On the eve of trial, Stephen Higgins got the charge amended to Reckless Driving.
April 28, 2010 Case number 2849-XDY – Judge McNeil
NO DUI CONVICTION – Defendant was operating a motor vehicle in Hillsborough County and was stopped by Hillsborough County Deputies for an expired tag. Deputies smelled alcohol and the defendant admitted to drinking. He failed Field Sobriety Exercises but refused the breath sample. Stephen Higgins argued lack of probable cause to arrest and was able to get the charge amended to Reckless Driving.
April 20, 2010 Case Number 1537-XDY – Judge Huey
No DUI Conviction – Defendant, a CDL driver, was observed by Hillsborough County Deputy for speeding 70 in a 45 MPH zone. After being stopped, the Defendant performed field sobriety exercises and failed. Defendant was transported to Orient Road jail where he provided breath samples of .103 and .109. Defendant also admitted to drinking 4 Corona beers. Despite the evidence of impairment, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving.
April 14, 2010 Case Number 7565-XEF – Judge Lefler
NO DUI CONVICTION – .158!!! Defendant was stopped for traveling over the solid white bar at a pedestrian cross walk. The defendant was then observed driving straight in a right turn only lane. Tampa Police Officers smelled an odor of alcohol on her breath and she failed field sobriety exercises. At Central Breath Testing at the Orient Road Jail, defendant provided a breath sample of .158. Stephen Higgins argued that there was lack of probable cause for the stop of her vehicle, and despite the breath sample, kept his client from being convicted of a DUI.
April 6, 2010 Case number 6436-XAM – Judge Huey
NO CONVICTION – NO LICENSE SUSPENSION– Defendant was stopped on Howard Ave. for erratic driving and for almost rear-ending a taxi cab. Upon contact, Tampa Police Officers smelled an odor of alcohol on his breath. Defendant was unable to follow instructions during the field sobriety exercises and was arrested. The defendant refused to provide a breath sample. Stephen Higgins got the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction and he beat the DMV suspension of defendant's license.
April 2010 – Case 6468-XEL – Judge McNeil
NO CONVICTION FOR DUI –Defendant was stopped on Turkey Creek Road for speeding. Defendant had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol on her breath. She was unable to satisfactorily complete the FSE's and was arrested. She later provided breath samples of .102 and .100. Despite evidence of impairment, Stephen Higgins argued lack of probable cause for the arrest and was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving.
April 2010 1778-XDY – Judge Conrad
NO CONVICTION FOR DUI – Defendant was observed to be sleeping behind the wheel at a green light on the corner of Duncan Road and US HWY 301. Deputies arrived and requested that she perform FSE, which she failed. Defendant refused to provide a breath sample. Pending a motion to suppress based on an illegal stop, Stephen Higgins was able to get the DUI charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction.
March 2010 – Case 6661-XAM, Judge Thomas
NO CONVCTION FOR DUI – Defendant, a special operative with the British Army, was observed on the corner of Kennedy and Armenia stopped at a green light. Tampa police followed the defendant and observed him weaving over the double yellow lines. Defendant was stopped and asked to perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed. He provided breath samples of .124 and .126. Despite evidence of DUI, Stephen Higgins was able to get the DUI charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no probation.
March 2010 – Judge Lefler
NO CONVICTION FOR ANY CHARGE –Defendant was stopped for weaving and failing to maintain a single lane. Upon contact with the defendant, Tampa police officers smelled alcohol and asked her to perform FSE's. She failed. She was transported to CBT at Orient Road jail and refused to provide a breath sample. Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction.
March 2010 – Judge Huey
NO CONVICTION FOR ANY CHARGE AND NO LICNESE SUSPENSION-Defendant was stopped by Hillsborough County Deputies for weaving and interfering with other traffic. Defendant had difficulty communicating wit the Deputy and failed Field Sobriety Exercises. She was arrested and transported to CBT and provided breath samples of .099 and .096. Stephen Higgins was able to beat the license suspension allowing defendant to retain her full driving privileges and beat the DUI and get it amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction.
