Case Results

With decades of experience in Florida criminal and traffic courts, attorneys Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell have shown their commitment to the best interests of their clients. They have defended thousands of traffic cases, from moving violations to more involving complex matters such as DUI manslaughter. Their passion drives them to fight for the most favorable outcomes rather than the easiest. They go the extra mile for every client.

This page contains just a small sample of the cases represented by Meltzer & Bell, P.A.. We invite you to learn more about our experience and how we can help protect your driving record in Palm Beach County and Broward County, FL. Call (561) 557-8686 or send an online message to learn more about our firm and your legal options during a free consultation.

Florida DUI and Traffic Violation Results

Driving Under the Influence

Charges: Felony Possession Of Controlled Substance and DUI (Second Offense w/in 5)
Case #: 18-023840MU10A
Facts: The Defendant was charged with Felony Possession of Controlled Substance, punishable by 5 years in prison, and Driving Under the Influence, a second DUI offense within five years of a prior DUI conviction which carries a mandatory jail sentence and a five-year driver’s license revocation. The Defendant’s vehicle was stopped by Officer Malave of the Sunrise Police Department for repeatedly stopping and starting his vehicle near an intersection and for violating a flashing yellow light by stopping and remaining stationary at the intersection. Officer Malave approached the vehicle and made contact with the Defendant. Upon making contact with the Defendant, the Officer noticed that the defendant had the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech ; and the Defendant was incapable of formulating complete sentences. The Defendant would nod off in mid-sentence and was completely incoherent at times. After making those observations, Officer Malave, a female called for the assistance of two male officer’s due to the Defendant’s condition and physical size. The male officers loudly ordered the Defendant out of the car on multiple occasions, but the Defendant would not comply. The Officers attempted to forcibly remove the Defendant from the vehicle, but the Defendant resisted those efforts by bracing, pulling and stiffening his body so that the officers could not move him. The Defendant was slammed to the ground, which the officers took as a refusal to perform roadside exercises and then incorrectly read the Defendant implied consent, which only applies to breath tests. Officers noticed that there ere three cans of beer in the vehicle as well. The Defendant was arrested for DUI and was NOT taken to the Breath Testing Facility and DUI Room, but only the Broward County Main Jail. The Defendant was never asked to submit to a breath test. After the Defendant’s arrest, Officers discovered 27 pills located in a tackle box in the Defendant’s vehicle which ultimately were revealed to be anabolic steroids.

Partner, Lawrence Meltzer of Meltzer & Bell prepared for trial. During preparation, the firm filed several Motions in Limine (Motions to Exclude Evidence) that asked the court to exclude any reference to roadside exercises or the Defendant’s alleged refusal top perform them as the Defendant was not offered the roadside exercises and, thus, never refused them. Additionally, the court was asked to exclude any mention of a refusal to submit to a breath test or failure to give on as, again, one was never offered. Finally, the court was asked to prohibit the State from discussing the anabolic steroids as such pills, although a controlled substance, are not those of an impairing or intoxicating nature.

After receiving the Motion, the state conceded and was compelled to drop all DUI related charges. Meltzer & Bell was also able to have all felony drug charges dropped as well.
Outcome: All charges dropped.

Case #:18024321MU10A
Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Facts: The Defendant was charged with Driving Under the Influence. Officers of the Davie Police Department were alerted by a concerned citizen that our client was leaving The Billiard Club, a pool bar, in an extremely intoxicated state and about to drive. The Officer approached the vehicle as the car was in reverse, ordered the Defendant to stop the vehicle and conducted a wellness check and noticed the Defendant had bloodshot eyes, the odor of an alcoholic beverage, and extremely slurred speech. Based on those observations, the officer asked the Defendant to perform roadside sobriety exercises, to which the defendant refused. The Defendant was placed under arrest for DUI and was asked to submit to a breath test, but, again refused.

Lawrence Meltzer of Meltzer and Bell began to prepare for trial and researched case law in an effort to suppress or throw out the stop of the Defendant’s vehicle and all evidence that followed the stop as being unconstitutional and based upon a lack of reasonable suspicion as the Defendant had done nothing to justify her vehicle being stopped. The firm and Mr. Meltzer researched a similar factual scenario in State v. Sliviak in which the stop was suppressed based upon a lack of reasonable suspicion of criminal activity in an almost identical situation. This case law was presented to the State prior to trial. Upon receiving it, the State agreed and dropped the DUI charge.
Outcome: Charges Dropped

Charges: REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO TESTING
Case #: 17-000011MU10A
Facts: The Defendant was observed by Officer Troy Murdock of the Coral Springs Police Department traveling 55 in a 40mph and weaving uncontrollably to the extent traffic began to slow in order to evade her. The officer activated his emergency lights in order to stop the Defendant, however, she did not until she was forced to because of a traffic backup at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Coral Springs Drive.

Upon making contact with the Defendant, the officer noticed the defendant to have an extremely strong odor of an alcoholic beverage; that she could not handle or identify her vehicle documentation and that her speech was extremely slurred and that she was disoriented to the point where she was nodding off in front of the officer. When asked if she knew how fast she was moving the defendant responded by saying “I was doing 99.9”. The Defendant was asked to exit the vehicle and could not place the car in park. Upon exiting the vehicle, the Defendant almost fell into oncoming traffic and had to be saved by the officer. The Defendant could not maintain her balance and was disheveled in her appearance. The defendant refused to perform roadside exercises and later refused a breath test. The defendant had previously been arrested for DUI and previously had her licensed suspended for refusing a breath test and admitted to “having some vodkas”.

Meltzer & Bell, once again, proceeded to trial. At trial, our attorneys were able to demonstrate that the officer was not truthful in his testimony through the use of photographs and google satellite photos, and based upon the testimony of the client.
Outcome: The Defendant was found NOT GUILTY!!!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2019CT00XX8XAXX
Facts: The defendant was alleged to have been swerving and failing to maintain a lane. Additionally, he was alleged to have repeatedly gone into the bike lane. He was stopped and ultimately detained for a DUI investigation. After being arrested and allegedly performing poorly on roadsides, he was taken to jail where he refused to submit to a breath sample. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained. The next day we picked up the reports and videos from Boca Raton Police Department. After reviewing the reports, our office immediately discussed the legal issues and factual discrepancies in the video with the State Attorney assigned on make the filing decision. It was determined that our client should not be charged with DUI based on the stop and on his overall appearance on video.
Outcome: DUI No Filed

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 16-02567MU10A
Facts: The Defendant was seen sleeping at the wheel by a civilian while waiting at a traffic signal at the intersection of Broward Boulevard and University Drive in the City of Plantation as wheel as the intersection that followed.

The civilian called the Plantation Police Department to report that the Defendant was a danger to other drivers. Officer Traci Fox of the Plantation Police Department saw the Defendant driving in a reckless manner; with front-end damage to the car and driving on the rim causing damage to roadway. Officer Fox Stopped the vehicle while the Defendant attempted a U-Turn from a left turn only median.

Officer Fox called Officer Jeffrey Beauregard to conduct a DUI investigation based upon her observations of severely slurred speech and abnormal disorientation. Officer Beauregard observed the Defendant had a white film around her mouth, bloodshot eyes, slurred and slow speech; lethargic movements and that her eyelids were abnormally heavy as if she was nodding off. The Defendant was asked to perform roadside exercises on video and performed very poorly to the extent that she lost her balance several times, failed to follow instructions, missed heal to toe; visibly swayed, and could not follow the simplest of instructions.

The Defendant was arrested for DUI and taken to jail. The Defendant was asked to give both a breath and urine sample. The breath sample did not register for alcohol, but the urine test revealed a litany of drugs in her system, including, but not limited to: ambien, oxycodone, oxymorphone and opiates.

The case proceeded to trial and the State presented all of the officer’s testimony and played the DUI video for the jury that reflected the Defendant’s impairment due to the drugs in her system. During the trial, Meltzer and Bell was able to demonstrate to the jury that the drugs contained in the Defendant’s urine had already passed through the body and would no longer have any impairing effect by cross examining the State’s toxicologist. Additionally, the Defendant also testified that she had taken these drugs days before this event and at the time of her arrest she was having a severe spike in her blood pressure, which was corroborated by the presence of her blood pressure medication in her urine and by her statement to officers.
Outcome: THE DEFENDAT WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY BY A JURY!!

Charges: Felony DUI
Case #: 18-9172CF10A
Facts: The Defendant was charged with felony Driving Under the Influence based upon this arrest being his third DUI within 10 years. That crime was punishable by 5 years in prison. The Defendant was seen driving recklessly on a scooter as he was drifting uncontrollably and weaving. The Defendant also almost hit a white vehicle that was driving directly in front of him. The stopping officer noticed a pungent odor of an alcoholic beverage; bloodshot watery eyes, severely slurred speech; he exhibited disorientation as he stated that he was coming from the ocean in Fort Lauderdale (he was not); and the defendant admitted that he had “3-4 vodka cranberry alcoholic beverages.”

Officer Hannie Gil of the Wilton Manors Police Department arrived to perform the DUI investigation and video recorded it. The Defendant was clearly impaired by alcohol on video and his slurred speech and disorientation was clear. The Defendant began roadside exercises, but almost fell and decided to decline the remainder of the requested exercises. The Defendant then requested to provide a breath test and refused. The defendant then refused the breath test.

After reviewing discovery, Meltzer & Bell filed two separate motions to suppress (exclude) evidence. More specifically, the motions requested that the court to exclude the Defendant’s refusal to perform roadside exercises as the officer failed to advise him of the consequences of that refusal and to exclude the refusal to submit to a breath test as said request was not made subsequent to his arrest, but before the arrest.
Outcome: The state reviewed the motions that were submitted, found that each had merit and dropped all felony charges against the Defendant.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 18024755MU10A
Facts: A DUI Task Force Officer for the Broward Sheriff’s Office pulled Defendant over for Speeding on SE 3^rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Upon making contact with the defendant, the Officer noticed the Defendant to have the odor of an alcoholic beverage, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. The Defendant was asked to perform roadside exercises, which she did in HIGH HEELS. The Officer claimed that the Defendant performed poorly on the exercises to the extent that she “lost her balance”; failed to touch heel to toe and swayed involuntarily.

The Defendant was arrested for DUI and refused the Breath Test. Meltzer & Bell obtained all of the video evidence in the case which revealed that the officer’s description of our client was inaccurate and the client appeared NOT to be impaired. The video also reflected that the Defendant performed beautifully on the roadside exercises despite the fact she had done them in 6-inch high heels. Meltzer & Bell announced ready for trial.
Outcome: The State dropped the DUI.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence Crash
Case #: 2016CTXXX41XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was involved in an accident where she hit a curb and then crashed into a guardrail damaging Department of Transporation Property. She seemed out of it, was lethargic and made to driving scotch and Bacardi. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained.
Outcome: Our firm was able to negotiate a resolution where the DUI Crash was dismissed. Our client was permitted to plead to a lesser included offense of Reckless Driving.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2016CTXXX12XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving without headlights at night. He was stopped and ultimately arrested and charged with DUI after giving a breath sample of .148 twice. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained.
Outcome: DUI Dismissed. Client permitted to resolve case to lesser offense of Reckless Driving.

Charges: Second Driving Under the Influence outside of 5 years
Case #: 2016CTXXX58XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was accused of his second DUI. After developing issues with the traffic stop, The firm was able to negotiate a result which reduced the charges.
Outcome: DUI charges were dismissed and our client was permitted to resolve the case to a Reckless Driving.

Charges: DUI Enchanced
Case #: 15X1XXXMU10A
Facts: The Defendant was passed out at the wheel in a parking meter spot. He was slumped over the wheel with the keys in the ignition and the headlights on. After being woken up by police he was confused and seemed impaired. He exhibited signs of impairment. He gave breath sample after being arrested which yielded results more than 2 times the legal limit. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained to aggressively defend our client.
Outcome: Our client rejected any plea off by the state and our firm picked a jury. We argued that our client was parked and was NOT in actual physical control of a motor vehicle. The trial lasted two days and the jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence and 2nd Refusal to Submit to Breath
Case #: 2015CTX0X53XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for failing to maintain her lane. She veered out of the lane markers on three occasions and then stopped at a u-turn area without her signal on for a prolonged period of time. She exhibited signs of impairment and performed poorly on roadsides. She was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and taken back to the jail. While there, she was asked to submit to a sample of her breath and for the second time in five years, she refused resulting in an 18 months suspension of her license and a second misdemeanor charge for Refusal.
Outcome: The firm took sworn testimony of the officer at the formal review hearing. He could not recall how far the car veered over the lane markers and admitted that it was only 3 times over a short distance. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” filed a motion to suppress the evidence in the case arguing that the stop was unlawful and made without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. At the hearing, the officer testified and the video was shown to the court. After our firm cross examined the officer and provided case law to the court, the court granted our motion and excluded all the evidence that flowed from the stop. The State of Florida dismissed all criminal charges against our client.

Charges: DUI
Case #: 14-XX7MXX0A
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding in the city of Plantation. The Defendant pulled into his apartment complex pursuant to the traffic stop. The officer approached the vehicle and noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage, slurred speech and bloodshot and watery eyes. The Defendant was asked where he was coming from and responded "from a friend's house" where he was watching a Miami Heat game. The Defendant admitted to consuming one beer.

