Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system. Florida’s DUI laws carry serious penalties, from fines and license suspension to possible jail time, so speaking with an experienced DUI attorney right away can make a big difference in your case.
At Orlando Criminal Team, our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyers build aggressive, personalized defense strategies to protect your rights and future. We work to challenge the prosecution’s case, explore every defense option, and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
A DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale can affect your freedom, finances, and future. Florida’s DUI laws are strict, and even a first offense can lead to fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Having an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney by your side can make all the difference. A skilled lawyer can:
By acting promptly and seeking legal counsel, you enhance your chances of protecting your record and moving forward after a DUI arrest.
In Florida, a DUI (driving under the influence) happens when a person operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a mix of both. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal BAC limit is 0.02%, and for commercial drivers, it is 0.04%. These rules are explained in Florida Statutes Section 316.193.
It’s important to note that you can still be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit if the officer believes your ability to drive is impaired. This means factors such as slurred speech, poor coordination, or failed field sobriety tests can still lead to an arrest.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) can suspend your license immediately after a DUI arrest through an administrative process separate from the criminal case. You have 10 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Missing the deadline can mean a longer suspension.
A skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can fight both the criminal charges and administrative penalties, helping protect your rights, license, and future.
DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale depend on the circumstances of the arrest. Understanding the different types can help you know what to expect and how a skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can defend your rights.
A first offense often has lighter penalties, but it can still result in fines of $500–$1,000, a license suspension of up to one year, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record. Even one conviction can raise your insurance rates and affect future job opportunities.
A second or later conviction brings harsher consequences, such as fines up to $4,000, multi-year license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and possible felony charges. Florida law also requires the use of ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders.
If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.15% or higher, penalties increase significantly. These may include higher fines, a longer license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock installation, and potential enhanced jail sentences.
If a DUI results in property damage, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity. Penalties often include paying restitution, higher fines, and possible imprisonment.
These are the most serious DUI charges, often classified as felonies. They can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, permanent license revocation, and a lasting criminal record.
For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.02%. Penalties include an automatic six-month license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, possible community service, and a lasting impact on driving and insurance records.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale, taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference in your case outcome.
When police suspect someone of driving under the influence in Fort Lauderdale, they often use field sobriety tests and chemical tests to check for impairment. These tests can be a major part of a DUI case, but are not always accurate. Knowing how they work can help when building a strong defense.
Common field sobriety tests include:
Common chemical tests include:
In Florida, refusing a chemical test can lead to an automatic license suspension under the state’s implied consent law, even if you are later found not guilty of DUI. Both field and chemical tests can be challenged in court.
A skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can examine whether the traffic stop was lawful, how the tests were administered, and whether the testing equipment met state standards.
Every DUI case is different, and several defense strategies may help reduce or even dismiss the charges. Our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyers carefully review each case to determine the strongest approach.
By challenging the state’s evidence and identifying flaws in the case, our attorneys strive to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means reduced charges, dismissal, or an acquittal.
Facing DUI charges can be stressful, but Orlando Criminal Team’s Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyers focus on building a defense tailored to your unique situation. Here’s how we work to protect your rights and future:
We review every detail of your arrest, such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements, to find errors or violations of your rights.
Our attorneys examine whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, breath or blood samples were handled properly, and if the traffic stop complied with the law.
We use our experience to pursue reduced charges, lighter penalties, or alternative sentencing options such as diversion programs.
We represent you in court and at DMV hearings, working to protect your driver’s license and reduce the impact on your daily life.
Our team is well-versed in Fort Lauderdale’s courts, prosecutors, and legal processes, enabling us to develop effective strategies tailored to this jurisdiction.
We keep you informed, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through every stage so you can make confident decisions about your case.
In Florida, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21. These limits are set under Florida Statutes § 316.193 and apply statewide.
Yes. In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) can impose an immediate administrative suspension of your driver’s license after a DUI arrest, even before a criminal conviction. This suspension is separate from any penalties issued by the court.
You can refuse a breath, blood, or urine test in Florida, but doing so will result in an automatic license suspension under the state’s implied consent law. A refusal may also be used as evidence against you in court, and repeated refusals carry harsher penalties.
A first-time DUI conviction in Florida can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, a license suspension of at least 180 days, community service requirements, and probation. The exact penalties depend on the details of the case, including your BAC level and any aggravating factors.
Yes. Hiring a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale is essential to protect your rights, challenge questionable evidence, and navigate both the criminal court process and DMV proceedings. An attorney can often negotiate for reduced charges, lighter penalties, or alternative sentencing options.
If you’ve been charged with DUI, every moment counts in protecting your freedom, license, and reputation. At Orlando Criminal Team, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for clients facing all types of DUI charges. Our team thoroughly understands Florida’s DUI laws and procedures, providing you with the strongest possible defense.
Discover how our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers can fight for your rights. Contact us at (239) 332-0430 now or complete our consultation form to take the first step toward securing your future.
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Contact the Law Offices of Katz & Phillips today to speak with one of our attorneys about your case today by filling out the form below, or call us at (321) 332-0430.
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