Florida DUI Lawyer

Facing Charges for Driving Under the Influence in Florida?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most serious traffic violations that a person can commit in Florida. Drivers who engage in irresponsible drunk driving can be the cause of serious accidents that can even result in injury or death for innocent victims. In a situation like this, you might need the help of our Florida DUI lawyer.

Florida law enforcement officers are on high alert to identify drunk drivers and remove them from the road. While this is a task that can be respected and admired, it is not without fault. In many cases, law enforcement officers have been known to make incorrect decisions when determining the level of sobriety in a suspect.

Our Florida DUI lawyers can help you with your case. Just call us at (954) 680-7575 or contact us online today.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Florida?

Individuals who have been wrongly charged with DUI should speak with a Florida DUI lawyer as quickly as possible in order to aggressively pursue their best interests in court. Failure to do so may result in conviction, which carries with it a multitude of serious consequences.

First-Offense DUI Penalties

First-time Florida DUI offenders face the following penalties:

• fines of up to $500
• 50 hours of community service
• probation not exceeding one year
• up to 6 months behind bars
• 6-month license revocation
• mandatory DUI school

Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses

Subsequent convictions will increase many, if not all, of these areas, as will DUI manslaughter, leaving offenders virtually powerless over their lives as their punishments unfold.

Is DUI a Felony in Florida? Our Florida DUI Lawyers Explain

In Florida, the first and second DUI offenses are typically charged as misdemeanors. For the first and second DUI offense that is a misdemeanor, the penalties can be more severe depending on your Blood Alcohol Content. If your BAC was between .08 and .14, you could be fined up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a maximum one-year license suspension, probation, community service, and attendance at a DUI school. If your BAC was at or above .14, these penalties will be enhanced. A third DUI offense within the past 10 years or a DUI that involves the death or injury to another person will be a felony.

Florida law also allows prosecutors to pursue felony charges when there are aggravating factors, such as a crash causing serious bodily injury, a minor in the vehicle, or an allegation that the driver left the scene. In those situations, the potential exposure can include longer prison sentences, longer license revocations, and the possibility of mandatory ignition interlock requirements after any period of suspension. Because the difference between a misdemeanor and felony record can affect employment, professional licenses, and housing, having a Florida DUI lawyer by your side is critical when you are deciding how to move forward.

Building Legal Defenses for DUI Charges in Florida

Golden Traffic Ticket Law is a firm that focuses on helping traffic law violators to pursue success in court in the face of speeding tickets, stop sign violations, DUI, and others. Golden Traffic Ticket Law has a deep understanding of Florida traffic law as it pertains to DUI offenses, and has represented the interests of many throughout its service.

Common DUI Defense Strategies

In many Florida DUI cases, the defense begins with examining why you were stopped in the first place. If there was no valid legal reason for a traffic stop, any evidence gathered after that stop may be challenged in court. The timing and administration of roadside exercises, as well as whether the officer properly observed you before requesting a breath test, can also play a major role in building a strong defense. A Florida DUI lawyer should be prepared to review every step of the encounter and identify weaknesses that may not be obvious on the surface.

Examples of issues a lawyer may evaluate in a DUI case include:

• Lack of reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop or DUI investigation.
• Improper field sobriety testing, such as unclear instructions or unsafe conditions on the roadside.
• Problems with breath test equipment, including maintenance records and whether the device was properly calibrated.
• Questions about blood test handling, like how samples were stored, labeled, and transported.
• Inconsistent officer observations compared with video or witness statements from the scene.

The firm attorney can build strategies that are designed to question field sobriety tests, chemical blood alcohol level testing equipment, and more, and they will explore every possible opportunity in order to provide you with the tools you need to find success in court. We offer our services to help you with a free initial consultation. 

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Florida? Our Florida DUI Lawyer Answers

Being arrested for DUI in Florida sets off two different tracks: the criminal case in county court and an administrative process with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. At the time of your arrest, the officer will usually issue you a citation that can act as a temporary driving permit for a limited period if your license was taken. You will then have to decide whether to request a formal review hearing of any proposed administrative suspension and how to handle your first court date, often called an arraignment.

During the early days after an arrest, deadlines come quickly, and missing them can limit your options. A drunk driving attorney Florida drivers consult with can help you understand whether it makes sense to challenge the administrative suspension, apply for a hardship license, or take other steps to protect your ability to drive. In many counties, such as Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orange, local court practices and diversion opportunities can differ, so having someone familiar with Florida procedures can make the process feel more manageable.

As your case moves forward, court dates may be set for pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and possibly a trial. Throughout this time, decisions may need to be made about gathering evidence, such as video from the stop, maintenance records for the breath machine, and witness statements. Having guidance from a Florida DUI lawyer on what to expect at each stage can reduce stress and help you make informed choices about whether to negotiate a plea, challenge evidence, or set the case for trial.

You can speak to Attorney Golden by calling (954) 680-7575.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Florida?

In Florida, a DUI conviction can remain on your driving record for many years and may be considered if you are arrested again in the future. Courts and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can look back at prior convictions when determining penalties for new charges. Because of this long-term impact, it is important to understand all potential consequences with the help of a Florida DUI lawyer before deciding how to resolve a case.

Can You Refuse a Breath Test in Florida?

Florida's implied consent law means that drivers who refuse a lawful request for a breath test can face an automatic license suspension. A first refusal can carry a suspension that is separate from any suspension for a DUI conviction, and a second refusal can be charged as a separate crime. The officer should advise you of these consequences at the time of the request, and your choice can affect both the evidence in the case and your driving privileges.

Will I Have to Appear in Court for My DUI Case?

In many Florida counties, a lawyer can attend certain court dates on your behalf, but some hearings may still require you to appear in person. Factors that can influence this include the specific judge assigned, the nature of the charges, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. Discussing your situation early can help you plan for time away from work and understand when your presence will be required in the courthouse.