The Defendant was asked out of the vehicle by the officer, who was a drug recognition expert for purposes of Roadside Sobriety Exercises. The officer stated in his reports that the Defendant was unable to perform the roadsides and his performance indicated that he was impaired. The Defendant was arrested for DUI and a beer cap was found in his pocket. The defendant was taken back to the station where he refused a breath test.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell took the deposition of the investigating officer in the case and during the deposition the officer testified that the Defendant's performance on the roadsides was actually quite good, contrary to what he previously described. Additionally, Meltzer & Bell was able to obtain reports in which the officer wrote that the Defendant's appearance and general demeanor was "normal". Further, Meltzer & Bell obtained the booking video from the Plantation Police Department which reflected that our client that appeared to indicate that our client appeared sober. Upon presenting said evidence to the State, all DUI charges were dropped.

Charges: DUI
Case #: 14-XX7MXX0A
Facts: The Defendant was charged with a second DUI. The Defendant was stopped for speeding at 70 MPH in a 45 zone going across the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. The Defendant failed to stop immediately for the officers, but later pulled over into a parking lot. The officers approached the vehicle and noticed that the defendant had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled from the odor of an alcoholic beverage.

The defendant was asked to exit the vehicle and did so unsteadily. He admitted to consuming four drinks earlier in the evening before driving. A DUI taskforce officer arrived and spoke to our client and began to conduct a DUI investigation. The defendant refused Roadside Sobriety Exercises and was ultimately arrested for DUI. The defendant also refused the breath test.
Outcome: After obtaining discovery, Meltzer & Bell reviewed the video evidence in the case which reflected that the defendant did not look impaired. The defendant appeared to be lucid and was cooperative to the investigating officer. He also appeared to be very sober. This evidence was shown to the State Attorney's Office and all DUI charges were dropped.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence: Crash-Enhanced
Case #: 14-1XX76MXX0A
Facts: Defendant was driving on the wrong side of the road and was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. All individuals involved in the accident were taken to the hospital, where, due to the serious nature of the injures sustained, the Defendant’s blood was drawn from his person. Subsequent to the accident and the Defendant’s release from the hospital, the blood results revealed that the Defendant’s blood alcohol level was well above a .15. Even though the State Attorney’s Office had received an arrest warrant for the Defendant and had the ability to prosecute the Defendant, it was not until twenty-eight months after the accident, that the Defendant was extradited from his home in another state and brought back to Florida to face the charges.
Outcome: As soon as Meltzer & Bell, P.A. "The Traffic Stop" was retained, we immediately tracked down all of the evidence, information and documentation as it related to our clients case. After receiving all of the relevant and necessary information, the firm filed a Motion to Dismiss and Discharge the case against our client due to an expiration of the statute of limitations period on DUI offenses. A hearing was held on the matter, whereby the state of Florida argued that our client continually absented himself from the jurisdiction and as such, the statute of limitations was tolled (paused). The firm was able to rebut the state’s argument by providing proof that the State Attorney’s Office, at all times, knew where our client was and failed to pursue charges within the requisite time period allowed under Florida Statute. The Judge granted our Motion to Dismiss and Discharged our client.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2015CT00XX21AXXX
Facts: The Defendant was parked at a closed business. The officer parked behind her and noticed her slumped over asleep. After trying to knock on the window, she came to and then the officer opened the door and reached into the car and shut it off and took the keys. She smelled like alcohol and seemed impaired. After being requested to perform roadsides she refused and was arrested. She refused to give a sample of her breath. She had told the police that she did not drive to that location but that her friend dropped her off there.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” was retained. The charges were completely no filed.

Charges: Second DUI
Case #: 14-1XX76MXX0A
Facts: The Defendant was charge with a second DUI offense that was punishable by up to 270 days in the Broward County Jail. The Defendant was stopped for weaving within his lane and speeding within the City of Plantation, Florida. The officer made contact with the Defendant and noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage, bloodshot and red watery eyes; and noticed that the Defendant was slurring his words. The Defendant readily admitted to drinking a beer while watching the Miami Heat game as well. In his police report, the office stated that. The Defendant was then asked to perform roadside sobriety exercises and performed poorly. The Defendant was arrested for DUI after the roadside exercises. He then refused to submit to a breath test.
Outcome: In defense of the client, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop”, took the sworn deposition of the arresting officer and the officer made statements that directly contradicted the statements he had previously made in his police reports. As a matter of fact, it appeared that the Defendant was not impaired by alcohol after the deposition testimony. The firm was also to obtain a booking video and booking report from the Plantation Police Department after finding out that there was no in-car video for this case. The booking video clearly reflected that our client was not impaired by alcohol and the booking report stated that the defendant’s physical appearance and mental awareness was “normal”. This evidence was turned over to the state attorney in discovery and the State dropped all DUI charges.

Charges: Felony Driving Under the Influence (5th Offense) and Felony Driving on a Permanent Revocation
Case #: 2015CF00XXX5AXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving on Military Trail when an officer saw him looking at his direction and then looked away continually. The officer ran the tag which came back to the correct vehicle, but a different color. After stopping the defendant, the officer noticed numerous signs of impairment and instituted a DUI investigation. The Defendant had an odor of alcohol, bloodshot/glassy eyes, a flushed face and slurred speech. He was argumentative and uncooperative. He was arrested and brought to jail where he refused a breath sample. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” was retained.
Outcome: We immediately investigated the stop which we had researched was unlawful. A recent Florida Supreme Court Opinion determined that there was no legal obligation on the defendant to change the color of a vehicle on the registration. A single non-criminal discrepancy in the color of the vehicle vs. the color on the registration does not give rise to reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or probable cause for a traffic infraction. After providing this information to the Felony Filing Lawyer, our client’s 5th Felony DUI and Felony Driving Under Permanent Revocation was completely dropped.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence

Case #: 2014CT026XXXAXX

Facts: The Defendant was stopped for running a red light. He had vomit on his shirt and in the car. After smelling alcohol and noticing signs of impairment, he was asked to submit to roadsides. He ultimately refused and then ultimately refused a breath test. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, was retained to represent the Defendant.

Outcome Our firm ordered and secured videos depicting all that occurred on scene and at the jail. Our client was not informed of his adverse consequences for refusing to submit to roadside exercises. Additionally, there were issues regarding statements that were made by the stopping officer. After months of negotiations, the State agreed to reduce the charges from DUI to Reckless Driving.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence and Driving Without a Valid Florida Driver’s License
Case #: 2014CT0XX49XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for driving 10 miles over the speed limit and not driving straight and normal. The officer made contact with the driver who did not have his license on him. The Defendant was disoriented, had bloodshot glassy eyes, smelled like alcohol and had poor balance and coordination throughout. Additionally, he admitted to drinking 4 beers at a BBQ. He also stated he had a bad back and took painkillers. Roadsides were conducted and the defendant was arrested. During roadsides, the HGN task was done on more than one occasion by the officer. After being taken to the Palm Beach County jail, our client consented to a breath sample which yielded a result of .083 and .085.
Outcome: Our firm filed a motion to suppress based upon an unlawful arrest in the case. After the motion was filed, but before the hearing, our firm was able to successfully negotiate a resolution whereby the State agreed to dismiss the DUI. Our client was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving Count and the DUI was dismissed.

Charges: DUI
Case #: 2014CT02X96XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was observed by an officer driving erratically and almost striking a guardrail. He was crossing the yellow line and was stopped by the officer. He was lethargic, had bloodshot glassy eyes and had an odor of alcohol coming from his breath. He admitted to coming from a gentleman’s club and was drinking about 45 minutes prior to being stopped. After performing poorly on roadsides, he was arrested. He was requested to submit to a sample of his breath and refused.
Outcome: Our client was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was dismissed. He received no criminal conviction.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT024XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped after the officer noticed multiple cars having to go around her. She was asleep at a green light with her head on the head rest. The officer banged on the window and then shined the flashlight into the car. She opened her eyes and rolled down her window. The officer noticed her eyes to be bloodshot and an odor of alcohol coming from where she was seated. Her eyes were glossy and red and her speech was slurred when she spoke. The vehicle was in drive and her foot was on the break. She was investigated for a DUI and the video evidence depicted multiple signs of impairment.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” was retained. Although there were issues surrounding the validity of the stop, the firm and our client agreed that the safest choice was a resolution agreed to by the State. Our client was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was dismissed. She received no criminal conviction.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CTXXX361AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped after being passed out in the left center lane of traffic on I-95. He was unresponsive and Fire Rescue was still not able to get him up until a sternum rub was done. The keys were in the ignition and the car was running. Officers arrived and observed an odor of alcohol coming from him and his speech was slurred. Videos were ordered by Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” after being retained. He was very unsteady and could be seen losing his balance on the video. He was arrested and taken to county jail where he refused to submit to a breath sample.
Outcome: After negotiating a resolution, our client was allowed to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was then dismissed. He did not receive a criminal conviction.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT026XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen swerving between 2 vehicles to change lanes, speed up more to 70 mph and was having trouble maintaining his lane. He then drove up onto the shoulder several times and was stopped. The driver said he knew he was going “very fast”. There was an open bottle of beer in the car and an open bottle of brandy. He admitted to having some drinks at dinner. He performed poorly on roadsides and was arrested. He submitted to a breath test which yielded results of a .113 and .117.
Outcome: After negotiating a resolution, our client was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was dismissed. He received no criminal conviction.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2015CT0XX2X6AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and contact was made. She had an odor of alcohol coming from her and she had bloodshot glassy eyes. Her speech was slurred. She performed poorly on roadside exercises and was arrested for DUI. After being taken to jail, she was requested to submit to a breath test. She refused even after being told her license would be suspended for one year.
Outcome: Our firm ordered and received all of the videos in the case. After review, we contacted the attorney responsible for filing the case with the State Attorney’s Office. After further review of the evidence, the State agreed to no file the DUI and all charges were dropped.

Charges: DUI
Case #: 2014CT024525AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped after a concerned calling called 911 regarding a vehicle all over the road. After being stopped, the officer noticed signs of impairment. Roadsides were requested and the defendant performed poorly. He was arrested and taken the Boca Raton Police Department where he consented to a breath test. The results were .137 and .136.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained. Were able to successfully get our client into a program which resulted in the DUI being dropped. The DUI was dismissed and our client was not convicted of a crime. Adjudication was withheld on the Reckless Driving charges.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT0XXX41AXX
Facts: The Defendant was accelerating and slowing down multiple times and additionally was operating his vehicle with only one functional headlight. When asked for his documents he began fumbling around and exhibited signs of impairment. He admitted he had been driving and said that he was nervous and should not have been driving. He admitted to drinking hard alcohol and performed poorly on roadsides. After being placed under arrest, our client consented to a breath sample which yielded results of .046 and .050. He consented to a urine sample.
Outcome: Our firm immediately began working with DUI intake and case filing. After a full and extremely diligent review of the case by the Office of the State Attorney, criminal charges were not filed against our client. The case was “no info’ed”

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT0XXX6XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for making an illegal left turn. He exhibited signs of impairment including watery, glassy bloodshot eyes, slurred and mumbled speech and an odor of alcohol coming from him. He admitted to drinking two beers and performed poorly on roadside tasks. He was not able to adequately say the English alphabet. He was arrested and taken to jail where he refused to submit to a sample of his breath.
Outcome: The DUI was dismissed and the Defendant was placed on probation for Reckless Driving with No criminal conviction on his record.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT0XXX79AXX
Facts: The Defendant stopped passed the stop bar and then pulled into an intersection at a red light. He then spun his tires and ran the light with the officer behind him. After being stopped, the officer noticed signs of impairment. At first the defendant refused to perform roadsides but was advised that would be used against him in court. He was arrested after roadsides and taken back to the jail where he blew a .185 and .187 (more than twice the legal limit). He was asked questions post Miranda where he made some outrageous and sarcastic comments towards the officers.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and our client was able to resolve the matter to a Reckless Driving. The DUI was dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT0089XXAX
Facts: The Defendant was seen by an independent witness almost hitting them on I-95. After swerving in the road and coming to a stop, a FHP trooper responded. The Defendant exhibited signs of impairment and had trouble standing. She would not perform roadsides and refused to submit to a sample of her breath. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: Our client pled guilty to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving and received no criminal conviction. The DUI charges were dismissed.