Case 3437-XDY, Judge Huey
NO CONVICTION FOR DUI – 2nd OFFENSE in 5 YEARS – Defendant was stopped for speeding 75 in a 60 MPH zone. Deputies smelled the odor of alcohol on defendant's breath and requested that he perform field sobriety exercises, which he failed. Post Miranda, defendant admitted that he felt the effect of alcohol and that he should not have been driving. Despite this damaging evidence and a prior offense within 5 years, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving, saving client from jail and a 5 year driver's license revocation.
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING DESPITE A BREATH TEST OF 0.133
Hillsborough County Deputies received an anonymous call that a person was driving erratically and gave a last known location of the vehicle in a CVS parking lot. Deputies arrived and found defendant illegally parked in a handicap spot with vomit on the exterior of the door. Deputies approached and requested that defendant perform Field Sobriety Exercises which he failed. He was taken to Orient Road Jail and provided a breath sample of .133. Tampa DUI lawyer, arguing that the "stop" of defendant vehicle violated his 4th Avengement rights was able to get the DUI charges reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 5814-XEC)
CLIENT BLOWS TWICE THE LEGAL LIMT BUT KEEPS HIS LICENSE AND CHARGES ARE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Tampa Police Officer arrived at McDill AirForce Base at the request of military personnel stating that defendant was at the entry gate attempting to pay a toll, apparently thinking he was on the Crosstown Expressway. Officers requested that defendant perform Field Sobriety Exercises which he failed. Defendant also admitted to drinking 'a couple of shots.' Defendant was arrested, transported to Orient Road jail and provided a breath sample of .165. Arguing that a critical portion of the arrest report was missing, Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving. The lawyers at Finebloom & Haenel were also able to invalidate the suspension of defendant's license meaning defendant was never without the privilege to drive. (Ref. No. 1024-XCM)
DUI Amended to Reckless – .188, .190!! – No Conviction
Defendant was stopped at the corner of Florida Ave. and Bearss Avenue in Tampa for making an illegal u-turn. Deputies smelled an odor of alcohol coming from her breath and requested that she perform field sobriety exercises which she failed. She was arrested, transported to central breath testing and blew a .188 and .190. Despite the level of her breath sample and performance on the FSE's, our Tampa DUI lawyer was able to get her charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction! (Ref. No. 0837-XDY)
DUI Amended to Reckless Driving
Defendant was stopped on Ashley Drive after Tampa Police officers observed him driving erratically on Kennedy Blvd, weaving in his lane, changing speeds and speeding. Upon contact with the officers, defendant appeared unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and failed the sobriety exercises. Defendant was arrested and refused to provide a breath sample. Despite the evidence, Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 0610-XCM)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – (NOVEMBER 2009)
Defendant was stopped for speeding and was observed by the officer to have bloodshot eyes, wavering upon exiting the vehicle and slurred speech. Defendant was unable to maintain his balance during the walk and turn test and had difficulty understanidng the deputy's instructions. Defendant was booked into Hillsborough County Jail on the charge of DUI. Tampa, Florida criminal defense attorney Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 8410-XAM)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING, LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT – NO CONVICTION (NOVEMBER 2009)
Defendant was observed by 3 independent witnesses hitting a vehicle and leaving the scene of the accident. The witnesses spoke to the arriving deputy and positively identified the defendant as the driver. Defendant was noticeably confused during the Field Sobriety Exercises and thought he was on McDill Air Force Base. On video, after being arrested, officer found a bottle of crown royal half empty in defendant's vehicle. Despite the overwhelming evidence of impairment including a breath sample, DUI defense lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the DUI reduced to a Reckless Driving and keep defendant from being convicted of all charges. (Ref No. 6576-SPR)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (NOVEMBER 2009) (Ref. No. 0289-FXS) DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – (NOVEMBER 2009)
Defendant was stopped for weaving within his lane as well as speeding. On video, defendant exited the car and showed slight signs of impairment. Defendant refused to perform Field Sobriety Exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 0608-XCM)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (NOVEMBER 2009)
