Facing a DUI charge in Hollywood, Florida, can be overwhelming. You may be worried about losing your license, facing steep fines, or even serving jail time. These concerns are valid. Florida’s DUI laws are strict, and a conviction can impact your freedom, finances, and future.
At Orlando Criminal Team, our skilled Hollywood DUI lawyers are here to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We understand the stress of a DUI arrest, and we guide our clients through every step of the process with professionalism, empathy, and a strong focus on results.
In Florida, DUI laws are found in Florida Statute § 316.193. Driving under the influence means operating a vehicle while your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or chemical substances. A driver is legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
The penalties depend on your BAC, prior offenses, and whether there was property damage or injury.
Penalties can increase further if the DUI involved property damage, serious injury, or death, which may result in felony charges and significantly longer prison sentences.
A DUI conviction can follow you for life. It can increase your insurance costs, create employment issues, and limit travel opportunities. It will also leave a permanent mark on your criminal record.
Because the penalties are serious, it is important to work with an experienced Hollywood DUI lawyer who can protect your rights and fight for the best possible result.
Not all DUI cases in Hollywood are the same. The type of charge you face will depend on factors such as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), whether anyone was injured, and your driving history. Common types of DUI charges in Florida include:
Understanding the exact DUI charge against you is critical, as each one carries different penalties and requires a customized legal defense from an experienced Hollywood DUI attorney.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Hollywood, your actions in the hours and days after can make a major difference in your case. Follow these essential steps to safeguard your rights and protect your future.
Stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement. Avoid arguing, resisting, or making statements that could be used against you later. Even simple comments can be misinterpreted.
You have the right to legal representation. Request to speak with a Hollywood DUI lawyer immediately and avoid answering questions until your attorney is present.
In Florida, you have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to challenge your driver’s license suspension. Missing this deadline can mean an automatic suspension.
While the events are still fresh in your memory, document everything—where you were before the stop, what you had to eat or drink, and exactly how the arrest happened. These details can be valuable to your defense.
The sooner you hire a criminal defense attorney in Hollywood, the sooner they can start protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and building your case.
If you are stopped on suspicion of DUI in Hollywood, police may use both field sobriety tests and chemical tests to assess whether you are impaired.
These physical and coordination tests are designed to measure balance, focus, and motor skills. Common FSTs include:
While these tests are widely used, their results can be influenced by medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, or environmental factors such as poor lighting or uneven pavement.
Under Florida’s implied consent law (Florida Statute § 316.1932), drivers who are lawfully arrested for DUI must submit to chemical testing. These tests can include:
Refusing a chemical test can result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license and may be used as evidence in court. While these tests are considered important evidence, they are not always accurate and can be challenged in court.
DUI charges in Hollywood are not always unbeatable. With the right defense strategy, it’s possible to have charges reduced or even dismissed. Common defenses in Florida DUI cases include:
Under the Fourth Amendment and Florida law, police must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over. If the stop was not legally justified, any evidence gathered afterward may be thrown out.
Breathalyzers must be properly maintained and calibrated in accordance with Florida Administrative Code Rule 11D-8.004. If the device was faulty or the officer was not certified to use it, the test results may be challenged.
Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux, diabetes, or neurological disorders, can cause physical signs that mimic impairment or produce false positives in breath tests.
If officers failed to read your Miranda rights before questioning you, or if evidence was obtained without following proper search and seizure procedures, it may be ruled inadmissible in court.
Every DUI case is unique. An experienced Hollywood DUI lawyer will review the facts, analyze the evidence, and develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of your arrest.
At Orlando Criminal Team, we have a strong track record of defending clients against DUI charges in Hollywood. We understand that every case is different, so we approach each one with careful planning and attention to detail.
Our defense process includes:
We know how overwhelming a DUI arrest can feel. That’s why our team works tirelessly to reduce charges, avoid harsh penalties, and protect your future. If you are also facing other criminal allegations, our Hollywood criminal defense lawyer team can provide comprehensive legal representation for all of your legal needs.
For most drivers, the legal limit is 0.08%. Commercial drivers have a limit of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 must maintain a 0.02% BAC or lower.
You can refuse, but under Florida’s implied consent law, refusal may result in an automatic license suspension.
Yes, in some cases, a DUI can be reduced to a lesser offense such as reckless driving, depending on the circumstances and evidence.
Yes. Even first-time offenses carry serious penalties, and a lawyer can help protect your rights and explore defense options.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Hollywood, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights, your license, and your future. At Orlando Criminal Team, we deliver aggressive, results-driven defense strategies to challenge drunk driving charges and minimize the impact on your life.
When you need a Hollywood criminal defense lawyer, call (239) 332-0430 online to schedule a confidential consultation. Let our experienced legal team stand up for you and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
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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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