Charges: DUI
Case #: 2014CT01XX04AXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen driving recklessly all over the road. After being stopped she exhibited signs of impairment and was subjected to a DUI investigation. She admitted to drinking beers and was very talkative throughout the roadsides. She was eventually arrested and taken to jail where she refused to submit to a sample of her breath.
Outcome: After negotiations with the State of Florida, they were in agreement to dismiss the DUI. DUI charges reduced to Reckless Driving.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Case #: 2014CT0X7XX0AXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen by multiple officers passed out in his vehicle with a passenger also passed out in the car. The vehicle was running, the keys were in the ignition and the lights were on. Our client had his seatbelt on. The officer began knocking on the windows as did the other officers. It took a long time for him to wake up. The passenger woke up first and unlocked the door. After the officer was able to open the driver’s door, he leaned in and smelled a strong odor of alcohol. He removed the keys from the ignition and began a DUI investigation.
The Defendant said he must have driven there somehow but that he was not ok to drive and wasn’t going to. He admitted to drinking at the restaurant where he was parked and admitted that he was not ok to drive again. He refused to perform roadsides and was arrested. At the jail, he consented to a breath and blew a .138 and under a .15.
Outcome: The Defendant was offered a reduction of the charges and resolved the case to a Reckless Driving. The DUI was dismissed in open court.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2013CT029XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. The vehicle crossed over the dotted lines and weaved back into the center lane. After being stopped, the defendant stated she was coming from a Christmas party and admitted to drinking “like two glasses of wine.”. She smelled like alcohol and could not locate any documents. Her eyes were bloodshot and glassy and she used her seat for support to get out of the car. She was unsteady on her feet and performed poorly on roadsides according to the Trooper. She was asked to submit to a sample of her breath to which she refused.
Outcome: The law firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained late in the game and filed a demand for speedy trial based upon the strong factual issues in the case. The videos and the evidence, according to our firm, were not sufficient to prove a DUI beyond a reasonable doubt. Although a reduced charge offer from the State Attorney of Reckless Driving had been taken off the table, it was placed back on the table after our firm demanded speedy trial in the case. The DUI was dismissed and the charges were reduced!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014C5014XX3AXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen on video swerving all over the road for a long period of time by an FHP officer. He was also exceeding the speed limit. He was stopped and exhibited numerous signs of impairment all captured on video. His roadsides were performed poorly and he was arrested for DUI. At the jail he refused to give a sample of his breath. While on scene he continually said he was a good person and to please not do this to him which was also captured on video.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and our firm immediately began negotiations with the State Attorney. Even though the driving pattern was very bad and all captured on the video, the State Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss the DUI and reduce the charges. DUI charges Dismissed!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT01XX97AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for a tag light being out. When he was stopped, he was sweating and shaking. He admitted to having 3 beers and said he was on the way to get cigarettes. He had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol coming from him. He performed poorly on roadsides and was arrested. When taken to jail, he refused a breath sample when requested to provide one.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately negotiated a deal with the State Attorney that resulted in the DUI being dismissed. Our client plead to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving with NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT012XX9AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for making a right turn on a red where it was prohibited. The firm went to lengths to make sure that the stop was actually valid by visiting the area in which the stop took place. Additionally, the officer smelled alcohol, noticed signs of impairment and asked our client to submit to roadsides. He consented and was arrested for DUI. When asked to submit to a breath sample, he refused.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately negotiated a deal with the State Attorney that resulted in the DUI being dismissed. Our client plead to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving with NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT013XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped at a light and passed out. He was not responding to the traffic signals and an officer checked on him. Signs of impairment were exhibited including bloodshot/glassy eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol. He asked if he could park his car somewhere or take a taxi home. After being asked to submit to roadsides, he refused. He was arrested and taken jail where he was requested to submit to a breath test. He refused that test after being told his license would be suspended for a period of 1 year.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we successfully convinced the State to reduce the charges and have the DUI dismissed. Our client received no criminal conviction!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Controlled Substance)
Case #: 2014CT00XX53AXX
Facts: The Defendant was parked in a parking lot when a tow truck came to get her car. Her tire was blown out and rim bent. She was in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition. The tow driver noticed that she was having trouble keeping her eyes open and sounded extremely impaired. The police were called to the scene. When the officers arrived, the defendant was still in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition. She seemed very impaired and was asked to submit to roadside exercises. She performed poorly and was arrested. While at the jail, she was asked to submit to a urine sample. The sample had cocaine, Xanax and multiple other controlled substances in it.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and began negotiations with the State Attorneys Office. They hesitantly agreed to reduce her charges to a Reckless Driving after a full review of the facts. The DUI was dismissed in open court and our client was not convicted of any crime regarding this matter.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence Causing or Contributing to Damage to Person or Property (2nd DUI within 5 years)
Case #: 2013CT01X39XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving his car to work when he rolled his vehicle over three times and smashed it into a guardrail. When the officers arrived, he was out of his car and exhibiting signs of impairment. The first officer noticed a slight odor of alcohol on his person and slow and slurred speech. He was asked to submit to roadsides to which he consented. He performed poorly on the roadside exercises and made admissions to taking controlled substances the evening before. When arrested and taken to the jail he submitted to a breath test which yielded results of .084 and .085. He had been convicted of a DUI less than 2 years before this offense and was charged with a 2nd DUI crash.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to aggressively defend our client. Our firm filed 5 motions to suppress including those to exclude statements made on scene based upon 5th amendment violations, motions to suppress based upon an unlawful detention for DUI, motion to suppress based upon an unlawful arrest without probable cause, and numerous other motions asking to exclude evidence. Our motions were set for hearing and negotiations began to intensify. After looking at our motions and hearing the facts from our point of view, the State agreed to dismiss the charges for Driving Under the Influence. Our client pled to a lesser charge of Reckless Driving, even though this was his alleged second offense within 5 years. He did no jail time and was able to avoid the 5 year mandatory revocation of his driver’s license if convicted of a 2nd offense within 5 years. DUI charges Nolle Prossed!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT01X84XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving well above the speed limit and stopped by the officer. After noticing signs of alcohol impairment, he was asked to step out of the car. He was requested to submit to roadsides and refused. After being arrested he was requested to submit to a breath sample to which he also refused. Cocaine was found in the car and on the passenger. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: We began discussions with DUI intake and case filing and was able to convince the state to allow the DUI to be dismissed. Our client was not convicted of any crime and allowed to resolve the case to a reduced charge even though the drugs were found in the vehicle.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT008XX8AXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged driving his motorcycle when he crashed on the street. He was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. After noticing numerous signs of impairment, a blood was requested from our client to determine his alcohol content. Our client refused to submit to a blood sample. He was charged with DUI and Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: Although he did not technically qualify of the First Time Offender Program because of the crash, our firm was able to convince the State to allow him in the program based upon the fact that no other vehicles were involved and based upon certain factors in the witness reports. Our client’s DUI charges were dismissed and the charges were reduced to Reckless Driving. On the day of the plea, the State attempted to add a condition of a suspended license and our firm successfully convinced the judge that the suspension should not be a condition of the plea.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT008XX8AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and the officers noticed what they believed to be numerous signs of impairment. After asking her to perform roadsides, she was taken into custody. She was not alone in the car, but with a passenger male friend. She was taken to the jail and agreed to submit to a breath sample after she had admitted to drinking some beers. She blew a .077 and .078. She was asked to submit to a urine sample and refused. Melter & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and immediately began working with case filing at the Office of the State Attorney. The case was assigned to the supervisor of the County Court division.
Outcome: The firm pointed out that the request to submit to the urine sample was unlawful based upon the facts and the breath results, coupled with the video evidence in the case should not result in the filing of criminal charges. Additionally, the name and anticipated testimony of the passenger was provided to the State Attorney’s Office as well. After a review of this information, the Office of the State Attorney declined to file any criminal charges against our client. The DUI was No-Filed.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT00XX2XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was merging onto I-95 when she almost crashed into a Florida Highway Patrol Vehicle. This was all captured on video. She stopped in the middle of the road on 95 instead of pulling onto the shoulder. The trooper continually instructed her to move via intercom and had to get out of the car to facilitate that. After contact was made, the Trooper noticed an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot glassy eyes and difficulty obtaining documents he asked for. She was ordered out of the car and refused to get out stating she was going to “call her lawyer.” The officer then again told her to get out of the car and she finally did. She denied that she stopped the car in the middle of the lane and tried to walk away and go home during the roadsides. She refused to perform them and became very emotional on video and on the ride to the jail. At the jail she refused to submit to a sample of her breath to determine the alcohol content.
Outcome: The Firm was retained and ordered and reviewed all videos and reports to determine the best course of action and what legal issues existed, if any. Additionally, the State was in agreement to allow our client into the First Offender Program despite the egregious driving pattern. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was able to get the DUI charges dismissed! Our client received no criminal conviction!

Charges: 2nd DUI
Case #: 12-18241MM10A
Facts: The Defendant was charged with a second DUI offense within 5 years of a prior conviction for DUI. Such an offense carries a mandatory jail sentence and a five-year driver’s license revocation. The Defendant was observed in the Town of Davie by officers making a right hand turn. When the turn was made the Defendant missed his lane, traveled across three other traffic lanes and on to the shoulder of the road and into oncoming traffic. The officer began to follow the Defendant’s vehicle and observed it to be speeding and weaving to the extent that other vehicles had to take evasive action in order to avoid being struck. The officer initiated a traffic stop. He approached the vehicle and noticed the defendant to have a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. The Defendant also was able to locate his Florida Driver’s license, but only after first telling the officer that he did not have a Florida Driver’s license. The Defendant was then asked out of the vehicle. He used the door of his vehicle to steady himself and looked unstable. While walking to the area to perform roadside exercises the Defendant stumbled and was asked to sit on the rear bumper of his vehicle for safety purposes. The Defendant was placed on video and asked to perform roadside sobriety exercises, but refused to do so. The Defendant also refused to speak to the officer and would only use hand signals to indicate that he was not willing to cooperate or perform the exercises. The Defendant was placed under arrest for DUI and asked to submit to a breath test. The Defendant refused to submit to the test and repeatedly interrupted the officer while he was reading implied consent by rudely stating “I don’t understand, no I don’t understand!
Outcome: Meltzer and Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” prepared for trial and arrived in court ready to try the case. After a discussion with the State Attorney about the weaknesses in the case and after having certain video evidence thrown out of court due to a pre-trial motion filed by the firm, the State dropped all DUI charges.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Marijuana
Case #: 2014MM0XX5XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was allegedly seen behind in a ditch trying to remove his vehicle. It was stuck in the ditch. Our client was behind the wheel and the vehicle was running. The officer noticed signs of impairment and asked him to submit to roadsides. He performed poorly and was arrested for DUI. He could not complete the alphabet correctly. After being arrested he refused to submit to a sample his breath. He also had marijuana in his pocket and was charged with possession as well. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to represent our client. He did not qualify for the First Time Offender program because of the charge for possession. However, the firm retrieved all of the videos in the case and did a full review of all of the facts. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was able to convince the State that the reports were wholly inconsistent with the videos and the charges for DUI could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Outcome: The State Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss the charges for DUI and reduce the charges to a reckless driving. Additionally, the drug charges for Possession of Marijuana was dismissed!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2013CT0XX03XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was traveling the wrong way on a one way road and almost struck another vehicle. After being stopped, she denied that she was traveling on a one way street. She appeared impaired, smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, slow dexterity and very slow comprehension. She also had red and glassy eyes. She said she was coming from two different bars and initially denied drinking. She then changed that to having one drink. She was reluctant to perform roadsides and finally agreed. She performed poorly (all captured on video) and was arrested for DUI. A beer was then found in her vehicle and she was asked to submit to a breath test. She refused to submit. The Firm was retained and was able to zealously advocate on her behalf.
Outcome: After months of representation, the Firm convinced the Office of the State Attorney to dismiss the charges for Driving Under the Influence and reduce the charges to Reckless Driving. The Defendant did NOT receive a conviction for any criminal offense.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2013CT0XX98XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen by a concerned motorist passed out and slumped over the wheel with the vehicle running in the middle of the road. After pulling around twice, the Defendant was seen in the same State. They called 911 and an officer responded. The officer activated his lights and sirens with no response. She was still passed out and slumped over the wheel. The officer had to physically wake up the driver of the car. She was not aware that she was passed out and did not know where she was. She smelled like alcohol and denied drinking. She also indicated she was on medications. She was asked to submit to roadsides and refused. After being arrested, she refused to submit to a breath test. The State Attorney’s Office filed the charges for Driving Under the Influence and did not initially allow the Defendant into the First Time Offender Program.
Outcome: The firm negotiated with the State Attorney’s Office and ultimately was able to convince the State Attorney to dismiss the charges for Driving Under the Influence and reduce the charges to Reckless Driving.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2013CT0XX75XAXX
Facts: Our client was revving his engine on his motorcycle when the officer noticed it racing a person in a truck. The vehicles were traveling around 90 mph as they passed the officer. They began changing lanes abruptly close to other travelers on the road. After being stopped, the officer noticed signs of impairment and called for a DUI unit. The DUI officer noticed the defendant’s eyes to be red and glassy and he noticed an odor of alcohol coming from him. His speech was slightly slurred. Our client immediately put his hands behind his back and said “I have nothing to say, just take me to jail.” He then said he wasn’t going to do any DUI tests because he “had nothing to drink.” He was advised that refusing the roadsides could lead to his arrest and could be used against him in court. He refused to perform roadsides and then refused a breath sample at the jail.
Outcome: The Firm was able to not only negotiate with the State pre-filing, but actually worked out a deal that kept our client off probation completely. The DUI was not filed at all and our client was not convicted of anything and not placed on probation. He simply had to pay a small fine.

Charges: 3rd DUI and 18 Month Second Refusal Administrative Suspension
Facts: Our client was stopped for speeding and the officer noticed signs of impairment. There was a video of the roadside exercises. Our client was telling incoherent stories and was asked out of the car where he fell into the cop. He performed poorly on roadsides and began to complain of heart palpitations. The officer brought our client to the hospital where he was treated. After being cleared there were more complaints made by our client which kept him in the custody of medical care. The officer wrote in a narrative report his reasons for requesting a blood vs a breath test. Our firm timely requested a formal review hearing with the DMV. After reviewing the documents, the officer was issued a subpoena but not questioned at the hearing for strategic reasons. Motions were made to throw out the suspension, including motions that the documents were not properly notarized and that there was insufficient evidence to establish that a breath or urine was not impractical or impossible to obtain.
Outcome: The suspension was thrown out and our client’s license was reinstated.