Defendant was observed driving on Jefferson Street and struck the raised median and several lane dividers as he was almost thrown from his motorcycle. The stopping officer observed bloodshot eyes and smelled an odor of alcohol and contacted a DUI officer. During Field Sobriety Exercises, defendant exhibited signs of impairment and was arrested. Defendant refused to provide a breath sample. Criminal DUI lawyer, Stephen Higgins, negotiated with the state attorrney to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 1109-XCM)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (OCTOBER 2009)
Defendant was traveling west on Brandon Blvd. and then on Falkenburg Road in Tampa, Florida and was observed by a Hillsborough County Deputy to be speeding (90/70) and driving without headlights. The Deputy smelled an odor of alcohol on his breath and requested that he perform Field Sobriety Excercises. The Deputy claimed that defendant was stumbling, failing to follow instructions and failing to maintain his balance. Defendant was unable to count backwards from 100-79. At the Hillsborough County Jail, defendant refused to provide a breath sample. Tampa, Florida DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins kept the defendant from being convicted of any charge and was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 2847-XDY)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (OCTOBER 2009)
Defendant was traveling eastbound on 7th Avenue in Tampa, Florida without his headlights on. He was stopped by Tampa Police and was asked to perform Field Sobriety Excercises. Officers found a case of beer in his back seat. At the Hillsborough County Jail, he refused to provide a breath sample. Stephen Higgins, a Tampa, Florida DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer, was able to keep the defendant from being convicted of the lesser charge of Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 6291-XAM)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (OCTOBER 2009)
Defendant was stopped at 4 o'clock in the afternoon by Hillsborough County Deputies for weaving on Dale Mabry in Tampa, Florida. Defendant spoke to the deputies and admitted to drinking the night before, but denied drinking during the day. Defendant consented to Field Sobriety Excercises and, according to the Hillsborough County Deputies, failed miserably. He was unable to stand without stumbling, unable to perform the excercises and his speech was noticeably slurred. At the Hillsborough County jail, defendant refused to provide a breath sample. Tampa, Florida DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state and, on the eve of trail, kept the defendant from being convicted of a DUI. As a result of also winning the challenge to the initial license suspension, defendant never went without driving. (Ref. No. 0326-XCG)
2ND OFFENSE DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS! (September 2009)
Defendant was observed driving on Dale Mabry and proceeded to stop too late and skidded into the intersection of Dale Mabry and Hamilton. When the light turned green, the defendant was observed to have accelerated at a high rate of speed. Deputies stopped defendant and requested that he perform field sobriety excercises, which he failed. At Pre-Trial, Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins presented inconsistencies to the state attorney contained within the police report as well as photographic evidence of the intersection where defendant was stopped. Depsite having a prior offense, the charge was reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 0655-XDY)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (September 2009)
Defendant was stopped for speeding on Adamo Drive (St. Road 60) in Brandon, Florida and the Deputy noticed an odor of alcohol coming from his breath. He admitted to drinking, submitted to Field Sobriety Tests, failed, and later provided a breath sample above the legal limit. Based on Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins investigation into the facts of the case, the quality of his performance on the Field Sobriety Tests and the circumstances of his case, the DUI charge was reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 2090-XDY)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – .141, .142!! (September 2009)
Defendant was observed driving in Hillsborough County and was stopped for following too closely. Officers stopped defendant, arrested him after he failed Field Sobriety Excercises and defendant later provided a breath sample of .14. Over the course of several months, Tampa DUI attorney Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney regarding the video surveillance obtained in the case and was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving despite the level of defendant's blow. (Ref. No. 6993-XAM)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS – NO CONVICTION (September 2009)
After a night in Hyde Park – Tampa, defendant was stopped for speeding and failure to maintain a single lane. She submitted to Field Sobriety Excercises but failed. She was transproted to the jail and attempted to provide a breath sample. Deputies claimed she was improperly providing a sample, but she explained that she had asthma and was unable to blow properly. Deputies marked her case as a 'refusal'. Based on this, Tampa DUI lawyers Stephen Higgins and Darren Finebloom were able to succesfully challenge the suspension of defendant's license (and reinstate her full driving privileges) and get her DUI charge amended to a Reckless Driving – with no conviction!!
