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Actual Physical Control DUI

Driving under the influence cases often are complex and can be overwhelming. However, when a person is arrested for an actual physical control DUI, the situation can be more confusing. Actual physical control arrests can occur when a person is intoxicated and has control of his or her vehicle.

This means a person does not have to be driving to be arrested for a DUI. This can create complications in the case, and often times an attorney can argue to have your charges reduced or dropped. Building a strong defense could make a difference in your DUI case.

St. Petersburg Actual Physical Control DUI Attorney

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence and believe your case involves issues around actual physical control of the vehicle, contact a St. Petersburg actual physical control DUI defense lawyer at Morris Law Firm, P.A..

The legal team at Morris Law Firm, P.A. has years of experience handling complicated DUI cases. Attorney Melinda Morris served on the DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide squad as a state attorney and was responsible for prosecuting very serious cases from investigation through trial. She understands how the prosecution works and knows what it takes to get a favorable outcome in each case.

Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents clients in the Tampa Bay Area, including those in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Tampa, Hillsborough County and other surrounding counties. Call (727) 592-5885 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your unique situation.


Information About Actual Physical Control

What is Actual Physical Control in DUI cases?

Actual physical control in DUI cases means a person was physically in or on the vehicle and had the capability to operate the vehicle, regardless of whether he or she is actually operating the vehicle at the time or if the vehicle even was turned on.

For instance, if a person who had been drinking sits in the front seat of his or her vehicle with the keys in hand, he or she still could be considered in actual physical control of the vehicle. It could be argued he or she planned to drive or was capable of starting the vehicle.

In some cases, even if the person was sleeping in the back seat of the vehicle with the keys, he or she still could be considered in actual physical control of the vehicle. Additionally, law enforcement and prosecutors still could argue a person was in control of the vehicle even if the keys were located outside of it.

To be convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugged driving, three elements must be proven by the prosecutor:

  • You are either driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle
  • You are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or other substance
  • Your normal faculties are impaired or your blood alcohol content is .08 or higher

If the person was not physically driving the vehicle, actual physical control is an extremely important element necessary for a DUI conviction. The prosecutor must prove the driver was in actual physical Control of the vehicle to successfully prove DUI.

Elements of Actual Physical Control DUI

Three factors are typically relied on when a police officer or prosecutor is attempting to establish actual physical control of a vehicle. These factors include:

  • Either actual or constructive possession of the key to the vehicle or proof the vehicle can operate without a key. This means that so long as the key is found either in the ignition, on the driver’s person or in close enough proximity to the driver that the driver can easily access it, this element of actual physical control is satisfied.
  • Driver is in the driver’s seat
  • Evidence that the vehicle was operable

Facts and Myths About Actual Physical Control DUI

Drivers not aware of the elements of actual physical control incorrectly assume that in order to be arrested for DUI they must be actually driving the vehicle. However, in Florida, you can be arrested for simply being in actual physical control of your vehicle while under the influence.

This means if you are sitting in your parked car attempting to sleep off the effects of a night of drinking, even if the car is turned off and in park, you still can be arrested for DUI. Even placing the keys outside the car does not save you from being in actual physical control of the vehicle and charged with DUI. Thus, the often repeated adage that you can put the keys on the roof of the car and sleep it off in the passenger’s seat will not work.

Further, although it is widely thought the vehicle must be operable to establish actual physical control, there have been cases where the vehicle was not operable at the time of the law enforcement investigation and the person has still been arrested for DUI.

For example, if the vehicle has a flat tire or the battery has died, the vehicle is technically inoperable at the time of the investigation, yet courts have held the driver can still be found in actual physical control based on circumstantial evidence that the vehicle somehow got to that location when it was operable.

However, if a vehicle was missing all four tires or suffered some mechanical defect that rendered it completely immobile rather than temporarily immovable, that distinction is important and would likely constitute an inoperable vehicle. That likely would not lead to actual physical control being met as an element for a DUI conviction.

Potential Defenses

Because actual physical control DUI cases involve numerous questions of fact, which are frequently open to interpretation, they are often successful in getting acquitted by a jury. Thus, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is of the utmost importance and can make all the difference in your DUI case.

Some possible defenses that could have your charges reduced or dropped include:

  • Investigative mistakes by law enforcement
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Accident report privilege
  • Mistaken identity

Finding A Pinellas County Actual Physical Control Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI and believe that your case involves issues of actual physical control, contact a St. Petersburg DUI attorney at Morris Law Firm, P.A. to discuss possible defenses that may exist in your case. 

Call (727) 592-5885 to discuss your case directly with an attorney or fill out our online form to be contacted for a free initial consultation.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google