Charged With A Crime? We're Ready To Fight.
Maitland DUI Lawyer
Katz & Phillips defends people arrested for DUI in Maitland, Florida. A DUI is a criminal charge, and an arrest also puts your driver's license at risk, so you should not leave either to chance. A Maitland DUI lawyer who knows how these cases are built can look for weaknesses in the stop, the testing, and the police report, and can guide you through each step. Whether the charge looks big or small, having a lawyer from the start can give you peace of mind and make the process easier.
Founding partners David Katz and James Phillips are former prosecutors and two of only four attorneys in Florida who are board-certified in DUI defense by the National College for DUI Defense. Both regularly share their knowledge by teaching DUI defense to fellow attorneys at state and national seminars.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Maitland
A DUI arrest in Maitland starts two separate cases: a criminal case in court and an administrative case over your driver's license.
Depending on the road and the hour, the arresting officer may be from the Maitland Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol. Stops can happen anywhere, including on Orlando Avenue (US 17-92), Maitland Boulevard (SR 414), Horatio Avenue, and I-4. Wherever it happened, we start by checking whether the officer had a lawful reason to make the stop.
- The criminal case. It is prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and heard at the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando.
- The license suspension. You must schedule a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within ten days of your arrest to contest it. Our DMV hearings page explains how that hearing works.
- The evidence. We review the police report, the breath or blood test results, and any witness statements before recommending a strategy.
What Penalties Can a Maitland DUI Conviction Carry?
A DUI conviction in Maitland carries the same penalties as in any other part of Florida. Which ones apply depends on your prior record, your breath or blood alcohol level, and whether anyone was hurt. A Maitland DUI attorney may be able to reduce or avoid some of them. Some of the most common consequences include:
- License suspension or revocation
- Community service, fines, or probation
- Jail time
- Alcohol classes
- Impoundment or immobilization of your vehicle
For the penalties that apply to a first, repeat, or felony DUI, see our guide to DUI penalties.
How We Defend Maitland DUI Cases
Our defense starts with the facts of your stop and arrest, then tests each piece of the State's evidence.
- The stop. Officers need a legal reason to pull you over, and evidence from an unlawful stop may be suppressed. Read about unlawful police stops.
- Field sobriety tests. These exercises are subjective, and medical conditions, fatigue, anxiety, weather, or an uneven road surface can affect how you perform. Read about field sobriety tests.
- Breath tests. Testing devices need proper calibration and administration. David Katz was the DUI and Intoxilyzer lead attorney at the Seminole County State Attorney's Office, trained on the Intoxilyzer 8000, and he uses that experience when challenging breath results. Read about challenging breath tests.
- Your rights during the arrest. If police violated your rights during the arrest, questioning, or evidence collection, certain evidence may be excluded from court.
Who Will Handle Your Maitland DUI Case
Your case is led by attorneys who have prosecuted DUI cases and now defend them.
- David S. Katz, Founding Partner. Former Assistant State Attorney who prosecuted cases in Orange and Seminole counties. Board certified in DUI Defense, a member of the Board of Directors and faculty of the National College for DUI Defense, and author or co-author of nine books on DUI defense. Recognized by Super Lawyers since 2019.
- James D. Phillips, Founding Partner. Former Assistant State Attorney in Florida's 1st and 18th Judicial Circuits, where he prosecuted more than 3,000 cases with a heavy emphasis on DUI. Board-certified in DUI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense, admitted to the Florida and Tennessee bars, and author of multiple DUI defense training manuals used by other attorneys.
Defending Maitland Drivers From Our Orange County Office
Maitland is a city in north Orange County, just north of Winter Park and next to Eatonville, and Katz & Phillips represents Maitland drivers from our Orlando office at 509 W. Colonial Dr. The office is a short drive south on I-4 from Maitland Boulevard.
Our attorneys regularly appear before Orange County judges and work with the State Attorney's Office on DUI cases. We also handle DUI defense in Orlando and Orange County.
Maitland DUI Questions
Where is a Maitland DUI case heard?
A Maitland DUI case is heard in Orange County. A first or second DUI with no serious injury is handled in the County Court division of the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. A felony DUI, such as a third DUI within 10 years, a DUI with serious bodily injury, or DUI manslaughter, goes to the Circuit Court division at the same complex.
How long do I have to challenge my license suspension after a Maitland DUI arrest?
You must schedule a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within ten days of your arrest. If you miss that window, your license is suspended automatically. Learn more about DMV hearings.
Should I hire a lawyer for a first DUI in Maitland?
Yes. A first-time DUI conviction can still bring jail time, a license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer may be able to reduce the charge, challenge the evidence, or negotiate another outcome. Read about first-time DUI charges.
Can a Maitland DUI charge be dismissed?
Sometimes. Charges may be reduced or dismissed when the stop was unlawful, the testing was flawed, or the State's evidence is weak. Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a result.
Contact Our Maitland DUI Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Katz & Phillips offers a free consultation to people arrested for DUI in Maitland. Our team knows Florida criminal law, including DUI cases and the many charges you might be facing. Tell us what happened, and we will explain your options and how we can help you reach a better outcome. We review every charge you are facing, large or small. To learn more or discuss your case, call us today.
Maitland and Nearby Communities We Serve
We represent drivers arrested in Maitland and in these nearby communities. See every area we serve.
- Eatonville
- Fairview Shores
- Maitland
- Winter Park
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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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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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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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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
