Earlier this year, lawmakers proposed the Matthew William Beard and Grace Redgate Act, which would require that all convicted DUI offenders install the devices.

As reported by WFTV: A mother from Seminole County who lost a child in a crash spoke in favor of the device at the state Capitol.

Lake Mary High School graduate Matthew Beard is one example of the thousands killed each year at the hands of drunk drivers. He was a senior with one semester left to go when a drunk driver plowed into his car.

His mom urged Florida lawmakers to pass a law named after Beard.

The law would allow judges to order a breathalyzer device called an interlock be placed in the cars of anyone convicted of a DUI. The convicted driver would have to blow into the device to prove he is sober before the car would start.

Right now judges can only order the locks in the most severe DUI cases, such as repeat offenders, drunk drivers with children in the car or DUIs with a blood alcohol level over .15.

“It will absolutely positively without a doubt save lives. It’s been proven in other states,” Russell said.

Studies estimate 50 percent to 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended continue to drive anyway.

Convicted drivers would have to pay $100 to install the devices and $60 per month for monitoring costs.

The act died in the criminal committee in March, but advocacy group MADD has urged the Florida legislature to revisit the bill in the next legislative session.

If you or someone you know is at risk for a DUI conviction in Clearwater, FL call our office. The law offices of Dean Tsourakis are here to protect your rights.

Source: http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/mom-speaks-out-favor-car-breathalyzer-devices/nJdNy/

The state of Florida determines child support amounts using a formula that involves both parents’ income and the number of children. Allowances to pay for health insurance can be included, as well. The amount of child support can be adjusted, if need be. Judges have leeway to go over or under the formula by up to 5%.

Generally, the non-custodial parent will pay child support to the custodial parent. If the children spend a nearly equal amount of time with each parent, child support obligations can be adjusted to reflect that. Florida law does not generally allow parents to waive child support.

Child support can be paid many different ways. Some parents choose to pay one another directly. Child support may also be paid through the State of Florida Depository if it is felt there is a need to keep more accurate records of payments. In some cases, direct deductions from paychecks are set up to cover child support obligations.

Child support is, under Florida law, a separate issue from visitation. Child support can not be withheld in retaliation for a failure to allow proper visitation, and it cannot be avoided by cutting off relations with the child.

There are a number of penalties in place to protect custodial parents when the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support. These can include seizure of tax refunds, loss of professional licenses, suspension of their driver’s license, fines and even imprisonment.

Our clearwater child support attorneys have the experience and insight to navigate Florida Child Support laws and get the best outcomes for you and your family.

According to Florida state law, it is a second degree misdemeanor to be intoxicated in public and create a public disturbance. The maximum penalty for public intoxication – also known as disorderly intoxication – is 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Judges have leeway in sentencing, and can permit a defendant to go through pretrial diversion if it is their first offense.

Disorderly conduct is a separate charge that could be added on top of a public intoxication charge. According to Florida state statutes, someone can be charged with disorderly conduct if their behavior causes a safety hazard to those around them. This is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1000 fine. The charge is often a catch-all charge for when someone’s behavior is disorderly, but does not break any other specific laws.

While it might seem easier to simply plead guilty and pay the fines, you should consider the long-term consequences before choosing that option. Penalties for second and third time offenses are harsher than for first offenses, so, it is better not to have convictions for these charges on your record. The good news is, both of these charges can be successfully challenged in court. Florida’s disorderly conduct laws are somewhat vague. Often, cases are dismissed because the claim that you have caused a danger to others cannot be supported. You should have the support of a criminal lawyer to ensure the best possible outcome in your case. If you or a loved one has been charged with disorderly conduct or public intoxication, talk to one of our lawyers to help preserve your rights and freedom.

Some of the most common issues that family law attorneys will handle include issues such as divorce, adoption, child custody, and elder care. The guidance of a family law attorney is beneficial when setting up legal family arrangements, such as visitation arrangements for non-custodial parents or grandparents. Family lawyers can draw up legal documents that protect family members’ rights, such as prenuptial agreements. They can help navigate mediation, file legal documents on your behalf, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Family lawyers carefully and skillfully guide their clients through stressful interactions, giving support, negotiating fair outcomes and helping preserve their clients’ rights.

Laws that govern family rights and responsibilities are different in each state. There are a number of rules and laws that are specific to family law in the state of Florida. For instance, Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state. This has a large impact on what someone can expect to happen during divorce proceedings. It is important to be sure that your lawyer has ample experience navigating the laws in the state of Florida to ensure that you are getting the best, most informed, representation.

Dean Tsourakis is a Family Law Attorney in the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin area.

