Clearwater DUI Defense Attorney Kevin Hayslett Says Novel Approach for Dealing with DUI Checkpoints May Help Drivers Avoid Arrest
Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) May 13, 2015 -- Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett’s Kevin Hayslett says remaining silent at DUI checkpoints is a strategy that just might keep Florida drivers out of jail and preserve their driving privileges.
The Washington Post’s recent report of a Boca Raton attorney’s approach to helping drivers avoiding DUI arrests at checkpoints – by remaining silent and directing police to a plastic bag containing their driver’s license, automobile registration, proof of insurance and a “fair DUI flyer” – is generating buzz and controversy among DUI defense attorneys and the public at large.
According to the Washington Post’s February 10, 2015 article, the “fair DUI flyer” informs police to place any DUI ticket under the automobile’s windshield wiper and states that Florida drivers at DUI checkpoints are only required to show law enforcement officers the documents in the plastic bag, not to physically hand the information over to the officers.
Debates over the legality of this novel approach are rampant, with law enforcement officials pointing to the 1990 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Sitz, as authority for their right to conduct DUI checkpoints, according to the Washington Post.
Advocacy organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) believe that sobriety checkpoints are one of the most effective DUI enforcement tools, reducing fatalities by 20 percent. According to MADD, there were 40,677 DUI arrests in Florida in 2014 and 676 drunk driving fatalities.
High-profile Clearwater DUI defense attorney and "The Attorney to the Stars", Kevin Hayslett, of Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett, stated that, “The penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida are severe and a DUI charge can have serious and wide-ranging consequences. While it is debatable how a court will ultimately rule on this clever strategy, if remaining silent can help drivers avoid taking a field sobriety test and Breathalyzer test it is a worthwhile approach to dealing with DUI checkpoints.”
Attorney Hayslett helps drivers charged with DUI evaluate their case and develop an effective defense strategy to preserve their rights, keep their record clean, and prevent them from losing their freedom and license to drive.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
About Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett , P.A.
The law firm of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A. was founded in 1971 by attorneys Ed Carlson and Paul Meissner. For more than four decades, they have been committed to protecting the injured and defending the accused. Their attorneys have established a solid reputation of case success throughout Florida, providing strong legal representation, easy accessibility and a high level of dependability. A client-centered approach ensures that clients know what is happening as their case progresses, and understand their options every step of the way. With a focus on personal injury, they help victims of auto accidents, slip and falls and wrongful death accidents. The firm is well-known for their innovative criminal defense and DUI work, defending both local and high-profile clients. Attorney and Partner Kevin Hayslett is widely recognized as The Attorney to the Stars, providing strong legal representation for notable celebrities and dignitaries throughout Florida. The firm also handles social security disability, workers compensation, divorce, family law and immigration cases. They offer free initial consultations and have five convenient Tampa Bay Area locations. Attorneys are available 24/7 for emergencies. Count on the legal team of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A. to be there, fighting for you, protecting your rights. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 877-728-9653 or visit their website at http://www.CarlsonMeissner.com
MaryAnn Bounacos, Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A., http://www.carlsonmeissner.com, +1 727-443-1562, [email protected]
Share this article