How do they do this? There are white lines in the roadway that are one quarter mile (1320ft) in distance from each other. The pilot in the air has a stopwatch, when you cross the first set of white lines the pilot will start the stopwatch and will then stop it when you cross the second set of white lines. The pilot’s stopwatch has a built in formula which determines your speed and the time it takes you to cross the white lines. The troopers on the ground will then issue you a uniform traffic citation for unlawful speed.

If you aren’t familiar with the app Waze, owned by Google, you should check it out when you travel along the interstate. As you see, other Waze users will usually notify you way in advance that the highway patrol has a saturation / aircraft detail going on, giving you more than enough time to get your speed down to the appropriate limit.

If you should receive a citation from the Florida Highway Patrol give us a call to go over the particular facts of your case at 1-800-Fight-It. In the meantime download the Waze app now!

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How many of you knew that Sarasota County had seven different law enforcement agencies? To help you understand and identify the different agencies in Sarasota we have put together this visual guide.

Sarasota Sheriff’s Office

The most common agency people will see is the green and gold of the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department. Their jurisdiction encompasses over 550 square miles, including 35 miles of shoreline and represents nearly 400,000 local resident (number doubles during the busy season). Many Sarasota County Sheriff’s office deputies are assigned to specialized units. These units patrol with horses, ATVs, motorcycles, unmarked cars, and a helicopter. Traffic Units are responsible for enforcing all state traffic laws including a specific DUI unit with extensive DUI investigation training. Each of these deputies has in-car dash cameras to capture the incidents.

Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Contact Information
Downtown Office: 2071 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota FL, 34237.
Downtown Telephone Number: 941-861-5800
South Office: 4531 State Road 776, Venice, FL, 34293
South Office Telephone Number: 941-861-1701
Website: www.sarasotasheriff.org

Sarasota Police Department

Along with the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department handles cases in the City of Sarasota. Many officers have specialized training in investigative techniques, including narcotics detection, evidence recovery, and crisis intervention training. The Traffic units participate in a number of programs intended to prevent accidents including, “Click it or Ticket,” and “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.” There is no “DUI unit” within the Sarasota police department

Sarasota Police Department Contact Information
Address: 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota FL, 34237
Phone Number: 941-366-800
Website: www.sarasotapd.org

Florida Highway Patrol

Rarely can you drive through the state of Florida and not see the black and tan units of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, the FHP patrols and safeguards our states highways and roads and are well equipped for the job. All of the Florida Highway Patrol vehicles have in-car cameras, radar, and lasers used to catch and investigate traffic offenders. The FHP is called to the scene when an accident occurs in an unincorporated area of Sarasota County and will take over the investigation, if needed.

Florida Highway Patrol Contact Information
Address for Sarasota County: 4010 South Tamiami Trail, Venice FL, 34293
Phone Number: 941-492-5850
Website: www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/

North Port Police Department

The North Port Police Department may not be known as the Sarasota Police Department or FHP, but they write a lot of tickets. They are responsible for protecting and patrolling the 100 plus square miles and nearly 60,000 residents which make up the city of North Port. Most patrol vehicles are equipped with video cameras and have the ability to record DUI stops.

North Port Police Department Contact Information
Address: 4980 City Hall Boulevard, North Port FL, 34286
Phone Number: 941-429-7000
Website: www.cityofnorthport.com

Venice Police Department

The Venice Police Department is well equipped to handle any situation whether land or sea. They have four different types of patrol units, Vehicle Patrol, K-9 Unit, Marine Patrol, and a Bike Patrol. They are one of the few departments that have an Honor Guard, which sends officers anywhere in the state to the funerals of officers. The patrol Division is the most visible part of the Venice and is the most active unit. Each officer is equipped with the latest technology in emergency equipment and is often first responders to emergency calls.

