Expertise.com

Best DUI Lawyers in Miami Beach

Laurels
2023
Laurels

We did the research for you!

Learn more
  • checkboxLicensing
  • checkboxUser Reviews
  • checkboxMystery Shopping Calls

DUI Lawyers FAQs

Learn more
FREE

Expertise.com Concierge

Let us do the work for you!

Share your needs with our Concierge team, and they'll book you with our best available top-ranked service providers!

Carlos M. Fleites, P.A. logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Carlos M. Fleites, P.A.

Visit WebsiteWebsite
407 Lincoln Road Suite 12-E, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Business Description

Carlos M. Fleites, P.A. provides legal assistance from its office in Miami Beach. The criminal defense firm represents clients throughout state and federal courts, whether they are accused of DUI, murder, domestic violence, mortgage fraud, or white-collar crimes. Its legal team also assists clients with post-conviction appeals. The firm has appeared on several media outlets, including the Miami Herald, Miami New Times, and El Nuevo Diario. Its founding partner, Carlos M. Fleites, has more than 15 years of criminal defense experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (15)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. logo

Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A.

3250 Mary Street, Suite 406, Miami, FL 33133
  • 24/7
  • Drugs
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A., is a criminal law defense firm that serves clients in Miami Beach and the surrounding areas. It protects the rights of people who are facing DUI charges by contesting breath test results, field sobriety tests, and police statements. Its attorneys, who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience, provide representation in state and federal courts. In addition to having a staff that speaks fluent Spanish, the firm has also adopted computer-assisted legal research and case management systems to achieve efficiency.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (92)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Frank  Schwartz, P.A. logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Frank Schwartz, P.A.

Visit WebsiteWebsite
100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132

Business Description

Frank Schwartz, P.A., offers legal consultation and representation to Miami Beach residents dealing with DUI charges. The firm also handles a broad range of criminal law matters, including domestic violence, sex crime allegations, theft, probation violations, white-collar crimes, and juvenile crimes. It also handles federal crimes, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and health care fraud. Founding attorney and principal Frank Schwartz was a former prosecutor with more than 15 years of legal experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Grant Dwyer Law logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Grant Dwyer Law

Visit WebsiteWebsite
4770 Biscayne Blvd #1250, Miami, FL 33137

Business Description

Grant Dwyer Law caters to the legal needs of Miami Beach clients facing criminal defense, family law, and immigration law issues. Its attorneys help DUI offenders avoid license suspension, jail time, and other penalties by thoroughly investigating and building a solid defense. They also take on other criminal defense matters involving assault and battery, drug crimes, theft, and fraudulent acts. Founder Grant Dwyer has already been featured in The Miami Herald and Univision for his legal knowledge and commentary.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.1 / 5 (13)
Avvo
3.7 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Jonathan Blecher logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Jonathan Blecher

Visit WebsiteWebsite
1 Alhambra Plaza Suite 1410, Coral Gables, FL 33134
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Jonathan Blecher is a criminal defense and DUI lawyer with over 35 years of legal experience. He represents clients in Miami Beach who are facing DUI offenses, helping them with strategies that may lead to charges being dismissed or reduced. Blecher also draws on his previous experience as a criminal prosecutor to prevent the prosecution from taking advantage of clients' situations. Throughout his career, the attorney has handled thousands of criminal cases, including 3,000 DUI charges.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (128)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (82)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (11)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Markus / Moss PLLC logo

Markus / Moss PLLC

40 NW Third Street, Penthouse One, Miami, FL 33128
  • DUI with Injury
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Markus / Moss PLLC is a trial and appellate boutique law firm that advocates for the rights of individuals throughout Miami Beach accused of driving under the influence. The firm takes on DUI cases involving first or repeat offenders, felony or misdemeanor charges, and DUIs with manslaughter. One of its attorneys, David Oscar Markus, is a past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Miami Chapter and is a frequent opinion contributor for the Washington Post, USA Today, and Miami Herald.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Piotrowski Law logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Piotrowski Law