Charges: 2nd DUI
Case #: 12-X15XX7MXX0A
Facts: This was the Defendant’s second DUI arrest within a five year period. The Defendant was stopped by Officers of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for driving without headlights and turn left in front of oncoming traffic that caused another vehicle to honk it’s horn and brake suddenly. The Fort Lauderdale Officers effected a traffic stop and noticed the Defendant to have the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, red and bloodshot eyes, a flushed face and slurred speech. The Broward Sheriff’s Office DUI Task Force was called to the scene to further investigate the Defendant for DUI. The DUI investigator noticed the Defendant also to have the odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes and a flushed face and noticed that the defendant was now chewing gum. The Defendant misspelled his name when he was asked to provide that information to the DUI investigator and stated that the odor of alcohol was, in fact, mouthwash. The Defendant, on video, was asked to participate in roadside exercises and responded by looking helpless and saying “Officer, I am not going to lie to you” and then declining to do them even though he was advised that he could still be arrested for DUI if he did not perform the exercises. The Defendant was placed under arrest and refused breath testing. This was the second time in a 5 year period that the Defendant refused to submit to a breath test after being arrested for DUI.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. prepared is defense for trial and the State dropped all DUI charges were dropped.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 2014CT0XX1X6AXX
Facts: Our client ran a stop signed and almost caused a multi vehicle crash. After activating his emergency lights and sirens, our client continued to drive until finally stopping. He had red and glassy eyes, a slushed face and very noticeable odor of alcohol coming from him. His speech was slurred, slow and at times incoherent. He was unsteady on his feet and was not cooperative during the investigation. He was belligerent, cocky and sarcastic the entire time. He said “I just received a text from a friend who said to do nothing and I will not do anything!” He refused roadsides and was arrested for DUI. When taken to the jail he can be seen on video arguing with the officer and refusing a breath test after being requested to submit. Our client was deemed ineligible for the first time offender program and hired our firm when the State would not offer anything other than a plea to a DUI. After hiring Meltzer & Bell, P.A., our firm reviewed the case and immediately began negotiations with the Assigned Assistant State Attorney.
Outcome: After reviewing very pertinent facts regarding the proof issues with the case, the State of Florida decided to reduce the charges to Reckless Driving and dismiss the charges for DUI. DUI Dismissed!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence & Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT0050XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was sleeping at the wheel when he was woken up by the cop. He was asked to step out of the vehicle and he was unsteady on his feet. He was swaying and smelled like alcohol with slightly slurred speech. He said he had 5 beers at Off the Huka. He also smelled like alcohol He performed poorly on the roadside exercises and was arrested for DUI. While at jail he gave a breath sample of .143 and .135. The Defendant also did not have a valid Florida Driver’s license and was charged with Driving Under Suspension. The Defendant did not qualify for the Palm Beach County First Time Offender Program due to the additional charge of driving under suspension.
Outcome: After speaking with the State Attorney’s Office and our client obtaining his valid Florida license, we were able to convince the State Attorney to dismiss the DUI. DUI CHARGES DISMISSED!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence
Case #: 14-14199MM10A
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding going 61mph in a 45 mph zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. by Officer Ramage of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Upon the officer activating his lights, the Defendant stopped his vehicle in the travel lane of Cypress Creek Boulevard. The officer then had to repeatedly chirp his siren in order to have the Defendant move his vehicle to the turn lane. The Defendant then hit the curb as moved his vehicle into the turn lane. Upon making contact with the Defendant, the officer noticed the Defendant to have the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle or his facial area, blood shot eyes and slurred speech. The Defendant was asked to exit his vehicle and participate in roadside sobriety exercises. Upon exiting, the Defendant appeared to be unsteady on his feet and leaned against the back of his vehicle while awaiting instruction for the officer. The Defendant then engaged in three roadside sobriety exercises and failed to perform them to the officer’s satisfaction. The Defendant was arrested for DUI and refused to submit to the breath test.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. took the deposition of Officer Ramage during the discovery process of the case. The Deposition revealed that the officer’s observations and findings during his investigation were inaccurate and actually significantly differed from what he had written under oath in his reports. The Deposition reflected that the Defendant may have been impaired by alcohol and that the officer’s observations were somewhat exaggerated. Additionally, the firm secured a witness for trial who was prepared to testify that she was with the Defendant from the time he returned to her home after work until he woke up in the morning just before the traffic stop. The witness was prepared to testify that the Defendant never consumed alcohol, but was covered in it due to his occupation as a bartender and, then at the time of the traffic stop, the Defendant was actually on his way to his mother’s home to change and shower so he could return to work his second double shift in a row starting at 10:15 that morning. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. announced ready for trial and all DUI charges were dropped.

DUI with Enhanced Breath

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced Breath)
Case #: 2015CT00X32XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for traveling 56 in a 35 mph zone. After accelerating quickly, the officer stopped the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and was ordered to get back in the car. He did not listen and started walking away from the car. Again he had to be ordered back to his car several times and kept on demanding answers as to why. The officer smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from him and he was exhibiting multiple signs of impairment. He would have mood swings and was continually agitated. After performing poorly on roadsides, he was arrested and submitted to a breath sample. The results were a .172 and .169.
Outcome: After negotiating a resolution, our client was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was dismissed. He received no criminal conviction.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced Breath)
Case #: 2015CT00XXX3AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of travel. She failed to provide documents and had difficulty understanding directions. She smelled like alcohol and admitted to drinking. There was apparent vomit on the driver’s door. After performing roadsides, she was arrested and taken to jail. The officer requested her to submit to a breath sample and she agreed. The results were a .171 and .184.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” was retained. We secured a resolution to her case and she was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was dismissed. She received no criminal conviction on her record.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced Breath)
Case #: 2014CT0XX82XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving carelessly in a parking lot and made no attempt to stop at stop signs and driving at high speeds in the parking lot. Additionally, he was swerving while driving over the bridge and taking wide turns. After being stopped, the officer noticed an odor of alcohol, glossy and bloodshot eyes, he had slurred speech, nervous behavior and was very unsteady on his feet. He admitted to drinking 3 pints of beer and a shot of liquor. After performing poorly on roadsides, he was arrested and submitted to a sample of his breath which yielded results of .186 and .195.
Outcome: Our firm spoke to the assistant state attorney. Our client lived out of state and was unable to be present in court. After negotiating a resolution, our client was permitted to plea to a Reckless Driving and the DUI was dismissed. He received no criminal conviction. He never had to appear in court and was permitted to enter the plea by our firm in his absence.

Charges: DUI Crash, Enhanced Breath
Case #: 2014CT0XXX6AXX
Facts: The Defendant was operating her vehicle when she was involved in a crash. After performing poorly on roadsides and exhibiting signs of impairment, she was arrested and taken to jail. She was asked to submit to a breath sample which yielded results of over a .15. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained.
Outcome: Our firm challenged the license suspension which was instituted for 6 months. After reviewing the paperwork, it was clear that the documents were faulty. Objections were made at the hearing and motions were made to throw out the suspension. The motions were granted and our client’s license was reinstated. Additionally, the DUI Crash on an enhanced basis was originally filed by the State of Florida. However, after further investigation it was pointed out that the other party was the complete cause of the crash, and thus, our client should have an opportunity to enter the First Time Offender Program. That permission was granted. The DUI was dismissed and our client pled to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving with no criminal conviction on her record.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced)
Case #: 2014CT0XXX3XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was passed out in his vehicle. Upon being stopped, he was extremely impaired and performed poorly on roadside exercises. He was arrested and blew a .197 and .192. The State Attorneys Office initially filed a DUI enhanced charge.
Outcome: However, after pointing out that our client technically did, in fact, qualify for the First Time Offender’s Program, the State of Florida agreed to file an amended information. Our client’s DUI charges were dismissed and he was permitted to plead guilty to a Reckless Driving. He was not convicted of the crime and the DUI charges were dropped.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced)
Case #: 2014CT014XX2AXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving all over the road and stopped. He was very argumentative and belligerent on the video and performed awfully on the roadside exercises. He was arrested and charged with DUI. When taken back to the jail he was asked to submit to a breath sample. He provided a sample of .163 and .172.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately began negotiations with the State Attorneys Office. We were able to convince the State to reduce the charges and dismiss the DUI count. Our client resolved the case to a reduced Reckless Driving Charge and the DUI was dismissed!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced)
Case #: 2014CT01XX69AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding. She stopped in the middle of the road and had to be ordered multiple times by the officer to move to the side and get out of the middle of the road. She exhibited numerous signs of impairment and performed poorly on the roadside exercises. She was arrested and brought to the jail. She gave two breath samples of .176.
Outcome: After being charged with DUI, Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we negotiated a deal that resulted in the dismissal of the DUI. Our client’s charges were reduced and the DUI was dismissed!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced)
Case #: 2014CT014XX0AXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen driving his vehicle having trouble maintaining a lane. A welfare check was conducted and the driver had an odor of alcohol coming from him, had slurred speech and watery eyes. A DUI investigation ensued where our client admitted to drinking a few drinks and had significant trouble with the roadside tasks. He was arrested and taken to the jail where he gave breath samples of .177 and .173.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately began negotiations with the State Attorney. We were able to negotiate a dismissal of the DUI and a reduction in charges. Our client was not convicted of a DUI. That charge was dismissed by the State of Florida.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence Causing or Contributing to Damage to Person or Property (Enhanced breath over .15)
Case #: 2014CT010XX6AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped after she smashed into a curb and lost her fender. She damaged city property totaling almost $1,000.00. She showed numerous signs of impairment and was asked to submit to roadside tasks. She performed poorly on those tasks and was arrested. After being taken to the jail, she consented to a breath sample which yielded results of over .18 (more than 2 times the legal limit).
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and immediately began working on the case. The State of Florida initially filed the charges for DUI crash and refused to agree to allow a reduction in charges. However, after aggressively fighting for our client and arguing numerous points about our client’s life, the facts of the case and other important issues, the State of Florida agreed to dismiss the charges for DUI. Our client pled to a reduced charge for Reckless Driving and was not convicted of any crime.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced)
Case #: 2014CT00X58XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was seen swerving all over the road on I-95. She had bloodshot eyes, her face was flushed and she had a strong odor of alcohol coming from her. She admitted to having three drinks and when stepping out of the car, her dress was completely at her waist and she did not appear to realize it. She agreed to complete the roadsides and performed poorly. Due to an exigent circumstance at the jail, she was rushed to the hospital where a legal blood was taken due to a medical issue. The blood yielded results above a .15 for alcohol.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to represent the Defendant. We were able to negotiate a resolution with the case filing lawyer that resulted in the DUI being dismissed. Our client plead to a lesser charge of Reckless Driving and was not convicted of a crime!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced Breath over a .15)
Case #: 2014CT00X37XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was completely passed out behind the wheel in the middle of the road with the vehicle running. When officers could not wake him up, one officer moved his patrol car in front of the defendant’s car since they were worried he would slip his foot off the break and get in an accident. When the defendant was woken up, he in fact did slip his foot off the break and hit the patrol car with his vehicle. There was an open bottle of beer in the car, he smelled like alcohol, his eyes were bloodshot and glassy and his speech was slurred. When asked why he fella sleep, he stated his kids are bad and he gets calls from school which prevents him from sleeping. He did not know how much he had to drink because he was angry. When asked to do roadsides, he said “Yes I know I am drunk.” He performed poorly on roadsides and was arrested. He gave a breath sample of .175 and .170 (more than 2 times the legal limit). Meltzer & Bell, P.A. DUI & Criminal Trial Lawyers, “The Traffic Stop” was hired to represent him and we immediately began negotiations. Because of the accident, the defendant did not qualify for the first offender program.
Outcome: After speaking with the filing attorney, they agreed to reduce the charges and dismiss the DUI! DUI CHARGES DISMISSED!

DUI Driver's License Suspension

Charges: Administrative Suspension for Unlawful Breath Alcohol Level (6 month Suspension)
Case #: 2014CT00XX14AXX
Facts: The Defendant was arrested for DUI and gave two breath samples of .171 and .171. His license was suspended for 6 months for an unlawful breath alcohol level. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: We immediately subpoenaed critical witnesses and appeared in person for the hearing. After motions were made at the hearing, our client’s privilege to drive was fully reinstated.

Charges: Formal Review Hearing / Administrative Hearing
Case #: 2014CT00XX78AXX
Facts: Our client’s case involves a second arrest for DUI and a second time refusal that would have resulted in an 18 month suspension of her driving privileges without any ability to obtain a hardship license during the entire 18 month period of suspension. The Defendant was driving her vehicle with a friend and was involved in a rear end collision with a pick-up truck in the City of Hollywood, Florida and immediately left the scene of the crash. Our client allegedly left the scene, despite being told to stay by the owner of the pick-up truck to remain on scene and had told her passenger that she was nervous that she would lose her job based upon the crash and that was the reason she was going to leave. All of this information, including a detailed description of our client was given to law enforcement.

While on scene, law enforcement witnessed two water bottles filled with wine on the floor board of the Defendant’s car. The Defendant was later identified and detained several blocks from the scene of the traffic crash and was taken into custody for Leaving the Scene of the Accident. The Defendant was brought back to the scene and positively identified as the person who crashed into the pick-up truck. Upon her arrival back at the scene, the Defendant was belligerent, unsteady on her feet, had the odor of an alcoholic beverage, red and bloodshot eyes and constricted pupils and had slurred speech. The Defendant continued to scream at the officers and act in an extremely hostile manner. She refused to perform roadside sobriety exercises on scene and was placed under arrest for DUI.