Venice Police Department Contact Information
Address: 1350 E. Ridgewood Ave, Venice FL 34285
Phone Number: 941-486-2444
Website: www.venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Police.asap

Longboat Key Police Department

If you happen to find yourself out on Longboat Key, make sure you keep an eye out for their police department. The Longboat Key Police Department is committed to protecting its community. The Longboat Key Police department is separated into several different departmental units; Community Policing, Crime Prevention, Traffic Enforcement, Marine Enforcement, Beach Patrol and Communications.

Longboat Key Police Department Contact Information
Address: 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL, 34228
Phone Number: 941-316-1977
Website: www.longboatkey.org

New College Campus Police

If you’re a student or just passing through New College of Florida, make sure you’re on the lookout for the campus police department. The Campus police have the authority and training of a regular police officers and certified by the State of Florida. Chief of Police, Michael Kessie began his police career in Chicago, Illinois and retired as the Deputy Chief of Operations. New College PD has an excellent working relationship with many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Campus Police Department Contact Information
Address: 501 College Drive, Sarasota FL, 34243
Phone Number: 941-487-4210
Website: www.ncf.edu/police

So, if you’re driving around Sarasota County and see one of these Police Departments flashing their lights at be sure to pull over. After the stop, if you need the assistance of a lawyer feel free to call us. In most instances you should always try and fight your traffic tickets so that you don’t get any points on your license. Give us a call at 1-800-FIGHT-IT or 1-800-344-4848.

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Good news to all traffic violators in the bay area, thanks to what is being designated Operation Green Light. Operation Green Light will give its residents a financial break and a chance to pay any delinquent traffic tickets and any court fines or fees at a reduced cost. The reduced cost will be due to the Clerk of Courts dismissing any collections and late fees associated with a traffic ticket. Any drivers with their licenses suspended will be given the opportunity to get their license reinstated after paying their fines and court fees.

Operation Green Light is a one-time event taking place Saturday, April 18^th and will be hosted in most counties in Florida. Palm Beach, Pinellas and Broward County, acted as an experimental phase for the state wide event. When Pinellas County ran the experimental run back in February, and collected nearly $285,000 from 934 cases and reinstated 24 drivers’ licenses. When Palm Beach County partook in the experiment last year and netted nearly $500,000. This a limited time event, so make sure that you make it down to your clerk’s office because once the event closes the doors, those who did not take advantage will have to pay the full amount.

Please remember that driving on a suspended license is against the law. In Florida, it is a criminal offense to drive with a suspended or revoked license and could be classified as a felony punishable by a prison term of up to 5 years and/or fines of up to $5,000. If you end up missing the date or you currently are driving on a suspended license, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can fight your case for you and help keep you in the driver’s seat and out of the hot seat. You can contact us any time at 1-800-FIGHT-IT or 1-800-344-4848.

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Know the Difference

When you get a speeding ticket there is a good chance the cop either got you with their radar or by the high tech laser gun. In either situation you’re stuck dealing with a speeding ticket. Now you face the choice to fight it in court or pay the fine and deal with higher insurance rates. If you are thinking that since the officer got me with the radar there is no point in trying to fight it, you are wrong and could be throwing your money away. There are a lot of technical errors that could play in your favor when it comes to radar and laser devices.

The most common way police officers can tell if you were speeding is by using traditional radar equipment. Radar, uses what is known as the Doppler Effect or the Doppler Principle, which can be described as the change in wave frequencies received when it is either reflected from a moving object or generated on a moving object. For example, when a police officer is using radar, a radar beam directs a frequency toward your vehicle, your vehicle will then send back a different frequency which will be used to calculate the speed of your vehicle. A fast speed will equal large changes in the frequency and could result in you getting pulled over. Just because a police officer claims you were speeding doesn’t mean they are right, as there are several issues that can effect the radar readings.

