Miami DUI Defense
From first offenses to felony DUI, George Law attorneys know Florida DUI law — and how to challenge it.
Florida DUI Law — What You Need to Know
In Florida, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge can result from operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or chemical substances. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
Being charged is not the same as being convicted. Many DUI charges can be challenged, reduced, or dismissed entirely — but only with an experienced attorney who understands the science, procedure, and law behind these cases.
Types of DUI Cases We Handle
A first DUI in Florida carries fines of $500–$1,000, possible jail time of up to 6 months (9 months with BAC over .15), 50 hours community service, and license revocation of 180 days to 1 year. However, many first-time DUIs can be resolved favorably with the right defense strategy, particularly if there are issues with the traffic stop, breathalyzer, or field sobriety testing.
A second DUI within 5 years of a prior conviction carries mandatory minimum jail time of 10 days. A third DUI within 10 years is a Third-Degree Felony. These cases demand immediate, aggressive legal action. George Law has successfully defended numerous repeat-offense DUI clients in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
When a DUI results in serious bodily injury to another person, it becomes a Third-Degree Felony in Florida. This carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 in fines, and up to 5 years of probation. These cases require an attorney with criminal trial experience and an understanding of both DUI law and personal injury proceedings.
DUI Manslaughter is among the most serious charges in Florida, carrying up to 15 years in prison if the driver failed to render aid (First-Degree Felony carrying up to 30 years). These cases require immediate, comprehensive legal defense — challenging every element of the prosecution’s case from BAC evidence to causation.
Florida’s Zero Tolerance law means drivers under 21 face an automatic 6-month license suspension for a BAC of just 0.02%. A conviction can devastate a young person’s future, affecting college admissions, scholarships, and early career opportunities. We fight hard to protect young clients’ futures.
Florida DUI Penalties at a Glance
| Offense | Fines | Jail Time | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | $500–$1,000 | Up to 6 months | 180 days – 1 year |
| 1st Offense (BAC ≥ .15) | $1,000–$2,000 | Up to 9 months | 180 days – 1 year |
| 2nd Offense | $1,000–$2,000 | 10 days – 9 months | 5 years (if within 5 yrs) |
| 3rd Offense (within 10 yrs) | $2,000–$5,000 | 30 days – 12 months | 10 years |
| DUI w/ Serious Injury | Up to $5,000 | Up to 5 years | 3 years minimum |
| DUI Manslaughter | Up to $10,000 | Up to 15 years | Permanent revocation |
How We Challenge DUI Charges
A DUI arrest does not mean a DUI conviction. There are many powerful legal defenses available in Florida DUI cases:
Illegal Traffic Stop
If police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you, all evidence gathered afterward can be suppressed.
Breathalyzer Challenges
Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated, maintained, and administered. Any failure can invalidate your BAC reading.
Field Sobriety Test Issues
FSTs are subjective and often improperly administered. Medical conditions and uneven terrain can affect results.
Rising BAC Defense
Your BAC may have been below 0.08% while driving and risen by the time you were tested.
Blood Test Challenges
Chain of custody, storage, and laboratory errors can make blood test results inadmissible.
Miranda Rights Violations
Statements made without proper Miranda warnings may be suppressed from evidence.