The Defendant was taken to the Broward Sheriff’s Office DUI Testing Facility and refused a breath test even after being advised by police that her license would be suspended for 18 months for refusing this breath test. While at the testing facility, the defendant continually berated the officers and told them “ they were standing around bullshitting” and that the officers were “going to hurt her”. The Defendant continued to lose control and curse stating she “was going to fight the officers and bite off any dick that comes near me.”
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” made several legal and technical arguments to invalidate this suspension. All arguments were heard and the 18 month suspension was overturned and invalidated.

Charges: Administrative suspension for DUI (Refusal to Submit to Urine Sample)
Case #: 2014CT00XX78AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and the officer noticed signs of impairment. She admitted to drinking beer and performed poorly on roadsides. She was arrested and asked to submit to a breath sample. She complied and blew a .078 and .079. She was then asked to submit to a urine sample which she refused. She was read implied consent and she maintained the refusal. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained. Our client was advised of her right to an immediate hardship license which would keep the 12 month refusal suspension on her driving record for the remainder of her life. Our client was 23 years old. Our firm retrieved the documents from the DMV before the 10 day period was up to review it and help her make an informed decision of what to do. After reviewing errors in the reports, our client decided to challenge the 12 month suspension.
Outcome: Our firm made motions to throw out the suspension due to the officer’s unlawful request to submit to a urine as well as refusal affidavit errors. Subsequently, our firm received an order upholding the suspension. Adamant that our motions should have been granted, our firm took this order to the supervisor at the DMV Hardship department. After a second review of the record, an order was entered throwing out the suspension. In addition to our firm getting the DUI charges dropped, the license suspension was lifted and our client’s driving record remained free from any evidence of the events from that evening.

Charges: Administrative Suspension for DUI (Refusal to Submit to a Breath)
Case #: 2014CT00XX16AXX
Facts: The Defendant was arrested for DUI after a 7 mile driving pattern captured on video. FHP was the arresting agency. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained after she received a 12 month license suspension for refusing a breath test at the jail. Our firm advised our client of her right to waive the hearing and apply for an immediate hardship. We decided to challenge the suspension.
Outcome: Our firm subpoenaed the arresting officer timely and supplied the proof of that to the DMV hearing officer. The officer failed to appear at the hearing and our firm made motions to throw out the suspension. The motions were granted and our client’s license was reinstated.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension with Knowledge
Case #: 2014CT00XX78AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for driving under suspension. Her privilege to drive in Florida was suspended, however she did have a valid Georgia license. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was hired to represent the defendant. Our client provided us with her Georgia driver’s license as she had moved there recently and was simply visiting her mother in Florida.
Outcome: After providing this proof and discussing the matter with the State Attorney’s Office, we were able to come to an agreement whereby the criminal charges were totally dismissed. Our client’s charges were dropped.

Charges: Administrative Suspension (Unlawful Breath)
Case #: 2014CT00XX17AXX
Facts: The Defendant was arrested for DUI after performing poorly on roadsides. He was not eligible to apply for an immediate hardship. Thus, our firm had to challenge the administrative suspension. The hearing was set pursuant to the firm’s request and all of the witnesses were subpoenaed. The arresting officer did not appear and asked for a continuance. However, the breath technician (who allegedly notarized the affidavit) was present.
Outcome: Based on her testimony, our office excused the arresting officer and made motions to throw out the suspension. Our motions were granted and our client’s license was reinstated. The unlawful breath alcohol suspension was lifted.

Charges: Administrative Suspension for Refusal To Submit to Breath (CDL Disqualification)
Case #: DMV Case
Facts: Our client was arrested for DUI and requested to submit to a breath test. After hiring the firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A., we requested a formal review hearing due to prior refusals and/or DUI related charges. The firm properly subpoenaed the officer who arrested our client. The hearing was continued on multiple occasions. At the last hearing, the officer attempted to appear by phone. Because there was no way to properly swear in the officer over the phone, we moved to throw out the suspension.
Outcome: Our client’s license suspension was invalidated and he was able to renew it and obtain his CDL (commercial license) again.

Probation Violation (DUI)

Charges: Violation of Probation (DUI)
Case #: 2013CT016XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation for one year for DUI and given credit for 6 months in residential. After only six months on probation and with no violations, he was working on his conditions. Probation indicated to him that he was being violated due to the fact that the treatment acceptance left him with only 6 months of probation. He was unaware of this and he was violated. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained immediately.
Outcome: Our firm filed a motion for in court surrender and brought the case into court before the judge. The court agreed that this was a mistake and our client was not aware that he only had 6 months to complete everything. We convinced the judge to withdraw the warrant. Our client was given a few months to finish his remaining conditions and was terminated off probation successfully.

Charges: Violation of Probation (DUI)
Case #: 2013CT0102XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation for 9 months with certain special conditions. He was placed on probation for 9 months and was eventually violated for not finishing two conditions timely. He was arrested and taken into custody and held without a bond.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and was able to secure an agreement immediately by the State Attorney and the Judge to terminate his probation and immediately release him from custody after a full review of the facts. Our client was time served and released from jail.

Charges: Violation of Probation (DUI 3rd w/in 10 years)
Case #: 2012CT0267XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation with many special conditions. At almost the very end of probation, his officer submitted a warrant and affidavit which alleged that he did not timely complete his substance abuse treatment through the DUI school. Because of this a no bond warrant was outstanding for his arrest.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately filed a motion for in court surrender and set the matter before the assigned judge. Our client came to the courtroom instead of turning himself in at the jail. Our firm was able to convince the State, with proof that the treatment was done, to terminate our client’s probation. The warrant was recalled and our client’s probation ended that day!

Charges: Driving Under the Influence with a Crash (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 2013MM00X5XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was on probation for DUI Crash and was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor. A warrant was issued for his arrest asking the Sheriff’s Office to hold him in custody without a bond. Under Florida law, he was not entitled to a bond. The Firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained and a hearing was set for his surrender.
Outcome: The Firm negotiated a release that allowed our client to remain out of custody and finish his final exams for college. Additionally, due to letters and negotiations, the Firm was able to keep the Defendant from ever going into custody and he was reinstated back on probation after resolving the new case.

Driving Under Suspension

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT01XXX8AXX
Facts: The Defendant was suspended for numerous traffic violations throughout the State of Florida. He was stopped and cited for knowingly driving under suspension. Meltzer & Bell, The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately began filing motions and clearing our client’s license.
Outcome: After months of work, our client’s license was reinstated. We were able to negotiate a resolution whereby our client’s criminal charges were completely dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 201402XXX0AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and then subsequently cited for a criminal violation for Driving Under Suspension. His license had been suspended for financial reasons.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and the criminal charges for Driving Under Suspension were ultimately dismissed by the State. The court dismissed the speeding ticket.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT020XX3AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with a criminal offense for operating a vehicle while knowing his license was suspended. The reason for the suspension was the result of a financial matter.
Outcome: Our office was able to negotiate a resolution whereby the criminal charges were completely dismissed. No criminal charges resulted on our client’s record!

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT008XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant had not paid some old tickets and his license got suspended. He was stopped for speeding and cited for driving under suspension with knowledge. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: We were able to help our client clear his license and negotiate a deal whereby the Driving Under Suspension was dismissed. All traffic tickets were dismissed by the court as well!

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT014XX6AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding. After further investigation, her license was suspended for financial reasons. She was given a mandatory court date for which she failed to appear. A warrant was issued for her arrest and her license was suspended again for missing court. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” was retained immediately after she realized she missed her court date.
Outcome: Our firm was able to immediately get the warrant recalled and the suspension for missing the court date lifted. On the next court date, our firm convinced the State of Florida to dismiss the criminal charges and agree to dismiss the infraction for speeding. All charges dropped!

Charges: Driving While License Suspended (On a DUI Suspension)
Case #: 2014CT0069XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and had a suspended license because of a DUI. He was facing a jail offer by the State Attorneys Office and a maximum of 60 days in jail.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” was retained and our office began speaking with the office of the State Attorney. After numerous court dates and work by our client to get his license back, the State of Florida agreed to completely dismiss the charges. The criminal matter was dismissed and our client received no points and no conviction on the speeding violation.

Charges: Driving with a Suspended License
Case #: 2014CT00XX27AXX
Facts: The Defendant’s license was suspended for failing to pay tickets. She was stopped and cited for a criminal violation punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail and cited for not carrying her insurance.
Outcome: After allowing time for our client to get her license straightened out, the State of Florida agreed to dismiss the criminal charges and the court dismissed the ticket for not having proper insurance coverage.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension, No Insurance, Defective Equipment
Case #: 2014CT012XX1AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for an equipment violation and was found to have a suspended license. He was charged with a misdemeanor offense and retained Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop.
Outcome: Our office filed our paperwork and provided some documents and proof to the Office of the State Attorney. The State of Florida agreed to dismiss the criminal charges and the court dismissed all the tickets pending against our client.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT016XX2AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with Driving Under Suspension due to lapse in insurance. He failed to appear at his court date and had a suspension because of that from another case.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we were able to work towards getting our client’s license back after immediately getting the warrant recalled and all D6 suspensions lifted from the failure to appear. The firm explained the reasons for the suspension to the State Attorney at the first hearing and the criminal charges were dismissed by the State.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT01XX00AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with Driving Under Suspension. His license was suspended for failing to pay court costs from a few cases years ago.
Outcome: Our firm was able to negotiate with the prosecutor from those cases to allow our client to perform community service hours in lieu of the fines. The old cases were recalled from collections and all our client had to do was pay a $60.00 reinstatement fee. At the hearing for the criminal charges for the new Driving Under Suspension, the State of Florida agreed to dismiss the charges completely.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (for Refusal Suspension)
Case #: 2014CT0056XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with Driving Under Suspension. His license was suspended for refusal to submit to a breath test for a prior DUI arrest.
Outcome: Our firm was successfully able to reduce that charge to a Reckless Driving with a result of a simple adjudication plus court costs. The State Attorney originally wanted our client to serve 30 days in the Palm Beach County Jail. However, after our client was able to get his license back and after explaining the situation regarding the previous DUI arrest, the State of Florida agreed to simply allow our client to pay a fine and walk out of the courtroom with a plea to time served. No jail time for our client and no probation or house arrest.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT0025XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and cited for driving under suspension, a second degree misdemeanor and criminal offense. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately began negotiations with the State Attorney’s Office.
Outcome: Our client’s criminal charges were completely dismissed. No criminal record resulted from this offense.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT0063XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged and cited for knowingly operating a suspended license due to her failure to pay fines from previous traffic violations. This is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation on a first offense.
Outcome: Our firm was negotiated a dismissal of the criminal charges. All charges dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT0138XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged and cited for knowingly operating a suspended license. This is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation on a first offense.
Outcome: After hiring Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, our firm was able to successfully negotiate a dismissal of the criminal charges. All charges dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension on a 5 year DL revocation and Reckless Driving
Case #: 2014CT00XX4XAXX & 2014CT012XX4AXX
Facts: The Defendant pled guilty to 2 separate DUI offenses approximately 6 years ago and her license was revoked for 5 years. She was then stopped for driving under suspension and issued a criminal violation. Subsequently, she was stopped for hitting a curb three times and almost causing a crash. For that she was charged again with Driving Under Suspension and Reckless Driving. The State of Florida generally offers a thirty day jail sentence on each of the driving under suspensions. Initially, the State Attorney’s Office was concerned that our client got away with another DUI by being charged with Reckless Driving.
Outcome: After hiring Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, our firm was able to negotiate a deal which resulted in no jail time, no house arrest, no probation and no license suspension. Our client resolved all matters and simply paid a fine after being time served.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension and Tint Violation
Case #: 2014CT010XX5AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for a tint violation and cited for knowingly operating a suspended license. This is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation on a first offense.
Outcome: After hiring Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, our firm was able to successfully negotiate a dismissal of the criminal charges and convinced the court to dismiss the tint violation. All charges dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension and Speeding
Case #: 2014CT01XX84AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and cited for knowingly operating a vehicle with a suspended license. This is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation on a first offense.
Outcome: After hiring Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, our firm was able to successfully negotiate a dismissal of the criminal charges and convinced the court to dismiss the speeding ticket. All charges dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (HTO 5 year revocation)
Case #: 2014CT0XX44XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for multiple infractions and operating her vehicle on a suspended license. She was revoked years ago as a habitual traffic offender.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to handle the matter. The State of Florida offered the Defendant 30 days in jail and then, after further negotiations, 4 days in jail. Our firm was unwilling to accept our client going to jail due to the reason our client was revoked. She paid out a citation for unknowingly operating a vehicle on a suspended DL which revoked her. After brining this to the attention to the court and offering other mitigating circumstances to the court, our client completely avoided jail time and was simply ordered to pay a fine. No jail time was ordered for the plea on this case.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2008CT03XX33AXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged with Driving Under Suspension more than 5 years ago. After missing his arraignment, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and immediately discovered that a notice of hearing was sent out and returned to the clerk.
Outcome: We spoke with the State Attorney’s office and after reviewing the case, they agreed to dismiss the criminal charges.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (Outstanding Warrant)
Case #: 2007CT00X39XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and charged with Driving Under Suspension for a ticket out of state that he did not pay. The charges required a mandatory court date and our client did not appear. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Over 7 years later, Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained due to our client’s inability to reinstate his license out of state. He was unaware of the warrant.
Outcome: Due to administrative reasons, our firm set the case down immediately and was able to convince the State to dismiss the case, recall the warrant and clear any outstanding D6 Suspensions.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension and Using a DL from another State
Case #: 2014CT008XX9AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding and provided a license to the officer. It was an out of state license even though she was currently living in Florida. Her privilege to drive in Florida had been suspended. After being cited for two criminal charges she retained Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop. Our office immediately began discussing the matter and came to find out that our client just moved back to Florida and was in the process of reinstating her license and obtaining a valid Florida DL. This was done after she was cited. Our firm talked with the State Attorneys Office and provided proof that these matters were handled. The State of Florida agreed to dismiss the criminal charges and all tickets were dismissed by the court.
Outcome: Our firm subpoenaed the arresting officer timely and supplied the proof of that to the DMV hearing officer. The officer failed to appear at the hearing and our firm made motions to throw out the suspension. The motions were granted and our client’s license was reinstated.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (With Knowledge)
Case #: 2014CT01X38XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with driving under suspension with knowledge. Our client reinstated his license but waited until the final hour before his hearing to hire our firm. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was hired and immediately went to court.
Outcome: After speaking with the State and providing the proof of the promptness of our client’s reinstatement, the State of Florida agreed to dismiss the charges.