In Florida, it is required that before an officer can start or finish their shift they must calibrate their radar device. In order to calibrate their device they must use a tuning fork in order to calibrate and confirm the frequency settings. If officers are experienced enough, they can visually judge how fast a vehicle is going without the use of radar. Prior to confirming the speed of a motorist an officer must make a visual observation to determine the vehicle is traveling in proximity to the posted speed limit. I witnessed an officer judge how fast several vehicles were going before using his radar, and the few times he guessed wrong he was only off by 1 or 2 miles per hour.

One of the biggest flaws with radar equipment is that an officer could be looking at your car while the radar unit is actually clocking a large truck that is further down the road. Since radar cannot tell them which vehicle it is clocking, the police officer might mistakenly think that you are responsible for the speed displayed and end up giving you the ticket instead of the truck driver. There are numerous other reasons that a radar device could give out a false reading, but mistaken identity is the most common.

The Police Laser or LIDAR speed gun works very differently from radar. LIDAR, which stands for LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING, works by sending out a beam of laser light that is so narrow and precise that it must be aimed with an optical sight. The laser allows a police officer to measure the speed of an individual targeted vehicle. Some laser guns even have the ability to record a video image of the vehicle and its license plate. Like the radar gun, the laser gun must also be calibrated at the beginning and end of an officer shift. Having used a laser gun in person I saw how accurate they are. The sites on these laser guns are so precise that if you do not have the sight on the vehicle, you will not get a reading. It took me several attempts before I was able to line the targeting sight with a car that was traveling 35 miles per hour.

Unlike the mobility of the radar gun, which can be used in a stationary or moving vehicle, the laser gun can only be used from a stationary position. I also learned that the laser guns have a huge range, depending on the model, for example the two models that I were using had two different ranges, one had a range of 1000 feet while the other one had a range of 2500 feet. Knowing the type of laser the officer uses can really help your case, if they don’t list on the ticket the serial number of the device or the range, you have a good chance to get the ticket dropped.

Some of these arguments could result in the dismissal of your ticket, but for best results you should hire an attorney and let them fight your case for you. Our own attorney, David Haenel, has taken the same courses law enforcement have taken on radar and laser training and has also given lectures and taught classes at the police academy on radar and laser issues. Who better to fight for you than an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to handle your speeding tickets?

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The study, which involved over 500 makes and models, was based on an analysis of over 550,000 car insurance quotes after their clients received a ticket. Most of the tickets were for speeding, but all types of violations were included in the Insurance.com ranking. The question you have to ask yourself is, does the car attract the police or do these cars attract lead-footed drivers? Either way here is a list of the top 10 most ticketed cars from 2014.

10. Mazda2
    
    
11. Toyota FJ Cruiser
    
    
12. Scion TC
    
    
13. Mercury Topaz
    
    
14. Volkswagen Rabbit
    
    
15. Subaru Tribeca
    
    
16. Toyota Supra
    
    
17. Scion FR-S
    
    
18. Pontiac GTO
    
    
19. Subaru WRX
    
    

I know some of you are shocked by this list and are wondering why a few cars are on this list. The Subaru WRX makes sense but a Mercury Topaz…REALLY? I don’t even think I have ever even seen one of those cars. I believe a congratulations is in order to drivers of Mercury Topaz’s for getting pulled over and ticketed so many times that you turned a 20 year old car into one of America’s most wanted.

If you are already an owner of one of these vehicles or considering buying one, then I hope you have our number on speed dial as your chances for getting a ticket have just gone up. If you do get a ticket our team of attorney’s can fight your traffic tickets and will fight to keep the points off of your license. If you have been arrested on DUI charges, our aggressive lawyers can build a defense to help you possibly avoid jail time. Just remember that we are her to fight for you and get you through it.

I would like to thank the Sarasota Area Car and Driving Events that provided the majority of the pictures. You guys rock and I hope none of you got ticketed during the making of this article.

