Gary Ostrow Fort Lauderdale Attorney

Author Avi Goodard
Published January 28, 2010
Word count 1,348

Gary Ostrow Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense

A DUI/DWI is a difficult charge to successfully challenge. Therefore, in order to effectively protect your driving privileges, criminal record, and freedom, it is important to have a DUI lawyer that has exceptional experience. Ostrow & Associates has earned a reputation for trial advocacy and DUI acquittals.

Contact DUI attorney Gary S. Ostrow for a free initial consultation to discuss your defense strategy.

Reputable Client Service Since 1982 Criminal defense lawyer Gary S. Ostrow has unparalleled skill defending clients charged for drunk driving and other alcohol related offenses, such as:

DUI Driving Under the Influence

DUI Serious Bodily Injury

DUI Property Damage

DUI Manslaughter

DUI Vehicular Homicide

The firm's criminal defense practice is centered on pursuing the most favorable result through trial. In over 25 years of defending clients charged for drunk driving, DUI Attorney Ostrow has obtained more than four hundred acquittals or dismissed charges while defending clients at the criminal trial level.

Thorough DUI Defense

As an experienced DUI trial lawyer, Gary S. Ostrow utilizes independent investigation and analysis of chemical tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and breath tests. He challenges the results obtained from these chemical tests, the breathalyzer functioning, the field sobriety tests, and the probable cause for the traffic stop.

Mr. Ostrow fights vigorously to protect your rights and obtain successful jury verdicts.

Contact DUI lawyer Gary S. Ostrow for a free initial consultation.

For more information on DUI charges and DUI defense, please visit the DUI Information Center.

DUI Practice Center

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Frequently Asked Questions about Drunk Driving

Q: What is "blood-alcohol concentration" or "blood-alcohol level"?

A: Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is the level of alcohol in the bloodstream from drinking alcoholic beverages. BAC readings are used in court as evidence in drunk-driving cases. The most common method of measure is a breath test, although blood and/or urine testing is sometimes done. A result of .08 or higher may establish a presumption of intoxication. The details of the .08 BAC presumption laws vary among the states, but all 50 states have adopted .08 as their official intoxication level, in large part because of a federal threat of otherwise withholding highway funds.

Q: Can I refuse a BreathalyzerÂ® test?

A: Every state has its own version of an implied consent law providing that a driver impliedly consents to alcohol testing just by the act of driving. In many states, a refusal to take a breath test is itself a criminal violation subject to stiff penalties. For example, refusing a breath test might result in automatic drivers-license suspension or revocation. If you are ultimately found guilty of a drunk-driving offense, there may be additional penalties because of the test refusal, such as a stiffer sentence. Your test refusal may also be used as evidence against you in a drunk-driving case.

More than 1.4 million drivers in the U.S. were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in 2001. Law enforcement officers nationwide are stepping up their enforcement of the drunk driving laws, largely in response to public outcry and the influence of lobbying groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). If you find yourself caught up in this crackdown, you need an attorney with experience defending drunk driving cases to look out for your interests and to help you get the best results possible.

Florida DUI Attorney

A DUI is one of the more difficult criminal offenses to defend against. However, criminal defense lawyer Gary S. Ostrow has recovered more than 400 DUI acquittals or dismissals over the past 25 years. Attorney Ostrow is an aggressive criminal defense trial lawyer that will protect your constitutional rights and vigorously pursue the most favorable outcome possible.

The following is provided as an overview of drunk driving laws and DUI defense. For more information or for a free initial consultation, contact DUI defense lawyer, Gary S. Ostrow today.

Overview of the Crime of Drunk Driving

Each US state has its own set of drunk-driving laws, but there are certain concepts and features common to most states' drunk-driving jurisprudence. Basically, as we all know, it is illegal and a crime for a person to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs to a degree that impairs his or her safe driving ability and judgment. Both criminal and civil penalties for drunk driving can be harsh and often include:

Loss or suspension of license

Large fines

Substance-abuse treatment

Jail or prison time

Community service

Restitution

Criminal record

Restrictive probationary license programs, including ignition interlock devices and Cinderella licenses

In addition, the social stigma and effect on your career may have lifelong negative consequences.

The Role of Probation in Drunk-Driving Sentencing

Probation is by far the most common sentence for people convicted of drunk driving, especially for first-time offenders. Probation is a criminal sentence served in the community, rather than in jail or prison. Most states limit terms of probation to a maximum of five years. If you are facing a drunk-driving charge, an experienced lawyer can assist you with your defense and, if necessary, advocate for a fair sentence.

The Prosecutor's Role in a Drunk-Driving Case

Prosecution refers to the government's role in the criminal-justice system. When criminal activity is suspected, it is up to the government to investigate, arrest, charge and bring the alleged offender to trial. A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government and who is responsible for developing and presenting the government's case against a criminal defendant. Prosecutors may be called county attorneys, city attorneys, district attorneys or states' attorneys. Some jurisdictions may even have experienced police officers act as prosecutors in drunk-driving cases. The prosecutor is the opponent or "adversary" of the criminal defendant and his or her attorney; the two sides go head-to-head against each other in court.

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