Have you been charged with driving under the influence in Florida? If so, it could impact your future and your freedom. You may be facing fines, license suspension, and possibly even jail time. These consequences are serious, which is why you need a Florida DUI attorney who knows the local courts and can defend your rights.
At George Law, we provide top-notch representation to clients throughout Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. Our lawyers approach every case with a full understanding of who you are, not just the charges you face.
As compassionate attorneys, we take the time to get to know you and your story and consider your future goals. This allows our lawyers to craft a strong defense centered around your unique situation. We also take practical steps to show the court your commitment to improvement, including substance assessments, counseling, or therapy when appropriate. This holistic approach sets us apart, underscoring our dedication to your well-being and future.
Don’t wait to get the help you need at this critical moment. Let us start building a defense strategy that protects your record, your reputation, and your freedom. Contact George Law for your free, no-obligation consultation with a Florida DUI lawyer.
Why You Need a Florida Defense Lawyer for a DUI Case
DUI cases in Florida can be complicated. Making even the slightest mistake in the legal process can cost you. At George Law, we understand the details of the criminal justice system and can protect your rights from start to finish. If you’re wondering, “What is the cost of a DUI?” you should know that working with a strategic DUI attorney in Florida can save you time, money, and stress.
We handle each case personally and collaboratively. In other words, our lawyers don’t delegate tasks to paralegals or clerks. By managing every step ourselves, we can build aggressive defenses. We also see clients as whole people, which allows our firm to present you to the court as more than just a defendant. With George Law on your side, you gain a team that isn’t afraid to work late nights to craft the most compelling defense and can think creatively to protect your record.
When you hire our DUI lawyers in Florida, we can do the following:
- Investigate the Stop and Arrest – We look at whether the traffic stop was legal and whether officers followed proper procedures.
- Review the Evidence – Our team analyzes everything from police reports and bodycam footage to breath and chemical test results to find inconsistencies or errors.
- Challenge Chemical Testing – We check whether breathalyzers were calibrated correctly, whether blood or urine samples were stored properly, and whether lab procedures were followed.
- Fight License Suspensions – If your license was taken, we can request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to potentially regain your driving privileges.
- Handle Every Court Filing and Appearance – We file legal motions, attend hearings, and negotiate with prosecutors to get a fair outcome.
- Prepare and Present a Trial Defense – If your case goes to trial, we present a defense designed to cast doubt on the state’s evidence.
- Support Personal Steps That Help Your Case – When appropriate, we connect clients with counseling, therapy, or substance abuse evaluations to demonstrate their accountability to the court.
Our dedicated DUI attorneys in Florida can provide the support necessary to protect your rights and future. Get in touch with us today for your free, confidential case review.
What Are Florida’s DUI Laws?
Florida DUI laws apply to alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances. You can be charged with DUI under Florida Statute 316.193 if you drive or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired. You’re considered legally impaired if any of the following apply:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher
- Your BAC is 0.04 percent or higher while driving a commercial vehicle
- You are under 21 and have any detectable alcohol in your system
- You show signs of impairment, even if your BAC is below 0.08 percent
Florida also allows the DHSMV to suspend your license immediately after a DUI arrest if you fail or refuse a breath test.
Is a DUI a Felony in Florida?
Most first DUI charges are misdemeanors. They can still carry serious consequences, but they’re not felonies. A second DUI within five years is usually a misdemeanor, too, but the penalties increase and include longer license suspensions and mandatory jail time.
On the other hand, a third DUI within 10 years is a third-degree felony. Felony charges also apply if a DUI causes injury or death, even if it’s your first offense.
Whether a DUI is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony affects more than the potential jail sentence, as felony convictions carry harsher penalties. At George Law, our lawyers can review your case and help you understand what level of offense you’re facing, then build a defense to reduce the impact on your life.
Does Florida Use the Terms ‘DWI’ and ‘DWAI’?
