Of the 44,000 DUI arrests in the state of Florida, 7967 or 18% happened in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. By comparison, Miami and Broward only had 4,700 combined. This is clearly the state’s “DUI Hotspot” due to aggressive enforcement by local agencies. In fact in 2022, they made twice as many DUI arrests in Tampa than they did in Miami. For example, TPD has an entire unit of officers dedicated to DUI enforcement known as the “TPD’s DUI Squad.” They weren’t shy to brag about starting 2024 off with 40 DUI arrests.
Our Tampa Traffic Lawyers Know Your Area
If you find yourself in hot water due to a DUI arrest by the Tampa Police Department, it’s time to reach out to our experienced criminal and DUI defense lawyers at The Ticket Clinic to go over your case.
We are well-versed with the strategies employed by DUI enforcement officers within the Tampa Police Department. Familiarity with their standard operating procedures positions us to effectively and assertively combat cases involving officers on the TPD DUI enforcement squad. Learn more about our Tampa location.
How Tampa Law Enforcement Agencies Patrol For DUIs
TPD DUI enforcement is most active during evening and pre-dawn hours, with officers patrolling the city and responding to calls from colleagues who suspect impaired driving.
The officers assigned to TPD’s DUI Squad are obligated to record all proceedings of their DUI investigations. A typical recording made by a TPD DUI unit officer during an initial stop will cover:
- the pattern of driving;
- the arrest stop;
- the initial conversing with the suspect;
- the suspect’s manner of leaving the vehicle;
- the driver’s performance on field sobriety tests;
- the DUI arrest;
- the presentation of the implied consent warning to the driver if he or she decides to refuse the breath test; and
- the transportation to the Central Breath Testing center at Orient Road Jail.
There may be instances where officers report that their recording equipment was not activated until they had decided to execute a DUI investigation.
There can also be instances where the arresting officer cites equipment failure as a reason for not having a recorded documentation. If there has been intentional video destruction or a purposeful failure to conserve the footage, the court could implement various penalties, including possible dismissal of the DUI case.
Such penalties could range from less severe, like preventing the officer from testifying about the suspect’s statements or field sobriety test performance, to more serious measures.
Tampa DUI Lawyers On Standby
Caught up in a DUI or any criminal traffic incident in Tampa? Then it’s time to seek advice from an adept criminal defense attorney at The Ticket Clinic
From our strategically located downtown Tampa office at 602 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, we’ve been serving the community for well over a decade. We have the local knowledge and strategies employed by TPD officers and their standard operating procedures in depth.
Whether your case is related to a breath test, undergoing a blood test, providing a urine sample, or an instance of refusing to submit to testing, reach out to us to talk about your case scenario and explore optimal defense strategies.
We extend our legal services to both men and women, grappling with a first-time offense or repeated arrests. Whether the incident happened during a routine stop or amidst a traffic crash, we are here to assist.
Recent Media
In case you don’t believe us that Tampa-area law enforcement is cracking down on DUIs, here’s some recent media.
Operation Ball Drop 2024 Nets 40 DUI Arrests
2023 Thanksgiving DUI Operation
Radio Host Charged With DUI In Tampa
Information from the Tampa Police Department
If you are looking for more information about the Tampa Police Department (also known as TPD), then visit the main website for the Tampa Police Department. TPD has also recently created several social media profiles including the following:
The Tampa Police Department Impound Lot is located at 134 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605. The Tampa Police Department provides information about towing, repossession and impound inquiries when you call their number at (813) 242-5328.