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – ALL DUI CHARGES DROPPED!
Defendant was charged with DUI in Tampa, Florida after he and a vehicle were found in a ditch. Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins, arguing vigorously on behalf of his client, refused to take an offer by the Pinellas County State Attorney's office to reduce the charge. Knowing that they could not prove that defendant was 'driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle,' Stephen pushed the case to trial. Immediately prior to a jury being sworn, the State Attorney dropped all charges. Because Stephen had won the administrative hearing regarding defendant's license, defendant never went one day without driving and no charges related to the incident will appear on his driving record. (Ref. No. CTC088661XAUASP)
DUI DROPPED!!
Defendant was pulled over in Tampa, Florida for allegedly running a red light. Defendant failed field sobriety exercises and was placed under arrest. At the jail, Sheriffs Office Personnel alleged defendant refused to provide a breath or urine analysis even after defendant provided a breath sample of .04. Counsel for the Defendant, Tampa DUI attorney Stephen Higgins, vigorously pushed the state to the brink of trial, arguing that defendant was stopped unlawfully, placed under unlawful arrest and did not refuse to provide a breath or alcohol sample. The State dropped the case. (Ref. 7518-XAM)
DUI CHARGES DROPPED!
The defendant was arrested in Tampa in his front yard at 8:00 AM for DUI. He was unable to perform field sobriety exercises and provided a breath sample of .24. Stephen Higgins refused to take any offer from the state attorney other than a dismissal. He argued that the State could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his client was DUI because there was no evidence the defendant was ever driving the vehicle. On the eve of trial, after lengthy negotiations, the State Attorney dismissed all charges. (Ref. 9173-XCF)
DUI DROPPED!
After being arrested in Tampa for DUI involved in an accident and later providing a breath sample of .161 and .163, the defendant absconded and moved to another state. After several months, defendant retained Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins to represent her on the DUI charges in Tampa and remove the warrant for her arrest. After reviewing the evidence, Stephen became aware that witnesses were not going to be available to testify against defendant. On the eve of trial, all DUI charges were dismissed. (Ref. 094726-J)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS AND LICENSE REINSTATED! (JUNE 2009)
Defendant was pulled from a burning car by a passerby who claimed our client was in the driver's seat. Defendant left the scene and the passerby spoke to Plant City Officers on the scene. Florida Highway Patrol arrived and arrested defendant after he failed Field Sobriety Exercises. He subsequently provided a breath sample of .189. Finebloom & Haenel successfully argued to have his license suspension invalidated and, after presenting a motion to dismiss, negotiated with the state attorney to amend the charge to Reckless Driving – No Conviction with payment of court costs. (Ref. No. 9894-XAU)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION - NO DMV LICENSE SUSPENSION (JUNE 2009)
Defendant was stopped by Temple Terrace Police department on Fowler Avenue for improper lane change and speeding. Defendant was observed by the officer to have glassy eyes and slurred speech. She failed Field Sobriety Exercises, was arrested and provided a breath sample of .107 and .103. Despite evidence of impairment, Tampa DUI attorney Stephen Higgins was able to win her DMV hearing and reinstate her full driving privileges and get her charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 5905-XDT)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (JUNE 2009)
Defendant was stopped on North Interstate 75 by a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy for weaving within her lane and following too closely. As the officer continued to follow defendant, he observed her turn onto Sligh Avenue and strike the curb. He conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the defendant. As defendant exited the vehicle, she stumbled and leaned against the door and her breath smelled like alcohol. She was placed under arrest. Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney's office to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction! (Ref. No. 0588-XDY)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (JUNE 2009)
Defendant was stopped on E. Fowler by Temple Terrace Police Department for excessive speed (70 in a posted 50 MPH). Defendant was observed to have glassy eyes and slurred speech. She failed Field Sobriety Exercises because she was off balance and failed to follow instructions. She was placed under arrest and refused to provide a breath sample. At pre-trial, Tampa DUI attorney Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 0899-XEB)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (JUNE 2009)