Charges: Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License (3 separate cases) (On a 90 day Suspension)
Case #: 2013CT0XX23XAXX, 2013CT0X74X0AXX, 2014CT008XX9AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped on 3 separate occasions for speeding. All three times he was stopped, he was cited for driving on a suspended license from a points suspension. He had paid several citations that resulted in a 24 points suspension within 36 months. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was hired and we immediately arranged for our client to obtain his hardship license.
Outcome: On the first court date after we were retained, the State Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss all criminal charges. The court dismissed all the tickets and moving violations as well. All charges completely dismissed.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT0X66X0AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for defective equipment and was additionally cited for knowingly operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was hired immediately.
Outcome: We produced proof to the Office of the State Attorney that our client’s license was reinstated and that the equipment had been taken care of and fixed. All charges were completely dismissed!

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (2 counts) With Knowledge
Case #: 2014CT00X43X4AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for having a suspended license. He could not provide proof of insurance or registration for the vehicle. The officer ultimately charged him with Driving Under Suspension with Knowledge. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to represent him.
Outcome: We were able to convince the State to agree to dismiss the charges and the court agreed to dismiss the infractions.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (ON A DUI SUSPENSION)
Case #: 2014CT00X74X4AXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving a scooter and was pulled over for numerous infractions. The officer then asked for our client’s license which was suspended for a DUI conviction. He was charged with two criminal counts, (1) Driving Under Suspension and (2) Driving an Unregistered Vehicle. Our client was driving what is considered a “motorized bicycle” and we provided all of the documentation to the State proving it.
Outcome: Upon them receiving this information, the charges were immediately dropped by the Office of the State Attorney. This type of charge is generally one that the State of Florida asks for a 30 day jail sentence on. All citations and criminal charges dismissed by the State Attorney!

Charges: Driving with a Suspended License
Case #: 2013CT02X24XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for traveling 43 in a 25 mph zone. The officer ran the Defendant’ license which was suspended multiple times for child support, possession of a controlled substance and as a habitual traffic offender. Additionally, our client had been charged and been found guilty of Driving Under Suspension more than 5 times prior to retaining our firm. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. The Traffic Stop was retained and began negotiations with the State of Florida. The offer was originally 30 days in jail on the matter.
Outcome: After presenting certain information to the State, they agreed to a house arrest plea. Our client did not spend a day in jail after pleading guilty to the offense.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension, Tint Violation
Case #: 14-2629TC10A
Facts: The Defendant was charged and arrested in Broward County with Driving Under Suspension relating to a license suspension for DUI out of Palm Beach County as well as a tint violation. The Defendant stopped for his tint being too dark; was seen driving by the officer who stopped him; and admitted he had knowledge that his driver’s license was suspended for DUI. The State Attorney’s Office initially offered the Defendant a plea bargain that in included probation and 30 days in the Broward County Jail. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop”, obviously, refused to accept that offer and fought vigorously to defend this client. Throughout the prosecution, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” researched the status of the Defendant’s license at the time of his arrest for these charges. After obtaining a copy of the Defendant’s driving history and fighting his DUI charges, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” was able to determine that the Defendant was actually permitted to drive for business purposes at the time of his arrest and also presented proof that the Defendant was on his way home from work at a car dealership, thereby demonstrating that the Defendant had been wrongfully accused of these criminal charges and that he was not driving against his business purpose only driving privileges. The firm also presented the State with a copy of a valid “Business Purpose Only” driver’s license.
Outcome: Based upon the evidence that was presented and found by Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” the State dropped the Driving Under Suspension charges and dismissed the tint violation. The Defendant was exonerated of all criminal charges.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (With Knowledge)
Case #: 1xxxdxk
Facts: The Defendant was stopped by an officer and charged with driving under suspension along with two other traffic infractions. This happened in 2005. After not appearing in court for his arraignment, he left the country and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He retained the firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. The Firm immediately had the warrant recalled. After setting it for court, the Firm was notified of a police report that was not provided to counsel. Additionally, investigations resulted in the driving record being clear of suspensions.
Outcome: The State Attorney’s Office dismissed the criminal charges and the tickets were dismissed by the court.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (With Knowledge)
Case #: 2013CT0XX0X9AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for failing to obey a steady red light. In addition to not having a license, he was also previously suspended for failing to pay tickets. He missed his arraignment and then contacted the Firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. due to a warrant being issued for his arrest on the criminal charges. After retaining the firm, we immediately were able to have the warrant recalled and the outstanding suspension lifted from the missed court date.
Outcome: The Firm set the matter for court where we were able to convince the Office of the State Attorney to dismiss the criminal charges. The court then agreed to dismiss the infraction for running a red light.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension (DUI suspension)
Case #: 2014CT0XX01XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was operating an electric scooter with pedals on a sidewalk and street when he was pulled over. The scooter did not have a registration. Additionally, the Defendant ran a stop sign as well. After being stopped, the police officer ran his license and realized that it was suspended for a DUI. Additionally, the Defendant was on DUI probation. He was charged with knowingly driving under suspension which would also violate his probation. Our client hired us on April 1st, 2014 at approximately 10:00 a.m. He had an appointment with probation on April 2nd, 2014 for his scheduled meeting. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. immediately did extensive research on the scooter that our client was riding, printed documents, calculated the speed issues with the scooter and pulled case law and specs for the scooter.
Outcome: The firm spoke with the State Attorney assigned to the case who agreed to look at all the documents well before the court date. All documents with a full email as to why these charges should not be filed was sent to the State Attorney. By 2:30 p.m. on the same day we were hired, all criminal charges were DISMISSED!

Charges: Driving While License Suspended
Case #: 2011CT00XXX4
Facts: The Defendant was charged with Driving on a Suspended License arising out of failing to pay several tickets and failing to appear in court.
Outcome: After counseling and assisting the Defendant on how to reinstate his license, Meltzer & Bell, P.A. filed a Motion to Vacate Warrant, which was granted. In addition to that, the firm convinced the State to drop the Driving while License Suspended Charges, which prevented the Defendant from being classified as a habitual offender and having his license possibly suspended for 5 years.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2014CT00X44XAXX
Facts: Our client was driving her vehicle on a 5 year revocation for 2 DUI convictions. She went to court and was offered 60 days in jail. She retained the law firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Our firm set the matter for a hearing in front of the assigned trial judge.
Outcome: After numerous negotiations with the Office of the State Attorney, she was able to resolve the case to a plea and pass whereby if she obtains her license, the charges would be completely dropped. If not, she will simply have to pay a small fine.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension
Case #: 2013CT0XX8XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged with Driving Under Suspension with Knowledge, a criminal charge. After missing his court date, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He contacted the firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. The Firm immediately filed a motion to have the warrant recalled and all suspensions lifted. A hearing was set in front of the judge who issued the warrant. Negotiations immediately took place with the assigned State Attorney by our firm.
Outcome: Within 5 days, the firm was able to set the case for a hearing, have the warrant recalled, the defendant’s license was cleared and reinstated and all criminal charges were dismissed by the Office of the State Attorney.

Charges: Driving Under Suspension w/o Knowledge (Client Revoked as a Habitual Traffic Offender)
Case #: 2013TR175XXXAXX
Facts: Our client was stopped and charged with driving under suspension without knowledge. His license had gotten suspended for monetary reasons. He then went to the clerk, paid the citation and elected a 4 hour driving school so that he would not get points. This was his 3rd time receiving this type of offense within 5 years. Because our client owns multiple businesses, he is extremely busy and overlooked the 90 day period that the court allows to get the school done. He was notified by the clerk that he had missed the deadline and that they would not accept the school. This resulted in his receiving points, and then as a result of those points, a 5 year revocation of his license with no ability to obtain a hardship for a period of 1 year. After receiving this devastating news, the client hired the Firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Unwilling to accept this result, our firm researched the matter and filed an emergency motion to accept the school and mitigate the points. We cited case law allowing the court to extend the statutory time from 60 days to allow for the mitigation.
Outcome: The motion was granted and the HTO designation had to be removed. The client’s license was reinstated.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence (Enhanced) (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 2013CTXX84XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was on probation for Driving Under the Influence where he blew over a .3. After being on probation for only three months, he showed up to one of his probation appointments smelling of alcohol. He was found to be in possession of his car keys and had a bottle of alcohol in his car. A breath test was given and the defendant blew over a .32 (four times the legal limit). A warrant was issued for his arrest ordering the Sheriff’s Office to take the Defendant into custody with no bond. The law firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was hired to defend him. We filed a motion to surrender the defendant in court and the State Attorney’s Office wanted the defendant to serve at least 15 to 30 days in jail.
Outcome: The Firm was able to convince the court to allow the Defendant to surrender to treatment. Our client did not serve a day in jail.

Driver's License Violations and Revocation

Charges: Driving Against Restrictions
Case #: 2015CT00X6XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was involved in an accident and was driving with a citation from a DUI arrest and DUI refusal suspension. The Trooper got to the scene late at night and cited the defendant for driving against a license restriction.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately notified the Assistant State Attorney that our client was totally innocent. The citation acted as a fully valid license and the trooper did not acknowledge that form of license. Once the state attorney saw this evidence, the charges were completely dismissed.

Charges: No Valid Driver’s License
Case #: 2014CT0XXX95AXX
Facts: The Defendant was operating a vehicle without a valid Florida License. She was stopped and cited for a criminal violation. However, she did have a valid international license and a valid passport.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and pointed out the valid international license and passport to the State Attorneys Office. The criminal charges were subsequently dismissed in open court.

Charges: Driving Against Restrictions
Case #: 2014CT0XXX50AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and cited for Driving Against a Hardship Restricted License.
Outcome: Our firm was retained. We were able to negotiate a diversion agreement whereby our client agreed to not be cited for any new violations by the next court date and the State would agree to dismiss the charges. The case was dismissed at the next court date.

Charges: Operating a Vehicle without a Valid License and No Headlights at Night
Case #: 2014CT000XX0AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped because she was operating her vehicle at night without any headlights on. She did not have a license and was charged with that criminal offense and the infraction for not having her headlights on.
Outcome: Our client could not get a license and the State Attorney’s Office was not in agreement to dismiss the charges. However, after advocating vigorously on our client’s behalf, we were able to convince the State to allow our client into a diversion program that resulted in the complete dismissal of the criminal charges. The firm requested that the court dismiss the infraction which was granted.

Charges: Operating Without a Valid Driver’s License, Failure to Obey a Traffic Sign
Case #: 14-X14XX5TCX0A
Facts:The Defendant was stopped for disobeying a stop sign as he exited a shopping mall. Upon being contacted by the officer after the traffic stop, the Defendant presented the officer with a California driver’s license. The officer inquired of the defendant if he had been living in Florida for a period of time longer than 30 days. The Defendant admitted that he had been working and living in Florida for approximately one year, thereby making his use of his California License while driving in Florida a criminal offense of operating without a valid Florida driver’s license.
Outcome: The Firm attended court on behalf of the Defendant and presented evidence on behalf of our client. After receiving all of the evidence, the state dropped the criminal charge and dismissed the stop sign violation as well.

Charges: Driving with an Expired Drivers License
Case #: 2014CT00X97XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with Driving with an Expired DL, a misdemeanor criminal charge. This crime is punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” was retained and we were able to negotiate a deal whereby our client produced a valid license and his charges were dropped. Our client needed months (more than 5 months) to get this done and our firm was able to extend this out to buy him the time to avoid a criminal record. All criminal charges dropped.

Charges: No Valid Driver’s License and Improper Right Turn
Case #: 2014CT01X0X6AXX
Facts: The Defendant did not have a valid Florida License, but rather just an international license. He came to his arraignment date and spoke little to no English. He was offered a plea that would have resulted in a criminal conviction and a fine of up to $253.00. His plea could have subjected him to deportation from this country. His boss was with him in court and approached on of the partners of Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” just before he plead guilty to the crime.
Outcome: We were retained and took the international license to the State Attorney to explain the situation. After negotiations, instead of a plea of guilty, the State Attorney agreed to dismiss the Criminal Charges as well as the improper right turn ticket. All charges were dismissed.

Charges: Expired Driver’s License More than 4 months
Case #: 2014CT0016XXXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and cited for driving with an expired license, a second degree misdemeanor and criminal offense. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately began negotiations with the State Attorney’s Office.
Outcome: Our client’s criminal charges were completely dismissed. No criminal record resulted from this offense.

