Practice Areas & Expertise
At Jeff Keel PA, we specialize in DUI, BUI, traffic offenses, probation violations, and criminal defense. A DUI and traffic specialist, I have successfully handled over 5,500 cases, and has extensive knowledge of all aspects of Florida DUI and traffic law. I will fight for your rights whether you are a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor to make sure you get the best possible result in your case.
DUI Law
A DUI expert with 20 years experience, I understand every aspect of a DUI case, and I know how to get you the best possible result. I will build a solid DUI defense by evaluating the legality of your traffic stop, the accuracy of the breathalyer, and the admissibility of road-side sobriety tests, the results of which are often skewed. I know how to successfully challenge the state's evidence, and keep you from a conviction. In the event of a conviction, I will fight to minimize your penalties and give you the best chance to avoid hefty fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and jail time.
If you have been arrested for DUI, you must act within 10 days to preserve your driving privileges. I represent clients at administrative Formal Review Hearings before the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
Traffic Violations
I represent Florida residents, commercial drivers, and out-of-state drivers who have received traffic tickets in Florida for violations ranging from speeding, reckless driving, failure to stop, racing, hit and run, "move over" law violations, and driving with a suspended license. Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt that can actually result in points on, or suspension of your driver's license and increased auto insurance rates in addition to the fines assessed for the violation itself.
Probation Violations
My firm provides experienced defense in probation violation hearings for people who have been rearrested for failure to meet conditions of their probation including payment of fines, failure to attend community service, failure to complete substance abuse or anger management counseling and other noncompliance with probation terms.
Underage Drinking
Florida’s drinking age is 21. Anyone under that age is legally prohibited from possessing or purchasing alcohol. Underage possession can be classified as a first or second degree misdemeanor, with penalties that may include jail, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
Under section 562.111, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful for a person who has not attained the age of 21 to have in his or her possession, an alcoholic beverage, including beer, wine, liquor, mixed drinks, and other drinks. Possession may be ‘actual or ‘constructive’ in nature.
Actual possession of the beverage means that it is on the person of the accused, or within ready reach and under the minor’s control. Where constructive possession is alleged, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the minor or person under 21 was actually holding the alcoholic beverage. The prosecution need only show that the alcoholic beverage was in a place over which the defendant had control and that the defendant had knowledge that the beverage was within his or her presence.
Possessing or using a fake ID is also illegal. Depending on how the ID has been tampered with, the crime may be a misdemeanor or felony. Additionally, if a driver under 21 is pulled over and is shown to have a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher, Florida’s zero tolerance law applies, and the driver forfeits his license for six months.
The fact is, if an under-21-year old in Florida is even HOLDING a beer, he is breaking the law. If he is in your house and you know about it, you are breaking the law – even if he’s your child.
DUI and defense of your driving privileges
Motorists who are under the age of 21 are also subject to zero-tolerance laws. Zero-tolerance laws make it illegal for these younger motorists to drive with even a small amount of alcohol in their system. Florida Statute 322.2616 states that it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive or be in control of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02 or higher. Whether you refuse to take a breath or blood test or not, your driver's license will be suspended automatically. You also have only 10 days from your arrest to challenge the suspension so it is vital that we address the situation right away.
The sooner you get experienced legal help the better. To schedule your free consultation with me, call 813.629.2492. At the Tampa, Florida, law firm of Jeff Keel, P.A. I offer nearly 28 years of experienced help finding legal options to dismiss or reduce the charges you or your child faces.
My criminal defense practice handles a wide range of DUI and underage drinking offenses involving:
- First-offense DUI
- Underage or Minor in Possession (MIP)
- Possession of a fake ID
- Minor purchasing alcohol
- Probation violations
- DUI accidents
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Criminal defense focused on protecting young lives
The fallout from an underage drinking conviction can range from heavy fines and jail time to loss of a driver's license. Other possibilities include loss of financial aid or expulsion from college, or even rejection after admission to college or employment. While probation may be an option you may still face up to 60 days in jail on a first conviction, and up to a year on a second.
Call me today. Your freedom and your future are at stake.
Underage drinking and driving can seriously compromise a promising future. If you, or a son or daughter, face DUI, DWI or MIP charges you need experienced representation immediately. Contact me online today in Tampa, Florida, or call me at 813.629.2492, for a free consultation to learn how I can help.
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Jeff Keel received his B.S. from Florida State University in 1989. He attended the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1994, Jeff began his career at the State Attorney's Office, where he received the Distinguished Service Award. He was admitted to the Federal Bar in 2003.
Jeff is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Hillsborough County Bar Association.
Contact Jeff online today or call him at 813.629.2492 for your free consultation.