DUI Defense

Florida's DHSMV can suspend your license administratively the moment you're arrested, separate from the criminal case. You generally have only 10 days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing or apply for a hardship permit, so moving quickly is critical.

Refusing a lawful breath test in Florida carries an automatic license suspension under the implied-consent law — one year for a first refusal, 18 months for a second, and a second refusal can be charged as a separate misdemeanor. Whether a refusal helps or hurts depends on the facts of your stop and is a core reason to speak with an attorney quickly.

Sometimes, yes. A reduction to reckless driving (often called a “wet reckless”) can be negotiated where the evidence is weak, procedural issues exist, or it's a first offense with no injuries. It depends heavily on the prosecutor, the jurisdiction, and the strength of the defense presented.

A Florida DUI conviction cannot be sealed or expunged and stays on your record permanently. That's one reason fighting the charge — or reducing it before conviction — matters so much.

A first DUI in Florida generally carries up to 6 months in jail, fines from roughly $500 to $1,000, license revocation, DUI school, probation, community service, and ignition-interlock possibilities if BAC is 0.15 or higher or a minor was in the vehicle. Penalties escalate sharply for second and third offenses.

You always have the right to a public defender if you qualify. A private DUI defense attorney typically devotes more time to individual cases, independently investigates the stop and testing, and often has stronger relationships with local prosecutors — but the right choice depends on your circumstances.