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Fort Lauderdale, FL DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for a first DUI in Fort Lauderdale is one of the most stressful experiences you may ever face. The flashing lights, the arrest, and the uncertainty of what happens next can leave you feeling overwhelmed and afraid. You may be asking yourself questions like:

  • Will I lose my driver’s license?
  • Will I go to jail?
  • How will this affect my job and future?

These concerns are valid, and the truth is that a DUI arrest is a serious matter. But it is equally important to remember that being arrested is not the same as being convicted. With the right guidance and the support of an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer, you can take steps to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Fort Lauderdale, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced Florida DUI lawyer today!

This guide is designed to walk you through the legal process after your first DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale, explain what penalties you could be facing, and highlight why having the right legal representation is critical.

Understanding the DUI Arrest Process in Fort Lauderdale

A DUI arrest in Florida generally follows a set process, though every case is unique. If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, the officer may conduct field sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer test. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if the officer believes you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, you may be arrested on the spot.

Once arrested, you will be transported to a local station for booking and additional testing. Afterward, you will typically be released, but your driver’s license will be confiscated.

Instead, you will be issued a temporary driving permit that lasts for 10 days. Within this 10-day window, you have the right to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

This step is critical because it gives you a chance to challenge the administrative suspension of your license. Missing this deadline could mean losing your license for months, even before your criminal case is resolved.

Your next major step will be your arraignment; the first court appearance where you are formally charged and asked to enter a plea. This is not a stage you should face alone. Having a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer at your side ensures that you understand your rights and that you don’t make decisions that could harm your case later.

DUI Penalties in Fort Lauderdale

Florida DUI law imposes serious penalties even for first-time DUI offenders. These penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest, such as your BAC level, whether there was a minor in the car, or whether an accident occurred.

Florida law imposes progressively harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenses under Florida Statute 316.193. Below is a breakdown of the potential consequences for a first, second, third, and fourth DUI conviction in Florida. Keep in mind that aggravating factors such as having a BAC of .15% or higher, or driving with a minor in the vehicle, can increase these penalties.

Offense Fines License Suspension Jail Time Other Penalties
First DUI $500 – $1,000
Up to $2,000 if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car		 180 days – 1 year Up to 6 months
Up to 9 months if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car		 – 50 hours community service
– Up to 1 year probation
– Mandatory DUI school
– Ignition interlock (if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car)
Second DUI $1,000 – $2,000
Up to $4,000 if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car		 Minimum 5 years if within 5 years of prior DUI Up to 9 months
Mandatory 10 days if within 5 years of prior DUI		 – Ignition interlock device (minimum 1 year)
– DUI school (level II)
– Vehicle impoundment (30 days)
Third DUI (within 10 years) $2,000 – $5,000
Minimum $4,000 if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car		 Minimum 10 years Up to 5 years (felony)
Mandatory 30 day jail sentence if within 10 years of prior DUI		 – Ignition interlock device (minimum 2 years)
– Felony conviction
– Longer DUI school requirements
Third DUI (more than 10 years) $2,000 – $5,000
Minimum $4,000 if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car		 180 days – 1 year Up to 12 months – Ignition interlock device (minimum 2 years)
– Vehicle impoundment (90 days)
Fourth DUI At least $2,000
Higher if BAC ≥ .15% or minor in car		 Permanent license revocation Up to 5 years (felony) – Felony conviction
– Mandatory ignition interlock if license ever reinstated
– No hardship license eligibility

 

While these drunk driving penalties may seem overwhelming, it’s important to know that they are not set in stone. A skilled DUI lawyer in South Florida can often negotiate alternatives to jail time, reduced charges, or even dismissal of the case if evidence is successfully challenged.

How a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer Can Help

Having the right legal advocate can make all the difference in your case. As someone facing a first DUI in Fort Lauderdale, you are likely unfamiliar with the criminal justice system and the specific rules governing DUI arrests and prosecutions. That’s where legal counsel with local experience becomes invaluable.

An experienced DUI defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale will be familiar with the Broward County Court System, including the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the prosecutors and judges who work here.

A Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can:

  • Challenge the Evidence: Breathalyzer machines and field sobriety tests are not infallible. A DUI defense lawyer can question whether the stop was lawful, whether the tests were conducted properly, and whether the equipment was calibrated.
  • Defend Your Driving Privileges: By requesting and representing you at the formal review hearing within the 10-day window, your attorney can fight to protect your driver’s license.
  • Negotiate with Prosecutors: Many first-time DUI cases can be reduced to lesser charges, such as reckless driving, if your lawyer can demonstrate weaknesses in the state’s case.
  • Provide Courtroom Representation: From arraignment through trial, your criminal defense attorney ensures your rights are protected and your DUI defense is presented effectively.
  • Guide You Through Alternatives: Your Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can explore options like diversion programs or hardship licenses, which may allow you to continue driving to work or school while your case is pending.

Taking Action After a First DUI in Fort Lauderdale

The most important thing you can do after a DUI arrest is act quickly. The first few days following your arrest are critical in determining whether you keep your license, how strong your drunk driving defense will be, and what options you will have moving forward.

Talk To An Experienced DUI Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL Today

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a first DUI in Fort Lauderdale, don’t wait until your court date to start preparing. Seek out a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney as soon as possible to begin building a defense strategy tailored to your case.

I understand the fear and uncertainty you are experiencing, but I want to reassure you that there are steps we can take together to protect your rights and your future. With experienced legal representation from a top-rated Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer, you don’t have to face this difficult situation alone.

Call 1-888-839-4384 for a free consultation with a top rated DUI defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida now!

More Florida DUI Lawyer Resources

If you’d like to learn more about the Florida DUI lawyers at Drunk Driving Defense, read some of our articles below.

You can also use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation anytime.