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An article was recently released by Channel 10 News that read “Sarasota Police no longer require college degree.” Why would the Police Department lower its requirements? Isn’t upholding the law one of the most important and critical jobs in our community? Well apparently, over the next 4 years the police department will lose around 40 of its officers due to retirement, and they are desperate to fill their numbers.

They claim the reason they are lowering this standard is because a two year college degree has “discounted a number of individuals that had good qualities” and they want to “hire a more diverse group of police officers to include Women, Hispanics and African Americans” said Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino. Becoming a police officer involves extensive training and some believe not having a college degree should not be held against an applicant who is willing to serve and protect their community. Will this change in requirements have people lining up asking for a job? Probably not.

The cost and training to become a Police Officer is extensive, besides the physical training, you have to attend the Police Academy. Most of the police academies in Florida are pay-your-own way academies and citizens who want to serve their community just cannot afford to go. Dropping the college degree will not help increase the amount of applicants unless the Police Department can cover some of the cost of training.

The police department should help pay for the academy training and also help qualified candidates earn a two year college degree.  Don’t lower the standards for becoming an officer, but instead make it easier and help applicants meet the requirements. A two year college degree gives students a knowledge that is more than just educational, it is a knowledge of social skills, ethics, critical thinking, team building, and the list goes on. A degree is more than an expensive piece of paper, as my high school English teacher, Dr. Burns once said “You will learn more socializing between classes then you will ever learn sitting in a college classroom.”

President Obama even understands the importance of going to college and earning a two year degree. In his January 2015 State of the Union address he stated that “Community College should be as free and universal in America as high school.” His plan would allow the federal government to pay 75 percent of the cost of a community college. If we have learned anything from our History, education bills are a huge game changer for America. President Lincoln launched the Morrill Act in 1862, which donated land so that each state could establish colleges and universities. Then again in 1944, President Roosevelt passed the GI Bill so that servicemen returning from World War II could have free tuition. President Obama’s plan, if it passes, is a huge step in making sure everyone who wants an education can earn one, and will no longer make having a two year degree an excuse for not attaining the job that you want.

Most Universities even have Criminal Justice classes such as the State College of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Florida. Maybe universities and police departments partnered up, they could make the police academy part of a two year degree, instead of finding ways to increase the number of applicants by lowering its requirements. Police Departments should be talking with universities trying to make the requirements more affordable so that citizens could meet them and not avoid them. This would make a huge impact on how the community views its police officers and would be the stepping stone for police departments to build stronger ties with its communities.

With all of the bad press that law enforcement has received lately do you really want to lower the requirements and put potentially unqualified people in life changing positions? It seems like the last thing we need right now are officers who shoot first because they don’t fully understand the situation. They might react with deadly force instead of thinking of alternative ways to deescalate the situation.

Being a police officer is a huge responsibility and a responsibility not to be given out lightly. Don’t lower the requirements, but help give the average citizen the tools to meet the requirements and exceed them.

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The attorney charged with the DUI was at a downtown steakhouse when a young female paralegal, employed by Clem’s attorney’s office, started flirting and buying him drinks. When the paralegal knew the attorney was drunk, she persuaded him to drive her home. The attorney tried numerous times to convince her that they could take a cab or call a car and she continued to push until she got him behind the wheel of her car. Once behind the wheel, he was immediately pulled over by the Tampa DUI unit and was arrested.

It was later revealed there were multiple phone calls and text messages that night between the paralegal, the Tampa DUI sergeant, and the attorneys for Clem. After a special investigation into the matter all charges against Schnitt’s attorney were eventually dropped. After more than two years the case is still ongoing, caused by stalling and denials of Clem’s attorneys. Fortunately, this has caused the Tampa police department to reevaluate its departments DUI policies and procedures.

Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor says a full review of her agency’s DUI squad is in order. A five-member team reviewed over 70 DUI cases, including every case investigated by the Sergeant involved in the 2013 case. The review did reveal instances of human error and common mistakes made by many officers. Some of the changes that have been made already are:

• Officers need to add more detail to their arrest reports, interview more witnesses.
• Record the entire DUI stop from start to finish instead of just recording the field sobriety test.
• Officers will now conduct more than just one field sobriety test.
• DUI officer will also have extensive training and will be required to pass a written test.

Castor stated “It’s a new day for our DUI unit, they are revitalized and excited. They were demoralized by the embarrassing incident in 2013.”

If you find yourself in the middle of a DUI arrest make sure you contact Finebloom Haenel & Higgins. They have written numerous book on How to Survive a Florida DUI and are experienced DUI trial attorneys. They are here to fight for you and will help get you through it.

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Could it be there sneaky tactics to catch us doing something wrong and fining us, turning us into nothing more than a dollar sign on wheels? Growing up, I use to be a huge fan of the television show, The Dukes of Hazard. I always thought it was funny when Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco tried to come up with new and creative ways to catch the Duke boys and accuse them of something they didn’t do. Such as; speed limit signs that lower the speed when you pull a string or the parking signs that change to a no parking sign. Well now that I am older I do not find such tactics funny anymore.

Law Enforcement officers must have spent their childhood cheering for Boss Hogg and Rosco as they use very similar tactics. Hiding in bushes, setting up speed traps, and driving around in unmarked cars all in attempt to catch us breaking the law. Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for law enforcement officers, knowing that they would give their life up to save mine and to protect my families life is a sacrifice that you cannot ask for. I just do not believe that the people in charge of protecting us need to work in the shadows, hiding from us, waiting to strike the moment we mess up. Law enforcement should not have the effect of striking fear and panic into us but instead create a feeling of peace and respect that should overwhelm us when we see them. Until the government changes the way that they operate their Police Department like a business, trying to turn a profit, something needs to be done so that we can feel safe and not fret when we see a police officer looking at us. What we need is a tool that will help people know when law enforcement is nearby. Well it just so happens that “There’s an App for that!”

Let me introduce you to Waze, your very own eye in the sky. The world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation application. Some of its amazing features are:

1. It allows its users to have up to the date traffic reports
2. Updates users of road conditions
3. Provides turn by turn navigation
4. Can automatically re-route you if traffic is present
5. Helps you to avoid toll booths
6. Real-time road conditions, such a Fog, Rain, or Hail
7. Provide real time locations of any law enforcement officers nearby

How does Waze accomplishes all this and more? With the help of all of the users who are constantly updating the information as they see it. If a user sees an accident they can just mark the location right there on their phone. With over 100 million plus users, Waze is able to give you the most accurate real-time traffic reporting out there. It allows people to navigate around accidents and avoid traffic keeping your drive time to a minimal. Waze is also going to start implementing the Amber Alert system, which helps assist in the search and return of a child. This could help save the lives of numerous children that are kidnapped, helping increase the number of children returned safely. That is just one example that demonstrates the usefulness of this application. It allows people the opportunity to help make their area a much safer place. So what does law enforcement have to say about this awesome traffic tool to make your life easier and safer?

Well the answer is simple, Law Enforcement wants the Police Tracking application banned. They consider it stalking and feel targeted.  Well isn’t that messed up, they feel stalked because we are able to see where they are. Seriously when did law enforcement become a game of hide and seek. Law enforcement should be seen at all times, showing that they are there to protect us, not sulking and trying to hid in their unmarked cars or in places people can’t see. People feel safe when they know they are being protected, when they know that help isn’t too far away.

When people see that there is Law Enforcement in the area they are more likely to obey the rules of the road and slow down. So why do they need to hide. Haven’t they noticed that people drive more cautiously when they see a police car near them? Hopefully with apps like Waze our daily commutes will be less stressful, more enjoyable and safer for everyone.

