DWI / DUI Lawyers in Clearwater

Florida DUI breath-test results can be challenged on calibration, maintenance, operator error, mouth alcohol, and machine reliability — successful challenges have led to thousands of dismissals nationally.

Florida commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face stricter DUI rules — 0.04% BAC limit (half of regular drivers) plus career-ending consequences for ANY DUI in any vehicle.

Florida drugged driving (DUID) covers driving impaired by drugs — illegal, prescription, or even legal substances. Marijuana legalization complicates many Florida DUID cases.

Florida DUI with injury or death is a felony — typically charged as aggravated DUI, vehicular assault, or vehicular manslaughter. Prison time is mandatory in most cases.

Florida DUI expungement varies dramatically — some states allow sealing / expunging DUI convictions, many prohibit. Even where allowed, specific waiting periods + procedures apply.

Florida elevates DUI to felony for: 3rd DUI within 10 years . Felony DUI sentence: Up to 5 yrs (3rd-degree felony); up to 15 yrs for manslaughter.

A first-offense DUI in Florida carries real consequences — license suspension, fines, possibly jail, and an ignition interlock requirement. Florida's legal BAC limit is 0.08, and the offense is a misdemeanor.

Florida DUI license suspension hearings (administrative) are SEPARATE from criminal proceedings — typically have 7-30 day deadline to request, lower burden of proof, but can save your license.

Florida drivers arrested for DUI in another state face dual-state consequences — must defend in arrest state, but home state shares info via Driver License Compact + may impose additional license penalties.

Florida implied-consent law: refusing a breath / blood test triggers automatic license suspension (1 year (1st); 18 months + criminal refusal charge (subsequent)) regardless of DUI outcome. Criminal refusal: 2nd refusal IS a separate 1st-degree misdemeanor.

A second-offense DUI in Florida carries dramatically harsher penalties than a first — typical: 10 days minimum if within 5 years; up to 9 months, 5 years revocation if within 5 years. Lookback period: 5 years for enhanced penalties; lifetime for some uses.