Florida DUI laws use only the term DUI, which means “driving under the influence.” Some people use DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DWAI (driving while ability impaired) when talking about impaired driving, but those terms don’t appear in Florida law.
Because Florida doesn’t recognize DWI or DWAI, any impaired driving charge here will be filed as a DUI. There’s no lesser offense for drivers with a BAC between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent, as with other states; prosecutors must prove actual impairment to get a conviction.
What Are the DUI Penalties in Florida?
Florida DUI laws carry serious penalties, even for a first offense. The exact punishment depends on whether your BAC was over the Florida DUI limit, whether you have prior DUI convictions, and whether anyone was injured. Judges have discretion within the sentencing ranges, so outcomes can vary from case to case. However, Florida DUI penalties generally include the following:
- First DUI – Fines, possible jail time up to six months, license suspension, DUI probation, community service, and mandatory DUI school
- Second DUI Within Five Years – Higher fines, up to nine months in jail, five-year license revocation, ignition interlock requirement, and possible vehicle impoundment
- Third DUI Within Five Years – Felony charges if within five years of a prior DUI, mandatory jail time, 10-year license revocation, and long-term ignition interlock
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a DUI in Florida?
Florida DUI convictions can trigger collateral consequences that follow you long after the case ends. Understanding these effects can help you protect your future.
One of the most common consequences is higher car insurance rates. Many drivers face years of expensive premiums or lose their coverage entirely. You may also face restricted driving privileges, such as limits on when or where you can drive after your license is reinstated.
Employers often run background checks, and a DUI on your record can affect job offers, promotions, or professional licenses. For non-citizens, DUI convictions can create immigration issues, including delays or complications with visas and permanent residency.
A skilled Florida DUI attorney from George Law can look for ways to reduce the charges or negotiate outcomes that protect your record. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation case review.
What Are Common Defenses Used in DUI Cases?
A strong defense can make all the difference in a DUI case. Skilled DUI lawyers in Florida know how to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and challenge evidence that could lead to reduced charges or even a dismissal.
Some of the most common defenses include the following:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop – Officers need probable cause to pull you over. If the stop lacked a legal basis, any evidence collected afterward could be thrown out.
- Questioning Test Accuracy – Field sobriety tests can be affected by factors like uneven surfaces or medical conditions. Breathalyzer results may be inaccurate due to device malfunctions, improper calibration, or errors in administration.
- Medical or Physiological Factors – Certain medical conditions or prescription medications can mimic impairment.
What Are the Chances My DUI Could Be Dismissed?
Can a DUI be dismissed? In some cases, yes, but it depends on how your arrest happened and the evidence against you. Dismissals often occur when law enforcement fails to follow proper procedures, such as conducting an unlawful traffic stop or mishandling chemical tests. Other times, technical errors with breathalyzers, field sobriety tests, or lab results create reasonable doubt that can support a dismissal.
What Would It Cost Me to Hire a DUI Lawyer?
If you’re wondering, “How much does a DUI lawyer cost?” the answer can vary based on the complexity of your case, your prior record, and the county where you were charged. First-time DUI cases may be less expensive than second or third offenses. In contrast, cases involving injury, property damage, or felony charges typically require more time and resources.
It’s important to know that the cost of effective legal help now may be considerably less than the long-term costs you could face on conviction. The best thing you can do for your case is contact George Law. Our lawyers are ready to jump in and help you navigate your Florida DUI charges, whether this is your first offense or you’re up against a prior conviction and enhanced penalties.
Contact a Florida DUI Lawyer Defense Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Florida, you don’t have another moment to lose. At George Law, our dedicated DUI criminal defense attorneys serve clients in Miami and throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, and we’re ready to step up on your behalf.
Our lawyers handle every aspect of your defense personally, from reviewing evidence and challenging procedural errors to negotiating with prosecutors or preparing for trial. By combining aggressive legal strategy with our signature, holistic understanding of your unique circumstances, we work to protect your driving privileges and future opportunities.
Contact George Law’s Miami office today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.