Charged With A Crime? We're Ready To Fight.
Orlando DUI Defense Lawyer
An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in Orlando can turn your life upside down in an instant. From the moment the flashing blue lights appear in your rearview mirror to the humiliating roadside sobriety tests and the click of handcuffs, a DUI arrest is a traumatic experience. In Florida, a DUI conviction carries severe, life-altering consequences that extend far beyond a simple traffic ticket. You could face mandatory jail time, steep fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record that can destroy your employment prospects and personal reputation.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for drunk driving in Central Florida, you should not navigate this complex and aggressive legal system alone. At Katz & Phillips, our team of former prosecutors and board-certified DUI specialists knows how the state will try to convict you and what tactics they’ll use. We’ve done it ourselves, and we can use that knowledge to guide you through your problem to the best possible result. Seek legal representation from a firm with 50 years of combined experience!
If you’re facing a DUI, scheduling a confidential consultation quickly can help you take control of next steps. Call (321) 425-8961 today.
Florida DUI Laws
Under Florida Statute § 316.193, a person is guilty of the offense of driving under the influence if they are driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within the state and are under the influence of alcoholic beverages or chemical substances to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired, or they have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
It is critical to note the phrase "actual physical control." In Florida, you do not necessarily have to be actively driving a moving vehicle to be arrested for a DUI. If you are found asleep in the driver's seat of a parked car with the keys in the ignition or within your reach, the state can argue that you had the capability to operate the vehicle, thereby justifying a DUI charge.
Furthermore, Florida operates under an "Implied Consent" law. By accepting a Florida driver’s license and operating a motor vehicle on state roads, you have automatically consented to submit to approved chemical or physical tests (breath, urine, or blood) if an officer has probable cause to believe you are driving under the influence. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer test following a lawful arrest, your license will be automatically suspended for one year for a first offense, and 18 months for a subsequent refusal.
Common Types of DUI Charges & Penalties
DUI charges in Florida vary based on prior offenses, the level of blood-alcohol concentration, and whether the incident resulted in property damage, bodily injury, or death. Penalties escalate severely with each compounding factor.
First-Time DUI Offense
Decades of Trusted Service. Hundreds of Grateful Voices.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