Charges: Expired DL more than 4 months and Expired Registration
Case #: 2014CT013XX7AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for an expired tag and cited for knowingly operating a vehicle with an expired license more than 4 months. This is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation on a first offense.
Outcome: After hiring Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, our firm was able to successfully negotiate a dismissal of the criminal charges and convinced the court to dismiss the registration ticket. All charges dismissed.

Charges: Driving without a Valid Florida License
Case #: 2014CT01X05XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for a seatbelt violation. After being stopped, he could not produce a valid Florida License. Our client was from New Mexico and did have a valid New Mexico License. However, he was here temporarily.
Outcome: After providing this proof to the State Attorney, all charges were dismissed.

Charges: Driving Without a Valid License
Case #: 2014CT0XX9X2AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with Driving without License. He was unable to get a valid Florida License at the time due to immigration issues.
Outcome: After discussing the matter with the State Attorney’s Office and certain mitigating factors, the State Attorney agreed to a resolution resulting in the dismissal of all charges.

Charges: Driving Without a Valid License
Case #: 2013CT03X08XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped and charged with operating a vehicle without a valid license. This is misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or 6 months of probation. The client hired Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop and could not get her license back due to immigration issued.
Outcome: Florida would initially only offer a plea that called for our client to plead guilty to the charges. However, after numerous negotiations, we were able to convince the State Attorney’s Office to allow our client to complete certain conditions which resulted in a dismissal of her charges. All criminal charges were dismissed.

Charges: Driving Without a Valid Drivers License and Speeding
Case #: 2014CT0XX1XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for speeding. When asked to hand her license over the officer, she presented an international license. Her family and husband all live here in America. She was criminal charged with operating a motor vehicle without a valid Florida License. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. The Traffic Stop were retained to represent her.
Outcome: After discussing the passport, green card and international license issues with the State of Florida, the criminal charges were dismissed at the first court date. The court dismissed the speeding ticket. ALL CHARGES DISMISSED!

Charges: Possession of a Suspended Driver’s License (from a 3rd DUI Suspension)
Case #: 2014CT00X90XAXX
Facts: Our client’s license was suspended for his 3rd DUI conviction. He did not turn in his license, but instead used it as identification. While on the job, an incident occurred that required police officers to respond. They asked some people at his job site for identification when our client provided them with his license (not knowing that the mere possession of it knowingly is a criminal offense). The officer then charged our client with a criminal offense. Our client went to court and was offered almost a week in jail for the charges.
Outcome: After hiring our firm, we immediately contacted the office of the State Attorney. The State Attorneys office agreed to dismiss the charges at the next court date. CHARGES DISMISSED!

Charges: Driving Against a Restricted License
Case #: 2013CT0XX47XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for running a stop sign at 11:45 p.m. She was driving on a business purposes only license. The officer was not satisfied with her explanation as to why she was driving and charged her with a crime. This type of offense can lead the Office of the State Attorney to offer significant time in the county jail. The Law Firm of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was immediately retained to represent her. We immediately obtained a sworn affidavit from our client’s boss who indicated that she clocked out of work at around 11:00-11:15 p.m. and provided this information, along with other mitigating information, to the State.
Outcome: The State Attorney’s Office then agreed to dismiss the criminal charges after reviewing the evidence provided by the Firm. The Firm was then able to convince the court to dismiss the infraction for running a stop sign.

Charges: Habitual Traffic Offender 5 year Revocation (Motion to Mitigate)
Case #: 2014TR004XX8AXX
Facts: The Defendant was cited for 3 driving under suspensions within a 5 year period and she paid all of them. Most recently, the payment of the last ticket resulted in her license being revoked for 5 years as a habitual traffic offender. She immediately called Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop and retained our services.
Outcome: Our firm prepared an affidavit, had it sworn and notarized and filed an emergency motion with the courts. Our client works in the healthcare industry and drives the elderly throughout the county where she worked. She had been so employed for over a decade. The motion was granted and the State of Florida will reinstate her license.

Charges: Series of citations (Motion to Mitigate Traffic Sentence)
Case #: 2019TR***89
Facts: Client paid a series of citations with the Clerk of Court. He was never informed that by doing so, he would be convicted of the offenses and the DMV would use those convictions to suspend his license for 5 years. Immediately upon being retained, we filed a motion with the County Court asking that our client’s latest conviction be removed from his driving record. We argued that because he was not properly advised at the time of his plea, he should not suffer a 5 year suspension of his driving privilege.
Result: Within hours of filing our motion, we received an Order granting our request. Our client’s driving privilege will now be restored and he will be able to keep his job and care for his family!

Charges: Series of citations (Motion to Mitigate Traffic Sentence)
Case #: 2018TR****73
Facts: Client paid a series of citations with the Clerk of Court. He was never informed that by doing so, he would be convicted of the offenses and that the DMV would use those convictions to suspend his license for 5 years. We filed a creative motion using case law that normally only applies to criminal cases, and persuasively argued that he should have been told about the possibility of suspension before he paid his tickets.
Result: Motion granted! Our client’s driving privileges have been restored!

Reckless Driving

Charges: Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer
Case #: 17-7008CF10A
Facts: Several officers of the Davie Police Department were conducting speed enforcement in Davie, Florida and observed the Defendant driving at 80 mph in a residential area and unlawfully passing other vehicles on a two-lane road. One of the officers stepped out into the roadway in an effort to stop the Defendant. The Defendant looked directly at the officer, revved the engine and drove past the officer and went to his home a short distance away where he was arrested for Fleeing and Eluding an Officer and Reckless Driving. Meltzer & Bell was able to demonstrate that the Defendant did not see the officer, but thought he actually was a construction worker as a new neighborhood was being built in that location.
Outcome: The State dropped all felony charges.

Charges: Reckless Driving (VOP)
Case #: 2014CT01XXX6AXX
Facts: The Defendant was on DUI diversion probation for Reckless Driving. She violated her probation by allegedly blowing into an interlock device and giving a sample of .067. A no bond warrant was issued for her arrest. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained. Our firm discussed the matter with the State and our client surrendered in court on the warrant. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: She was reinstated back on probation with requirements that she complete 90 days of AA meetings within 90 days and also continue to keep the interlock in her car for the balance of probation.

Charges: Reckless Driving (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 2014CT00X55XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation for Reckless Driving due to her DUI being dropped. She was ordered not to possess or consume any drugs without a valid prescription. Almost a month or two into probation, she tested positive for Xanax when she did not have a prescription for it. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: A no bond warrant was outstanding for our client. We surrendered her into the courtroom and was able to show medical proof that our client was now taking Xanax as prescribed and on a new regimen legally. The State initially wanted our client to do jail time but now agreed to reinstate her probation with no jail time. Warrant was recalled in open court and our client was placed back on probation.

Charges: Reckless Driving
Case #: 2014CT0046XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for traveling over 120 mph and weaving in and out of traffic while driving on the shoulder of the highway. He was a CDL driver and could not afford a single thing on his driving record.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately negotiated a deal with the State Attorney that resulted in the dismissal of all criminal charges.

Charges: Reckless Driving (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 1996CT02XX1XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation for Reckless Driving in 1996. After moving away to another state his probation officer submitted a warrant claiming that he did not successfully complete his probation. Years went by until our client contacted our firm.
Outcome: We were able to provide documentation to the State proving that the conditions were completed and that the affidavit for violation of probation was false. The warrant for our client’s arrest was recalled and the affidavit for violation of probation was dismissed.

Charges: Reckless Driving (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 2012CT01XX22AXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation for Reckless Driving. One of the special conditions he needed to complete was to install an ignition interlock device on the vehicle and successfully maintain it for 6 months of his probation. All conditions of his probation needed to be completed within 11 months. However, the defendant installed the device too late and was therefore going to be violated. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and proactively approached the State Attorney, Probation and the judge.
Outcome: Motions were filed and all parties agreed that the matter was not a willful and substantial violation. Thus, an agreement was entered into whereby the warrant was recalled and ultimately the affidavit for violation of probation was dismissed.

Charges: Reckless Driving (with a Crash) and Driving with No Motorcycle Endorsement
Case #: 2014CT004XX7AXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving a motorcycle without a license to operate it. He was traveling at speeds well over 100 mph when he crashed on the highway. After the officer arrived on scene, he was charged with Reckless Driving and another criminal charge for operating his motorcycle without an endorsement. Our client had a very bad driving record, however, no criminal record. After negotiating with the State Attorney’s Office, an agreement was entered into to dismiss the charges.
Outcome: Our client completed it successfully and all criminal charges were dismissed by the State of Florida. The court dismissed the remaining infraction.

Charges: Reckless Driving (From a reduced DUI Offense) (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 2012CT01X82XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was placed on probation for 1 year for Reckless Driving with alcohol as a significant factor. He finished all of the conditions of his probation except for completing the interlock device. He placed the device on his car which would not allow him to finish the mandated 6 months as a condition of probation until 2 weeks after he was due to naturally terminate probation. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was hired because there was 100 percent going to be a no bond warrant issued in the coming months. Our firm filed a motion to modify the condition that all matters be finished within 30 days prior to the end of probation.
Outcome: At the hearing, the State agreed along with probation (and the court), the our client would not be arrested on this issue and would ultimately be permitted to complete the 6 month condition without violating his probation. Our client will not be arrested and not placed in jail for this alleged violation.

Charges: Reckless Driving (Violation of Probation)
Case #: 13-CT-50XXX7
Facts: The Defendant was taken into custody in a difficult county where he was accused of committing a new criminal charge while on probation. Because of the severity of the allegations, the State Attorney asked for 90 days in jail, the maximum penalty allowable under Florida law.
Outcome: After presenting extensive information about our client to the court in a sentencing hearing, the Judge agreed to only 17 days in custody, giving the defendant 11 days he already served.

Charges: Reckless Driving (Down-filed DUI) (Violation of Probation):
Case #: 2013CT0XX21XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was on probation for reckless driving and was charged with knowingly driving on a suspended license in another county. He was driving on a suspension from driving with an unlawful breath alcohol level which is a very serious offense punishable by up to 60 days in jail. Additionally, our client was facing a maximum of 90 days in jail on the violation of probation. The Firm was retained to represent the Defendant with an open warrant. We filed a motion to surrender the defendant in open court.
Outcome: The Firm negotiated a resolution that resulted in the Defendant being reinstated on probation. He did not serve a single day in jail.

Charges: Reckless Driving
Case #: AXXXLBE
Facts: The Defendant was driving a vehicle in front of an officer. He was stopped at a light when it turned green. After turning green, he spun out his tires for a significant distance and was weaving in and out of traffic. After being stopped, he was taken into custody and arrested. The Firm was hired and had numerous negotiations with the State Attorney’s Office regarding the facts of the case.
Outcome: On the day of trial, the State agreed to dismiss the charges for Reckless Driving. The client received no points, no conviction and no driving school on a reduced infraction.

Handicap Permit and Tag Violations

Charges: Attaching a Tag Not Assigned to the Vehicle and Improper Lane Change
Case #: 2014CT00X90XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for failing to maintain a lane. After being stopped, it was discovered that the tag on her car was not assigned to it. This is criminal charge.
Outcome: We were able to point out to the State that in order to prove this offense, the State would have to prove that our client ACTUALLY attached this tag. After negotiations, the criminal charges were completely dismissed. We pointed out to the court that no traffic was affected by our client’s driving pattern and moved to dismiss the infraction. This motion was granted. All charges dropped.

Charges: Unlawful Tag Attached/Assigned
Case #: 14-002038TC10A
Facts: The Defendant was stopped for having a license plate on the car that did not actually match the car he was driving it. In order to be found guilty of this offense, the Defendant would have had to attach this tag to the car himself, which he did not. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. immediately filed a sworn motion to dismiss stating, in fact, that the Defendant did not place the license tag on the vehicle and that there was no evidence showing he did so.
Outcome: The State Attorney conceded to the Motion to Dismiss and dropped all charges.

Charges: Unlawful/Fraudulent use of a Handicapped Permit
Case #: 14-001631TC10A
The Defendant is 76 years old and was charged with this criminal offense for using a handicapped permit that did not belong to him. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. presented evidence that the Defendant, did, in fact, obtain his own lawful handicapped permit immediately thereafter.
Outcome: The firm was able to negotiate with the State and the State dismissed all charges.

Charges: Attaching a Tag Not Assigned
Case #: 2014CTXX17X1AXX
Facts: Our client was accused of a criminal traffic violation for attaching a tag not assigned to his vehicle. He missed his court date and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. was retained and the warrant was recalled within 24 hours. Additionally, the firm took the case back to court to discuss the proof issues with the case with the assigned assistant state attorney.
Outcome: On the new court date, the criminal charges were dismissed by the State Attorney’s Office. Charges Dismissed!

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Charges: Boating under the Influence
Case #: 2014MM00X78XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped pursuant to a safety inspection. After smelling alcohol on the operator of the boat as well as noticing signs of impairment, a boating under the influence investigation started. An officer with the department who was a drug recognition expert was present and checked nystagmus on our client’s eyes. He was not able to satisfactorily complete the field sobriety exercises. After being arrested, he refused to submit to a breath sample after being told he would be fined $500.00 for refusing.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained. The filing attorney with the State Attorney’s Office was assigned to the case and would not budge on reducing the charges or dismissing the case. However, after negotiations and discussions regarding numerous motions that were to be filed regarding the legality of the arrest, the State of Florida agreed to reduce the charges and dismiss the charges for Boating Under the Influence.