A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy arrived on the scene of an accident and learned from witnesses that defendant was operating a vehicle at the time of the accident. Deputies approached the defendant and suspected that he may be impaired. Defendant failed Field Sobriety Exercises and was arrested. At the jail, defendant provided a breath sample, which indicated no alcohol in his system (.000). Defendant provided a urine sample which tested positive for illegal substances. Despite the video surveillance indicating impairment as well as positive urine results, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 7420-GCO)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION – (MAY 2009)
Client was stopped at a DUI checkpoint. The client performed field sobriety exercises and was arrested, later refusing the breath test. After a motion was filed regarding the checkpoint and a video of the field sobriety exercises was obtained, lawyers at Finebloom & Haenel were able to secure a Reckless Driving for the client with a withhold of adjudication. (Ref. No. 3769-XCO)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION – CRASH! (MAY 2009)
Florida Highway Patrol arrived on the scene of an accident after client had allegedly crashed his car into a ditch. Witnesses on the scene claimed they could establish that defendant was the driver of the vehicle. Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney and argued that the state would not be able to produce a 'wheel witness' to prove their case. Stephen was able to resolve the case to the lesser charge of Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 6214-XCB)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (APRIL 2009)
Defendant left work at the Blue Martini in Tampa, Florida and was stopped on Brandon Blvd. for weaving within her lane. The Hillsborough County Deputy who arrived on the scene never stated that he smelled an odor of alcohol emanating from her breath and later requested defendant perform Field Sobriety Exercises. Defendant performed satisfactorily on video despite having worked until four o'clock in the morning. Defendant was arrested for DUI and refused to provide a breath sample. On the eve of a Motion to Suppress, Tampa DUI attorney Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney to amend/lessen the charge to Reckless Driving with no conviction – making defendant eligible to expunge/seal her record. (Ref No. 0119-XDL)
DUI AMENDED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (APRIL 2009)
Defendant was stopped for speeding on 301. Defendant performed very well on Field Sobriety Exercises and later provided both a breath sample as well as a urine sample. Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction and defendant was never without driving even after being arrested for DUI. (Ref. No. 9735-FYR)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (MARCH 2009)
Defendant was stopped for running a red light on the corner of Nebraska and Bougainvillea in Tampa. Tampa Police officers conducted a traffic stop and immediately noticed the odor of alcohol coming from the defendant's vehicle. Defendant was asked to perform Field Sobriety Exercises and refused. He later refused to provide a breath sample. In court, Tampa DUI Defense Attorney Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 8975-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – .158 BAC!!!! (MARCH 2009)
Defendant was stopped on the corner of King Blvd. & Orient Road for weaving and failing to maintain a single lane. Defendant attempted to perform Field Sobriety Exercises but failed. After being arrested, defendant provided a breath sample of .158 and .156. After many months of negotiating regarding the facts of the case and the defendant's military status, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving, preventing defendant from losing his military position. (Ref. No. 3572-XCO)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (FEBRUARY 2009)
Defendant was stopped for erratic driving on Bruce B Downs Blvd. Upon contact with the defendant, the Hillsborough County Deputy smelled an odor of alcohol coming from the defendant's breath. The Deputy asked the defendant to perform field sobriety exercises, but the defendant refused. Defendant also refused to provide a breath sample. Noting the lack of evidence the state attorney had to prove impairment, Tampa DUI defense lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving without any conviction, and because the suspension of the defendant's license was invalidated by the DMV, defendant NEVER went without driving. (Ref. No. 0094-XDL)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (FEBRUARY 2009)
Defendant was stopped for driving the wrong direction on Cleveland Street and for failure to respond to a traffic signal on Platt Street. Upon request by the Deputy, the defendant performed Field Sobriety Exercises, but did so inadequately according to the Deputy. Defendant later refused to provide a breath sample. In his negotiations with the state attorney, Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins convinced the state attorney that the video, including the driving pattern and the performance of the FSE's was not enough to provide impairment. In court, Stephen was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving with no conviction. (Ref. No. 8760-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (FEBRUARY 2009)