Visit WebsiteWebsite
169 East Flagler Street, Suite 1600, Miami, FL 33131
  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • DWI
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Piotrowski Law helps individuals with DUI charges in Miami Beach. The law firm assists in every step of the DUI process, represents clients in trial and administrative hearings, and safeguards their rights and privileges. Chad Piotrowski, the firm's founder, started his private practice in 2010. He is a former Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade and has extensive knowledge and experience in court procedures. Piotrowski is a member of the National and Florida Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (203)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (59)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (18)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Puglisi Law logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Puglisi Law

Visit WebsiteWebsite
1900 N Bayshore Dr Suite 1A, Miami, FL 33132
  • DUI with Injury

Business Description

Puglisi Law offers legal solutions to clients in Miami Beach. Its Managing Partner, Sabrina Puglisi, is a board-certified criminal trial attorney handling cases involving DUI, expungement, identity theft, weapon offenses, and white-collar crimes. She works with defendants, educating them on their consequences while creating a defense to protect their legal rights. Puglisi serves as the president of the Miami-Dade Bar Association. She has been recognized as a Top Lawyer in South Florida Magazine since 2019. She is continually recognized by the South Florida Legal Guide as a top criminal attorney.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC

Visit WebsiteWebsite
2850 Tigertail Avenue, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33133

Business Description

Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC, is a law firm that has been representing individuals in Miami Beach in both state and federal courts for over 50 years. It defends clients in various criminal charges, such as prescription fraud, DUI and reckless driving, identity theft, domestic violence, child pornography, and violent crime. Its team of attorneys also assists DUI defendants in misdemeanor and felony DUI charges. The firm's founding partner, Mycki Ratzan, is a criminal defense attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Richard Docobo Attorney at Law logo

Richard Docobo Attorney at Law

1 NE 2nd Ave Fl 2, Miami, FL 33132
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Richard Docobo, Attorney at Law, provides legal solutions to individuals in Miami Beach. The firm represents clients convicted of DUI and facing possible fines, jail time, probation, and license suspension. Its sole practitioner analyzes the cases, identifies mistakes, and compiles evidence that can help reduce the given charges. The legal office also handles fraud, identity theft, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Docobo has over 30 years of legal experience. He was previously honored with the Liberty's Last Champion award by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL).

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (25)
Google
4.7 / 5 (13)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
Rier Jordan logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

Rier Jordan

Visit WebsiteWebsite
10800 Biscayne Blvd Ste 900, Miami, FL 33161

Business Description

Rier Jordan has been providing legal assistance to clients in the Miami Beach area since 1994. Its attorneys defend individuals dealing with DUI matters, including accidents and vehicular manslaughter. Committed to helping clients preserve their driving privileges, the team conducts investigations of DUI cases, including drivers' medical histories. Partner Andrew Rier represents clients in federal and state courts throughout Florida. He is a member of the Federal Bar of the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (132)
Google
4.4 / 5 (102)
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (10)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Arthur Firm, P.L. logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Arthur Firm, P.L.

Visit WebsiteWebsite
4770 Biscayne Blvd Suite 1250,, Miami, FL 33137

Business Description

The Arthur Firm, P.L., is a law practice serving Miami Beach. It assists individuals with DUI litigation cases and driving offenses like reckless driving or operating vehicles without valid driver's licenses. Its lawyer, Arthur J Jones, has extensive experience countering the results of breath machines and urine or blood tests and police officers' findings through cross-examinations. Since 2004, he has been representing clients in state and federal courts for cases involving business law and criminal defense.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (13)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Brody Law Firm logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Brody Law Firm

Visit WebsiteWebsite
1688 Meridian Ave Suite 700, Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

The Brody Law Firm provides counsel and representation for clients in Miami Beach and the surrounding areas. It protects the constitutional rights of individuals facing DUI charges by helping them avoid job loss, fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory substance abuse treatment. The firm also handles personal injury cases stemming from car accidents, nursing home abuse, and slips and falls. Founding attorney Daman Brody is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Inc.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (45)
Google
5.0 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The G Law Group logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The G Law Group