Charges: Boating under the Influence
Case #: 2014MM00XX89AXX
Facts: The Defendant was stopped due to an alleged altercation between individuals in two boats. After noticing signs of impairment on the boat operator, the officers began a BUI investigation. Roadsides were conducted and our client was asked to submit to a lawful sample of his breath to determine the alcohol content. Our client refused. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to handle the case.
Outcome: We prepared a two page letter to Case Intake and the filing unit with the Office of the State Attorney. After a full review, the State Attorney’s Office agreed to reduce the charges and dismiss the Boating under the Influence Charge. Additionally, our firm timely filed motions fighting the $500.00 civil penalty imposed due to the refusal. Our firm successfully obtained a waiver from the court of that fee.

Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Charges: Leaving the Scene - Careless Driving
Case #: 14-8XX6XXX0A
Facts: The Defendant was living in Pompano Beach and was returning from a night out. As he returned to his apartment building he drove his car into a driveway and crashed into another vehicle. A neighbor witnessed the accident and was able to see "a male with long curly hair" exit the vehicle and go into his residence. Officers arrived on scene, took pictures of the damaged vehicle and placed them into evidence. The officers were also able to determine that our client was the owner of the other vehicle that caused the damage. Shortly thereafter, officers conducted a photo lineup with the neighbor and she identified our client as the driver.
Outcome: After receiving discovery, Meltzer & Bell reviewed the actual photo lineup and the identifying photos of the client. Within the states evidence, it specifically stated that the victim was only 88 percent sure that our client was the driver and that she continuously wavered about her identification of the driver. As a result, Meltzer & Bell was able to demonstrate to the state that the case could not be proven and all criminal charges were dropped.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident
Case #: 2014CT02XXX8AXX
Facts: The Defendant was involved in an accident and left the scene. She was cited for a criminal violation under Florida Law.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, The Traffic Stop was retained and we immediately worked with our client to retrieve the proof that all restitution had been paid to the other party for the damages. After providing proof of this to the State Attorney, they agreed to dismiss the criminal charges.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident
Case #: 2014CT0XXX47AXX
Facts: The Defendant was involved in a crash and cited for careless driving. Additionally, after the crash, he did not stay on scene to provide any information to the victim. Rather, he left and was eventually tracked down by the police. He then failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we first immediately filed a motion to recall the warrant to set the case back down for court. The firm then was able to negotiate a resolution whereby our client entered diversion and the charges would be dismissed. Upon successful completion, all charges were dismissed by the State.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident and No Proof of Insurance
Case #: 2014CT01X3X1AXX
Facts: The Defendant was involved in an accident. He left the scene without giving any of his insurance information to the other party. This resulted in being charged with a criminal offense due to his leaving the scene with property damage. Under Florida law, this is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in the palm beach county jail or 6 months of probation.
Outcome: We were able to convince the State of Florida to allow our client into diversion. He completed a course and the criminal charges were completely dismissed.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident
Case #: 2014CT011XX9AXX
Facts: The Defendant was alleged to have gotten into an accident and then left the scene without giving any information.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop” was retained and we negotiated an informal resolution that resulted in the dismissal of all criminal charges. Criminal Charges Dismissed.

Charges: Leaving the Scene, Driving While License Suspended and Careless Driving
Case #: 1XX15XX7TX1XA
Facts: The Defendant crashed her vehicle into a person’s front yard near Bayview Drive in Fort Lauderdale causing several thousand dollars in damage to a fence and landscaping. The property owner saw the Defendant leave her vehicle and walk away from the scene of this crash on foot. Officers were called to the scene and retrieved the Defendant approximately one quarter of a mile from the accident scene. The Defendant was identified as the driver of the crashed vehicle and was charged with leaving the scene of the accident and driving while license suspended with knowledge, both criminal offenses.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” decided to take discovery depositions in this matter and was able to expose that the property owner was unsure of who the driver of the crashed vehicle and was able to do the same as to the first officers on scene. This testimony was immediately relayed to the Office of the State Attorney. After reviewing and confirming the evidence , the State dropped all criminal charges and dismissed the Careless driving citation.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Case #: 2014CT00X8X4AXX
Facts: The Defendant sideswiped a vehicle while driving on the street. However, the damage was minimal and it appeared the other driver attempted to leave. After our client left the scene, he was contacted by the police. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was hired and we were able to provide information to the Office of the State Attorney that ultimately led to the charges being dismissed.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage)
Case #: 2014CT00X8X4AXX
Facts: The Defendant was on her way to school and went to park in the parking lot. She was going to take exams. She went to park her car and hit another vehicle. She then moved her car and parked it in a different spot and left the scene. Upon exiting the school, she was stopped and charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, a misdemeanor offense.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained and we were able to convince the State Attorney’s office that the facts were somewhat skewed in the accident report. The State of Florida ultimately agreed to dismiss the criminal charges.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident
Case #: 2013CT02X5XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was being investigated for Leaving the Scene of An Accident by the local Police Department. He retained our firm while being told he had to surrender to the department to give a statement. After speaking with the police department, the officer threatened to take him into custody. Our firm was able to persuade the officer that an arrest was not lawful under the misdemeanor rule of the crime not taking place in his presence. Our client was alleged to have caused an accident and walked away from the scene. We appeared at the department with our client and he was given a notice to appear.
Outcome: After setting the matter for court and numerous discussions with the State Attorney, we were able to convince her that there were issues with proving that our client was the driver of the vehicle. Even though our client had multiple previous DUI convictions and multiple civil suspensions for refusing breath samples, we negotiated a deal that resulted in the dismissal of the crime for Leaving the Scene of a Crash.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Leon County Open Investigation)
Case #: 12XXX32X
Facts: The Defendant was involved in an accident and allegedly left the scene. He made attempts to contact the police by calling on his cell. The person who was hit called the police as well. However, our client felt as though that person left the scene. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained after our client met with the Investigating Officer. After being retained, our office contacted the State Attorney’s Office as well as the Investigator in charge of the incident.
Outcome: After speaking with the investigator, and discussing the facts involving our client making the call to report the incident, it was decided that no criminal charges were warranted. The case did not proceed at all and no violations were filed against our client.

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident (Property Damage)
Case #: 2014CT00X58XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was traveling in his vehicle when he struck an unattended vehicle. He left the scene without properly notifying the owner of the car or the authorities. He was found due to a witness seeing him leave the scene. The officers came to our client’s home to issue him the citations. After hiring the firm, we immediately began negotiating a way out for our client.
Outcome: After numerous discussions with the State Attorney, our client was permitted to enter an agreement whereby the criminal charges would be dropped. LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT DISMISSED!

Charges: Leaving the Scene of An Accident
Case #: 2013CT0XX584AXX
Facts:The Defendant was involved in a traffic accident where she actually crashed into a patrol vehicle with the Sheriff’s Office. She left the scene of an accident without giving any information. After being identified and stopped, she was charged with leaving at the scene, a criminal act. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained to handle the case.
Outcome: After negotiating with the Office of the State Attorney, the State of Florida agreed to dismiss all criminal charges.

Habitual Traffic Offenders

Charges: HTO
Case #: 14-06XXX3TIXXA
Facts: The Defendant lost his driving privileges after being designated a habitual traffic offender.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell was able to get the Defendant his driving privileges back after he erroneously paid the fines for a traffic ticket that made him a habitual offender.

Racing on a Highway

Charges: Racing on a Highway
Case #: 2015CT0XXX34AXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged with Racing on a Highway. This crime is punishable by a mandatory one year driver’s license suspension and a permanent criminal record. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., “The Traffic Stop” was retained.
Outcome: Our office was able to negotiate a resolution whereby our client’s charges were completely dismissed. Racing charges were dismissed.

Charges: Racing on a Highway
Case #: 2014CT03X1XXAXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged in Brevard County with Racing on a Highway. The police report indicated that our client attempted to race an undercover vehicle by rapidly accelerating next to the car. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: Our firm filed a Sworn Motion to Dismiss the case. The State Attorneys Office only initially would agree to withhold adjudication on a criminal charge for Reckless Driving. This was rejected by the Client. On the Docket Sounding day, a careless driving was offered as an infraction. This was also rejected by the client. The State of Florida finally agreed to completely dismiss the charges.

Unauthorized Driver Violations

Charges: Permitting an Unauthorized Person to Drive a Vehicle
Case #: 2014CT01XX50AXX
Facts: The Defendant was cited for allowing a person to operate a vehicle without a proper license. Our client was seen jumping into the driver seat when the officer was stopping the car and the driver switched to the passenger seat. Our client was facing a maximum of 60 days in jail and retained Meltzer & Bell, P.A. “The Traffic Stop”.
Outcome: We were able to negotiate an informal agreement where the State of Florida agreed to dismiss the charges. Our client completed it successfully and the charges were dismissed!

Charges: Permitting an Unauthorized Driver to Drive a Vehicle
Case #: 2014CT00X83XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was cited for allowing her son to drive a vehicle. She admitted to the offense and was charged criminally. The charges are a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 60 days in jail or 6 months of probation.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop, our firm was able to negotiate a deal which resulted in no jail time, no house arrest, no probation and no license suspension. All charges were dropped.

Unregistered Motor Vehicles

Charges: Capias - Failure to Register
Case #: 12-9XXX4TCXXA
Facts: The defendant was stopped for a tint violation while driving his girlfriend's father's vehicle. Subsequent to the traffic stop, the officer determined that the vehicle was unlawfully not registered in the state of Florida.
Outcome: Meltzer & Bell was able to present evidence that the vehicle did not belong to the Defendant and belonged to his ex-girlfriend's father. All charges were dropped.

Charges: Unregistered Motor Vehicle, No Insurance and Failure to Change Address on DL
Case #: 2014CT011XX3AXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving a golf cart that was not registered and not insured. He was stopped by an officer and cited for a criminal violation. Meltzer & Bell, P.A., The Traffic Stop was retained.
Outcome: We immediately presented evidence to the State Attorney’s office indicating the fact that his cart did not need to be registered or insured. The State agreed to dismiss the criminal charges and the court dismissed all infractions.

Charges: Driving an Unregistered Vehicle with 7 moving violations
Case #: 2014CTXX25X4AXX
Facts: The Defendant was driving a scooter which did not have a registration. The officers essentially chased him down after committing 7 traffic violations. He was issued a criminal violation and had to appear in court. Our client hired Meltzer & Bell, P.A.
Outcome: Although he no longer had the scooter, the firm provided documentation to the State which resulted in a dismissal of all criminal charges.

Charges: Driving an Unregistered Vehicle and No Insurance
Case #: 2014CT00X101XAXX
Facts: The Defendant was charged with operating a vehicle without a registration and with no insurance. The unregistered vehicle is a misdemeanor criminal offense in the State of Florida. The Firm was hired in court by our client right in front of the Office of the State Attorney.
Outcome: Within minutes of being hired, the firm negotiated with the State Attorney in the courtroom and was able to convince them to dismiss the charges for driving without a registration and dismiss the ticket for no insurance. ALL CHARGES COMPLETELY DISMISSED!

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Meet Our Team

Steven Bell

Steven Bell graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Bell matriculated into law school... Read More

Lawrence Meltzer

Lawrence Meltzer graduated from The American University in Washington, D.C. in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. After working in the private sector for two years... Read More

Stephan Dobrinsky

Stephan Dobrinsky was born and raised in south Florida. For his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Maryland where he majored in Philosophy. In 2011, he enrolled at the Levin... Read More

Ari Goldberg

Ari Goldberg joins Meltzer & Bell, P.A. after having been an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County for approximately three and a half years. While at the State Attorney’s Office ... Read More

David Goudreau

David Goudreau is a Partner at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. He studied Criminology at Florida State University, earning cum laude honors. It was there that he first discovered his passion for the law ... Read More

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Client Testimonials

...A long weekend vacation in Palm Beach resulted in the potential for serious consequences that could have set me back in unimaginative ways. M+B was a truly incredible legal advocate and was always accessible within minutes to answer questions and discuss the progress of the case within the system - truly remarkable. I could not have retained better legal representation in my case in Palm Beach County.
Anonymous
I just had to commend you on the outstanding job you did on behalf of your client in court yesterday. If my clients were ever to ask me if I know of a good DUI defense attorney, I know to whom I can refer them!
A.A.
I was facing hard prison time and punishment. [Larry] did everything to pull strings and get me into rehab. After meeting with many therapists I finally got one to diagnose me successfully with Bipolar. Thanks to Larry I have been sober since 6/19/09. My health is great and my family life is amazing. It's because he saw something in me and my family that I wasn't just an alcoholic there was something that told me it was something else.
A.P.
I was charged with a felony and facing the scary thought of losing my job, but thank you Attorney Steven Bell for helping me. Now I’m able to keep my job and take care of my family. I am truly amazed by your service, and you for understanding what I have to deal with. To me I’m very impressed by way you handled my case and was here to listen and make things OK!
Y.E.
Mr. Steven Bell, Words cant explain how thankful I am for you and your firm. I was facing felony charges and even looking at doing 5 years in jail! Not only did you fight for me, you got my case dismissed and dropped. For that, I don't have words to say “thank you” you were always kind and believed in me. You looked for every opportunity and you won! Thank you for being my guardian angel in disguise and steering me in the right direction. You are forever my “too go guy” thank you soooo much!
A.L.