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FR44 Insurance DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

FR-44 DUI Insurance Attorney in St. Petersburg

There are many potential consequences to a DUI conviction in St. Petersburg: jail time, fines, interlock ignition devices, license suspension, mandatory substance abuse treatment programs. However, there are also hidden costs that are often not considered that are the result of a conviction for driving under the influence. One of these is the many complications surrounding insurance. You are required to carry auto liability insurance in Florida. However, maintaining liability insurance after a DUI requires you to obtain an FR-44 form. The FR-44 requirement can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket, and causes some to be unable to continue to afford insurance after a DUI conviction.

St. Petersburg FR-44 Insurance for DUI Convictions

The only way to avoid expensive FR-44 insurance after a DUI conviction is to avoid the conviction entirely. The best way to avoid such a conviction is to have an experienced St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyer on your side, like Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm, P.A.. Melinda Morris is a former State Attorney on the DUI Manslaughter/Vehicular Homicide Squad. She understands DUI defense and will put her knowledge to work for you. Call today at (727) 592-5885 for a free consultation on your DUI charge.

Melinda Morris represents those accused of DUI in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County, including Clearwater, Dunedin, Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, Gulf City and other nearby areas.


FR-44 Requirements in Florida

After being convicted of a DUI, whether for alcohol or drugs, you driver’s license will be suspended for an amount of time. After that time has passed, you will need to go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to get your license reinstated. To reinstate your license, the DHSMV will require you to present an FR-44 form.

To get an FR-44 form, you must request one from your insurance company. When you request an FR-44 form, your insurance company will immediately know you’ve had a DUI conviction. They will flag you as “high risk,” and have the option of canceling your policy. If they cancel your policy, you’ll have to shop for a new policy with a negative record and a recently canceled policy, which is likely to make premiums much higher.

However, even if you are able to stay with your current provider, it’s likely your rates will go up. For starters, being a “high risk” policyholder is likely to cause the insurance company to raise your premiums. Additionally, you are required, to obtain an FR-44, to have liability insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence and $50,000 for property damage. If that’s an increase in coverage for you, it’s likely to also mean an increase in premiums. Most people in Florida see their premiums double, and sometimes even triple, after a DUI conviction.

The FR-44 form also requires your insurance company to notify the DHSMV if your insurance lapses, at which point the DHSMV will suspend your license. Many people have a hard time making the dramatically increased payments, leading to their insurance lapsing, which means their license is also suspended.


Avoiding Insurance Consequences in Pinellas County

The FR-44 requirement is an automatic consequence of a DUI conviction in Florida. So, the only way to avoid the consequences is to avoid the conviction, which you may be able to do. The best step you can make toward avoiding the conviction is hiring an experience St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyer after you are arrested.

You attorney will carefully and diligently review all the assertions and all the evidence presented by prosecutors. An attorney can even challenge chemical tests, such as breathalyzer and blood test results, for flaws and irregularities. For instance, many breath devices register other chemical compounds in the human breath. Additionally, testing while alcohol is absorbing into the blood stream can also cause defects in testing.


Morris Law Firm, P.A. | Pinellas County DUI Attorney

Avoid the expensive consequences of a DUI conviction by fighting the charges. St. Petersburg DUI lawyer Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm, P.A. can fight for you today at (727) 592-5885 to set up a free consultation to go over the details of your case.

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