Visit WebsiteWebsite
429 Lenox Avenue, Suite 442, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Business Description

The G Law Group is a law firm providing legal representation to the people of Miami Beach. Its founder, Simeon G. Genadiev, has spent much of his career in private practice,gaining experience in handling cases from various areas of practice, including DUI. He offers assistance to accused drivers who are facing their first, second, third, or fourth drunk driving charge, aggressively representing them in court. The G Law Group also deals with cases of vehicular accidents, drug crimes, and sexual violence.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Grieco Law Center logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Grieco Law Center

Visit WebsiteWebsite
1688 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Business Description

The Grieco Law Center assists Miami Beach residents in navigating complex DUI procedures. The results-oriented firm prioritizes client communication in its practice and makes sure that its clients gain an understanding of how the local justice system works and what legal options are appropriate for their unique situations. It also handles DUI manslaughter cases that involve traffic homicide investigations and causation issues. Head attorney, Michael C. Grieco, previously served as a legislative aid to former U.S. congressman, Gary Ackerman.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (36)
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––
The Hoffman Firm logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Hoffman Firm

Visit WebsiteWebsite
66 W. Flagler St., #950, Miami, FL 33130
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

The Hoffman Firm has been providing legal services to residents in Miami Beach and the surrounding communities since 1998. Focusing on criminal defense exclusively, its principal attorney, Evan Hoffman, represents people arrested due to DUI charges. It handles DUI cases of varied gravity, from first-time offenses and repeat violations to DUI with aggravating circumstances such as manslaughter and child endangerment. Hoffman served as an assistant state prosecutor at the Broward County State Attorney's Office.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.0 / 5 (74)
Avvo
4.7 / 5 (49)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (5)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Law Offices of Eric A. Kay, PA logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Law Offices of Eric A. Kay, PA

Visit WebsiteWebsite
123 SE 3rd Avenue #252, Miami, FL 33131

Business Description

The Law Offices of Eric A. Kay PA helps individuals looking for a DUI lawyer near Miami Beach. Founder Eric A. Kay assesses the credibility of arrest procedures and uses the evidence from police's illegal acts, such as forceful pullovers without probable cause and using defective breathalyzers, in seeking reduction or elimination of penalties. The Law Offices of Eric A. Kay also handles cases involving driving with a suspended license, vehicular assault, and hit and run.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
The Law Offices of Richard L. Cooper, P. A. logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

The Law Offices of Richard L. Cooper, P. A.

Visit WebsiteWebsite
14 NE 1st Ave Ste 300, Miami, FL 33132
  • Marijuana

Business Description

The Law Offices of Richard L. Cooper, P. A., provides representation to clients involved in DUI proceedings in the Miami Beach metro. It assists in building a defendant's case by identifying errors during the arrest, proving that non-standardized tests were used, or determining that the case has insufficient evidence, thus reducing charges or eliminating them altogether. Richard Cooper was recently named as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 and is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (157)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (80)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (27)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
WRT Tunkey Law logo
Visit WebsiteWebsite

WRT Tunkey Law

Visit WebsiteWebsite
2250 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33129

Business Description

WRT Tunkey Law is a full-service criminal defense firm, serving individuals in the Miami Beach area. Founding attorney William R. Tunkey has over four decades of experience defending clients' rights against driving under the influence charges and other serious traffic offenses. The firm has represented clients in both state and federal court systems and fights for reduced fines, alternative charges, and shortened license suspensions. Additionally, the firm handles white collar, fraud, drug, and homicide cases.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a DUI charge involve?

    DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.

  • What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?

    The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).

  • How long does a DUI stay on your record?

    In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.

  • How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

    The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.

  • How do I choose a DUI attorney?

    Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:

    • Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
    • Ask for referrals from family and friends
    • Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
    • Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
    • Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
    • Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
  • What happens when you get a DUI?

    Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.

    Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.

  • Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?

    While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.