Should I Hire a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?

If you have been previously convicted of a DUI, it is highly recommended that you seek legal assistance for any first, second, or subsequent charges. An experienced lawyer who specializes in DUI cases can provide you with the best possible defense to help you avoid a conviction. Investing in a good attorney can cost you less than half of what you would likely pay for a conviction. If this is your first time being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be wondering if it is necessary to hire a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases. A competent DUI lawyer in South Florida will be familiar with the courts, judges, and prosecutors and can use this knowledge to negotiate an even better plea agreement.

Additionally, they may be able to reduce the charge to a “reckless wet driving” or “reckless driving” charge, which are less serious than a DUI. The severity of your sentence will depend on the charges against you and the type of DUI you are charged with. We make sure that everything is resolved quickly (most penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol involve strict deadlines). You'll have to pay to reinstate your driver's license (including administrative fees), attend and pay for court-referred DUI school, deal with vehicle seizure, and pay jail or parole fees. Your DUI conviction will remain on your driver's license for at least seven years, as per Florida's DUI laws. Even though the first DUI is usually less severe than repeat offenses, you never know what might happen once you appear before the judge.

For example, in Orlando, nearly 40% of DUI cases are reduced to a reckless driving charge (a fined violation) or are dismissed entirely. If you plead not guilty to a DUI and unfortunately lose at trial, the consequences can be very serious. An attorney with experience in DUI cases can help examine all the evidence against you and devise the best possible legal defense strategy. If you have a first-time DUI on your record, chances are that you can still sit for the exam and become an attorney.