1. Focus on what is fair instead of trying to punish your former partner. Punative actions, in the end, wind up making the divorce process more acrimonious.
2. Leave the kids out of it. While you should, of course, talk to your children about the changes they can expect, do not complain to your children about your ex. It puts enormous stress on kids when you put them in the middle, and can lead to a higher strain on everyone involved.
3. If relations have become strained, choose neutral locations when you have to meet. If you need to sign papers, exchange possessions or drop off the kids, meet in a park or restaurant instead of either of your homes. This way, no one has a home turf advantage and you are each more comfortable.
4. Don’t bad mouth your ex to mutual friends. At best, it can make your friends feel awkward, and like they are being asked to take sides. At worst, your words can get back to your former spouse and cause further discord between you.
5. Take care of yourself. It’s hard to be pleasant and reasonable when you are not feeling your best. Try to get enough rest. Engage in anti-stress activities such as yoga or meditation. Although it can be hard to find emotional equilibrium during this tough time, the better you treat your mental, emotional and physical health, the better you will be able to handle the divorce in a civil manner.

One of the first and most obvious is a change in divorce laws. In the 1960s and 1970s, when laws were changed to allow no-fault divorces, and the ways that child support and property were determined, the number of divorces doubled across the nation. People didn’t suddenly become less happy in their marriages; it was just easier to leave an unhappy marriage without becoming financially devastated.

You would think that hard economic times would cause divorce rates to rise because of the stress that financial problems put on marriages. However, times of economic uncertainty, such as the Great Recession, actually lead to lower divorce rates. Experts theorize that couples try to ride out these financial problems together to see if things get better. Additionally, if one partner is unemployed, the other might choose to wait until he or she finds a job again before seeking a divorce.

Divorce papers are more likely to be filed during certain times of the year. January and February bring many divorces, because people will try to hold on through the holidays. While there is something to be said for moving on with a divorce and helping your family establish new expectations and new family traditions, it is also understandable to not want to add the stress of divorce negotiations to the stress of the holidays.

There are also demographic factors that are linked to the likelihood that a couple will divorce. People who are on a second or third marriage are more likely to divorce than those who are married for the first time. People whose parents divorced are also more likely to get a divorce themselves. Additionally, those who marry under the age of 30 have a higher incidence of divorce than those who wait until they are older.

Choose a lawyer who is certified by the Family Law Section of the Florida State Bar. An attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours is essential. These attorneys  have experience evaluating and resolving conflicts within the family, and will be able to tell you, based on past cases, what sort of outcome you should ask for and can reasonably expect.

Courtroom experience in your local area is also a necessity. A familiarity with area family court judges means that your case can be presented in a way that works best in that particular courtroom. Those with many years experience can navigate this part of your divorce confidently and protect your interests if negotiations outside the courtroom prove unfruitful.

Ideally, your attorney should have a strong track record that shows favorable outcomes both in the courtroom and settled through mediation. A good divorce attorney who is aggressive yet flexible will increase your chances of an outcome that you will find satisfactory.

Make sure that you and your divorce attorney are on the same page regarding what to expect when it comes to child support, division of assets and custody. The attorney-client relationship goes much more smoothly when communication is clear and you are comfortable with the terms that your attorney feels are possible.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Your divorce attorney should be willing and able to explain what you can reasonably expect during the process, and what you are legally entitled to in the dissolution of a marriage. Divorce is never easy, but, choosing the right attorney can make the process far less stressful for everyone involved.

If you have already been arrested for a DUI in Clearwater, FL then chances are your looking for more information on where to take classes, how much they are, how long they are, etc.  Below is a list of resources that offer Registration for DUI Classes:

• http://www.floridasafety.org
• http://www.safety.org
• http://www.flhsmv.gov
• http://www.clearwaterclasses.com

The Address for the local Clearwater DUI School is:

DUI School Office in Clearwater, FL

1145 Court Street

Clearwater, FL 33756

We highly recommend contacting the Suncoast Safety Council they are the only licensed DUI School within Pinellas County. For first time DUI arrests you are most likely searching for the Level 1 DUI Program that they offer. If you’ve completed that course and you’ve been arrested for a second DUI you will need to attend the Level 2 DUI Program.

Going through the process of a DUI can have serious consequences to your future. If at anytime you have a question or doubt about what to do, please give us a call at (727) 785 – 2700. The Law Office of Dean Tsourakis has the experience and trust you need in a Clearwater DUI Attorney.

 Situations like this are easily avoidable. Don’t drink and drive. And if you do happen to get pulled over after having a few drinks. Don’t spit in the officers face and pull out a fake cop badge. Unless you want to spend a very long time in prison.

As a Clearwater DUI Attorney, I represent numerous types of DUI cases.  If you have any questions regarding DUI’s, DUI Defense, or Florida Laws please do not hesitate to give us a call at (727) 785 – 2700.

Just because you’re back on 2 wheels does not give you the “OK” to drive intoxicated. It also does not give you the right to lead the police on a low-speed chase back to your house like a resident in Bridgewater, PA apparently did a few weeks ago.

The old saying goes “You can’t outrun the Radio”, I think that applies double if you’re on an electronic scooter. Even if the cop was on foot.

As a Clearwater DUI Attorney, I represent numerous types of DUI cases.  If you have any questions regarding DUI’s, DUI Defense, or Florida Laws please do not hesitate to give us a call at (727) 785 – 2700.