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What Are the Florida DUI Laws?
Florida, like many other states, has strict DUI laws and penalties upon conviction. DUI is measured by how much alcohol is in your bloodstream. This blood alcohol content (BAC) is the amount of alcohol present in your system and is measured with a blood, urine, or breath test. In Florida you are required to submit to this testing, if requested, via the implied consent law. As a driver in Florida you are agreeing to submit to testing as part of obtaining your license. Florida DUI laws and penalties have been increased over the years. If convicted of DUI in Florida you may be facing fines, a prison term, and possible driver’s license suspension or revocation.
BAC
Your BAC will depend on a number of factors including your weight, your genetics, your recent food consumption, your gender, and overall health. The amount of alcohol that you can consume to stay under the legal limit varies but generally depends on the type of alcohol that you’re consuming and the timeframe during which you’re drinking it. For example, drinking a single lite beer in an hour will typically not make you legally drunk, however, drinking a strong mixed drink in the same amount of time may. You can’t count on calculating your legal status while you’re drinking, especially because as you drink your thinking becomes impaired.
DUI Arrest
Several things will happen when you are arrested for DUI. You may have been stopped for a traffic violation and the police officer may suspect that you have been drinking. You may be asked to participate in some field sobriety tests. These tests may include such things as reciting the alphabet, walking a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a light with your eyes. These types of tests are simply to provide some support to the officer in determining whether you are drunk. If you are thought to have been drinking you’ll be arrested and charged with DUI, along with any other traffic violations. Not all DUI arrests are performed properly. You should consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.
Keeping Your Driver’s License
Upon an arrest for DUI you may be required to forfeit your driver’s license. Your driving privileges will be suspended until the outcome of your court case. If you act quickly, you can often keep your license, at least temporarily. You, or your lawyer, must request a hearing with the DMV within ten days of your arrest. The hearing, separate from your court case, is used to decide your immediate driving authorization. For example, if you need to drive to and from your job you may be allowed to drive only during certain hours. These terms will continue until your court case, at which time the outcome will determine what will happen to your license permanently. DUI attorneys are skilled at making a case to keep your license under these circumstances. Your lawyer will represent you at this initial hearing as well as throughout your case to get the best possible outcome. The potential penalties increase for those who have had previous DUI convictions or when there was an accident with injuries. Your lawyer will work with you to ensure that a strong defense is presented.
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.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
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