However if you do get a ticket, don’t think it’s the end of the world. Make sure you call us first at 1-800-FightIt and let one of our attorneys fight for you. No matter what the ticket or charge, Finebloom Haenel & Higgins we’ll get you through this. #Fight4U

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You will receive a MIP charge if you are under the age of twenty one and are caught with alcohol. This does not mean that you have to be drinking alcohol, you can still be charged with a MIP for only the possession of alcohol, like holding a beer at a party, or purchasing a six pack at a store.

Is a MIP charge considered a misdemeanor or felony?

The first charge against a person will be a Second Degree Misdemeanor and the second or subsequent charge against a person will be a First Degree Misdemeanor.

Can I go to jail for a MIP charge?

Yes, a MIP charges is considered a criminal offense and therefore jail time is an option. The length of jail time depends on the number of MIP charges you already have.

Can I get in trouble for holding a drink containing alcohol even if I am not drinking it?

Yes, it is against the law for a person under the age of twenty one to handle alcohol in any way. The only exception to this rule is if a person eighteen years of age or older works at a place where alcohol is served, then they will be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.

What if I go to a party where there is alcohol but I do not drink, can I get in trouble?

It depends on the circumstances. If you were holding alcohol or pouring drinks for others and the police caught you handling alcohol then yes you can be charged with a MIP charge. However, you should consult with a lawyer immediately if you were charged and did not touch any alcoholic beverage.

What are the penalties if this is my first MIP charge?

The penalties for a first MIP charge consist of a Second Degree misdemeanor charge, up to a $500 fine, and up to 60 days in jail.

What are the penalties if this is my second MIP charge?

The penalties for a Second or subsequent MIP charge will be a First Degree Misdemeanor charge on your record, up to a $1000 fine and up to one year in jail.

Will the police notify my parents if I get an MIP charge?

If you are under the age of 18 then the police are required to notify your parents.

What if I am 18 and am caught holding, but not drinking alcohol, can I still get in trouble?

If you are at a place of employment that requires you to sever alcohol then NO, you cannot get in trouble, but you can get a MIP charge is you are over eighteen and are in possession of alcohol that is not work related, even if you are not drinking it.

Should I hire a lawyer to fight my case?

Yes, there are a multitude of defenses for this charge and an experienced attorney will know how to handle your case and find the best defense. If you do nothing about your charge then you will have to pay fines and could possibly do jail time. You will also have a suspended license which can lead to other complications like the lack of transportation to work and school.  Hiring a lawyer will probably save you money in the long run and help get your charges reduced.

What type of lawyer should I look for?

You should hire a criminal defense attorney because a MIP charge is a criminal offense. Make sure to find a lawyer that is experienced with MIP cases and has a good reputation at getting results. Do your research and set up a consultation with an attorney to see what they can do for you.

What if I work at a restaurant and serve alcohol, can I still be charged with a MIP charge?

No, you cannot be charged with a MIP violation if you are over the age of 18. But, if you are younger than 18 you are not legally allowed to handle alcoholic beverages at work.

What happens if I am caught drinking and driving and am under 21 years of age?

Florida has a Zero Tolerance law in effect, which basically means that even if you are under the legal drinking limit, which is a BAC level of 0.08 percent, you will still be penalized. You will automatically receive a license suspension for six months if your BAC level is over .02 percent and if you are over the legal drinking limit of 0.08 percent you will face the penalties of a DUI which could result in jail time and fines into the thousands of dollars.

The post Underage Drinking or Minor in Possession Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Finebloom Haenel & Higgins.

An accident investigation can turn into a criminal investigation if the officer believes that the accident was caused by a DUI. Before the officer can begin a criminal investigation, he must inform the driver of his intentions to change the investigation and must also give the driver Miranda warnings. Failure to inform the driver or give proper Miranda warnings can result in the suppression of incriminating statements.

Before you worry about what you told the police, call our skilled DUI attorneys today at 1-888-781-9696 to determine whether your statements qualify under the Accident Report Privilege.

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