When a person drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol on federal property, he/she will be charged with a
federal DUI. A federal crime is considered any criminal act that takes place on federal property, or property that is under federal jurisdiction. The two most common places where federal DUIs occur are national parks and military bases. Federal DUIs can also occur at airports, post offices, government compounds and parking lots, courthouse driveways, or national monuments, etc. A person can be charged with
federal DUI if the following conditions are true:
- The person was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time he/she was operating a motor vehicle
- The person was driving with a BAC above the legal limit
- The person was driving with a BAC of either -.10 grams of alcohol or more per 100 milliliters of blood, or .10 grams of alcohol or more per 21 liters of breath
The location where the DUI took place will determine how the driver will be prosecuted. If the DUI took place on land administered by the National Park Service, the driver will be tried under the Code of Federal Regulation. If the DUI occurred on any other federal property, the driver will be tried under the DUI laws and penalties of that particular state through the Assimilative Crimes Act.
The federal DUI process is almost identical to the regular DUI process. When an individual is pulled over for drunk or drugged driving on federal property, he/she is required to take either a breath, blood, or urine test. Failure to do so will result in a misdemeanor charge, and may carry additional monetary fines, prison sentences, and denial of driving privileges on federal land. Furthermore, he/she will be subject to such legal penalties as steep fines, probation, and time in a federal penitentiary. Factors such as refusing a breath, blood, or urine test, the presence of minors in the car, or reckless driving, can also result in additional penalties.
Contact our Tampa Federal DUI Attorneys
If you have been charged with a federal DUI, it’s important to contact an experienced Tampa DUI attorney immediately. This is a complex area of DUI law that requires the expertise of a skilled attorney. At Thomas & Paulk, we have been successful in obtaining successful results for our clients charged with a federal DUI. We work relentlessly to challenge your charges, negotiate with prosecutors, and obtain the legal justice you deserve. Furthermore, we provide all of our clients with viable options, personalized attention, and compassionate legal care.
If you are in need of an experienced Tampa federal DUI attorney, contact Thomas & Paulk today for your free consultation at (800) 239-3195!
Thomas & Paulk defends individuals throughout the Tampa Bay area and Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Riverview, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Sun City, Land O Lakes, Antioch, Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Bloomingdale, Boyette, Carollwood, Clearwater, Dover, Egypt Lake, Gibsonston, Gulf City, Gulfport, Hopewell, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores Beach, Kenneth City, Largo, Lillibridgerafforida, Lithia, Lutz, Madeira Beach, Mango, Marvina, New Tampa, North Redington, Oldsmar, Orient Park, Palm River, Pasadena, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Seminole, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Tampa Palms, Thonotosassa, Tierra Verde, Trapnell, Unincorporated Hillsborough County, Unincorporated Pinellas County, Welcome, and Wimauma.