Defendant was observed to be passed out in the McDonald's parking lot. Upon arrival, Hillsborough County deputies immediately assumed defendant was impaired. Defendant was somewhat uncooperative and refused to perform Field Sobriety Exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. Despite the video surveillance showing some signs of impairment as well as the reason the deputies arrived on the scene, Tampa DUI attorney Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 8393-XCL)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – NO CONVICTION (FEBRUARY 2009)
After being stopped for speeding, defendant, a student at University of South Florida, was asked to perform Field Sobriety Exercises. On video, her performance was excellent and she later provided a breath sample of .089 and .089. After negotiating with the state attorney's office, criminal DUI defense lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving without any conviction. (Ref. No. 8918-XAM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (JANUARY 2009)
In yet another case involving a single vehicle accident, Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. The facts demonstrated that defendant was found in his car on the side of the road which had apparently slid into an embankment. When Hillsborough County deputies arrived, defendant refused to talk, refused to perform field sobriety exercises and refused to provide a breath sample. Commonly referred to as a "Double Refusal Case," the state attorney simply had very little evidence of impairment. (Ref. No. 9769-XCF)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (JANUARY 2009)
Even though defendant admitted to drinking two margaritas and providing a breath sample of .123, Tampa Florida DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins was still able to get the DUI charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. Defendant was stopped by Hillsborough County deputies for weaving within his lane and performed Field Sobriety Exercises on video. Defendant's performance of the exercises was excellent thereby failing to demonstrate any significant signs of impairment. Arguing to the State Attorney's office that a jury would not believe that the deputy had a valid reason for a DUI arrest, Stephen convinced them to reduce the charge. (Ref. No. 1223-XCM)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (JANUARY 2009)
Defendant was observed by Temple Terrace Police Officer to be driving without headlights. Officers conducted a traffic stop, smelled an odor of alcohol emanating from defendant's breath and asked him to perform field sobriety exercises. On video, the results of the exercises showed signs of impairment. After arrest, defendant provided breath samples of .172 and .158. Despite the overwhelming evidence of DUI, Tampa Florida DUI defense lawyer Stephen Higgins negotiated with the state attorney's office and got the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving primarily because of the reason for the stop of defendant's vehicle. (Ref. No. 5915-XDT)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING – PINELLAS COUNTY – .157! (JANUARY 2009)
Defendant was observed parked in a parking lot of an adult establishment on Ulmmerton Road with his headlights on, facing into oncoming traffic. Pinellas County Deputies arrived on scene and found the defendant behind the wheel of his vehicle with the engine running. Because of the odor of alcohol on his breath, defendant was asked to perform field sobriety exercises which he failed and was subsequently arrested. He provided breath samples of .157 and .157. Defense counsel presented paperwork to the State Attorney's office showing that defendant had contacted a person to pick him up and that he had no intention of driving. After many months of negotiating and on the day of trial, and despite the indicia of impairment, Stephen Higgins convinced the Pinellas County State Attorney's office to amend the charge to a Reckless Driving without any license suspension. (Ref. No. CTC084484ABCANC)
DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING (JANUARY 2009)
Defendant was stopped for speeding (45/30) in Tampa on Temple Terrace Highway. Upon contact, the officer noted a distinct odor of alcohol on defendant's breath and asked defendant to perform field sobriety exercises which she failed. She later provided a breath sample of .152 and .150, almost twice the legal limit. After intense negotiations with the state attorney regarding problems with the evidence in the case, particularly the video surveillance, Tampa DUI defense lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge reduced to a Reckless Driving. (Ref. No. 5793-XEC)
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)
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