DUI Defense | Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys

Top Florida DUI Lawyers

Unmatched DUI defense in Florida and the United States

In Florida, driving is a privilege and not a right. When someone is arrested for the Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol, the privilege to drive can be taken away from them. Florida has some of the harshest DUI penalties which can include jail time, probation, driver’s license suspension, DUI school, alcohol evaluation, treatment, vehicle impoundment, community service, fines and court costs.

Under Florida law, DUI charges consist of having a blood alcohol level of 0.8 or higher, which is considered impaired. It is also illegal to ability operate a vehicle under the effects of illegal drugs, prescribed medications such as painkillers, and even some over-the-counter medications.

At the Law Offices of Salnick & Fuchs, our dedicated DUI Attorneys will thoroughly examine your case and provide you with the knowledge necessary to make a well informed decision. Our DUI Attorneys will seek the best possible resolution for your case, whether by plea bargain or going to trial.

Florida DUI Penalties

DUI First Offense

Fine of $500 – $1,000
Jail sentence of up to 6 months or probation for up to a year
Mandatory 50 hours of community service
Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
License revocation for a minimum of 6 months

Second DUI Offense

Fine of $1,000 – $2,000
Jail sentence of up to 9 months
Minimum sentence of 10 days if convicted within 5 years of a first offense
Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
License revocation for a minimum of 6 months
5-year license revocation if convicted within 5 years of a first offense

Third DUI Offense

Fine of $1,000 - $2,500, or $2,000 – $5,000 if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
Jail sentence of up to 12 months, with a minimum sentence of 30 days if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
Vehicle impoundment for 90 days if convicted within 10 years of a first offense
License revocation for 5 years, or 10-year license revocation if convicted within 10 years of a first offense

Fourth DUI Offense

Automatic felony charges
Minimum fine of $1,000
Prison sentence of up to 5 years
Mandatory permanent license revocation (not eligible for hardship license)

Repeat DUI Offenders

Repeat DUI offenders face mandatory minimum sentences that will be applied regardless of circumstances, leading to prison time and the permanent loss of their driver's license.

DUI Arrest

DUI Driving Privilege Penalties

DUIs can have a negative affect on your driving privileges.

After being arrested for DUI charges, you only have 10 days to take action until the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles tries to suspend your driver’s license. If one does not act during these ten days (not business days), there will be DUI penalties including the potential suspension of their license. You have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to prevent your driver’s license from being suspended.

For repeat offenders, license suspension may be mandatory and immediate. Depending on the number of offenses, driving privileges can be revoked for life.

DUI Criminal Charges

Criminal penalties very depending on the circumstances.

A DUI conviction in Florida may include criminal penalties such as fines, jail time, probation, or community service. We have worked with clients charged with:

Felony DUI

DUI with bodily injury

DUI manslaughter

DUIs involving under age drinking

A DUI charge in Florida can be very confusing and complex without competent representation. Our DUI Attorneys will provide you with the legal knowledge necessary to make the right decision regarding your DUI defense.

Client Testimonials

"At our meeting, you answered my questions and gave me hope in what was still an uncertain situation. Many thanks to you and your staff for the kindness and compassion that was shown to me. I had indeed called on the right defense attorney."

Anonymous | Former client

"He kept me informed, kept it real, and most importantly cared. He was always available by cell or at the office. When I was in jail he came to visit at least once every ten days. At first I thought he was too good to be true but in talking to some of his other clients he is the real deal."

anonymous | former client

"Michael Salnick is a force to reckon with in the courtroom. He has the respect of Judges, State Attorneys and police. I don't believe there is another I would trust. If you value your life and freedom do not hesitate to employ Michael and his team to represent you."

anonymous | former client