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DUI

Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer

The state of Florida is vigilant about prosecuting individuals who are caught driving under the influence. Any driver who is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher will be charged with a DUI offense and subject to severe penalties under the law. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI in or around Fort Lauderdale, the time to act is now. The DUI penalties in Florida are some of the toughest in the country, and you will end up suffering the consequences of these penalties for the rest of your life.


Arrested for drunk driving? Your future is at stake.

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Individuals who are charged with a DUI offense in Florida will face two separate hearings and the possibility of two different sentences. It is vitally important to have the help and guidance of a knowledgeable attorney during this challenging time. At Parks & Braxton, PA we are fully acquainted with the civil and criminal processes involved with DUI offenses and we know how to defend your rights every step of the way. Our legal team has successfully handled thousands of cases since our firm's inception and we are ready to take your phone call at any time of the day, during the night, on holidays, and on weekends.

Drunk Driving Charges in Florida

DUI & Drugs

Impairment doesn't just come by way of alcohol, you may have been charged with a DUI that also involved drug-related impairment. Whether legal or illegal drugs were involved in the case you may be facing serious penalties.

DUI Manslaughter
If your accident caused the death of another individual, you will likely be facing a felony offense even though the crime was not intentional.

Felony DUI
A DUI charge can either be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. You only run the risk of being convicted of a felony DUI if the prosecution proved you were driving while intoxicated and possess at least two prior DUI convictions (not charges), where one was within the last ten years.

First Time DUI
It is intimidating to be arrested on charges of DUI for the first time. You must keep in mind, however, that you have a greater chance of having your charges lessened or dropped because it is only your first offense.

Leaving the Scene
Also called a hit-and-run, this type of accident can leave you facing extremely serious charges and the possibility of jail time.

Multiple DUI
If you have been charged with a DUI in the past your penalties will be harsher in the event that you are convicted. The time frame is also important when it comes to the severity of the punishments you are facing. For example, multiple DUI offenses that take place within 5 years of each other will have you facing a mandatory sentence should you be convicted.

Out of State DUI
Because Florida is such a common vacation destination, many people who are not residents of Florida get charged by the state with a DUI. Even if you are not a Florida resident, a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can help defend you.

How Will a DUI Affect Your Job?

Getting a DUI can damage your career. If your driver’s license is suspended, for example, you’ll have to take a taxi to work or find a ride. Relying on city transit, such as a bus, is risky because they’re often late. If your job requires driving, it will be impossible for you to perform job duties and you could lose your employment. Other considerations:

  • Some companies have mandatory firing policies
  • If you qualify for a diversion program, your employer could be notified of your DUI
  • If you have a professional license, you could lose it after a DUI
  • Some job applications ask if you’ve gotten a DUI
  • DUI penalties may be stricter if you have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

Even a first-time DUI can have serious consequences for your career, not to mention possible jail time, fines, probation, and other penalties. If you were arrested, do not hesitate to call a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer from Parks & Braxton, PA today.

Avoid DUI Penalties

After you have been accused of a DUI, you only have 10 days to request an Administrative Hearing with the DHSMV to fight an automatic driver's license suspension. If you fail to request this hearing, you will automatically lose your license for at least six months and possibly more, depending on the nature of your charges. We fight aggressively for license restoration so that you can avoid the hassle of being without a ride. In addition to the DHSMV hearing, you will also be required to attend a courtroom hearing where a judge will determine the additional penalties that you will face.

Charges for first-time DUI can result in fines of $500.00 up to $1,000.00, but the most serious DUI charges, such as DUI manslaughter or leaving the scene, could result in lengthy jail or prison sentences. Without the help of a lawyer who is experienced in DUI law and defense strategies, you have very little chance of avoiding these consequences. Thankfully, our team has the legal knowledge that you need. Our partners have lectured at several DUI seminars and taught hundreds of attorneys throughout Florida on the art of winning a DUI case. We are fully committed to every case we take on, so call us today about your charges.


View Our DUI Case Results


We have an in-depth understanding of DUI, including DUI evidence and testing methods. Below, you will find important DUI information that our team is familiar with and can help you understand after an arrest:

  • Breathalyzer Test
    When drivers are pulled over by law enforcement under the suspicion of drunk driving, they will likely undergo a breath test under the supervision of the law enforcement officer. Those who display a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher will be arrested and charged with DUI, but these breath tests can be inaccurate.
  • Driver's License Restoration
    Anyone who is arrested and charged with a DUI will have their driver's license suspended automatically, and the same is true of those who refuse a breath or blood test. A DHSMV hearing is your primary opportunity to fight for your license to be restored or to obtain a hardship license.
  • DUI Penalties
    In the state of Florida, the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can include fines, community service, jail time and probation. More severe DUI charges, such as felony DUI, can result in extended prison time and other serious penalties.
  • Field Sobriety Tests
    These are standardized tests that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has put into place to help law enforcement officials to be able to prove probable cause for a DUI arrest. There are three tests that are recognized nationally and those include the walk and turn test, the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test and the one-leg stand test.

For additional information, and to see how the legal team at Parks & Braxton, PA can help your, case contact our firm today to schedule a free, no obligation evaluation of your case.

Obtain Immediate Legal Help

To save your license, you must act within 10 days. Contact a partner about your case at (954) 519-2290 or fill out the form here.

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