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Best DUI Lawyers in Orlando

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2023
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Musca Law logo
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Musca Law

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2480 33rd St Suite B, Orlando, FL 32839
  • Injunction
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Lewd or Lascivious Molestation
  • Obstructing Justice
  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Probation Violation
  • Public Corruption
  • Resisting Arrest without Violence
  • Violent Crimes
  • Weapon Crimes
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Boating Under the Influence
  • Concealed Weapons
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI
  • DUI with Manslaughter
  • Expungement
  • Federal Crimes
  • Fraud
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Restitution Modification
  • Sex Crimes
  • Stalking
  • Theft Crimes
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Trespassing

Business Description

Musca Law and its team of criminal defense lawyers serve clients in the Orlando metro area. The firm has multiple additional offices throughout the state of Florida. It aggressively defends clients against cases involving DUI, sex crimes, domestic violence, and drug crimes. Its lawyers bring over 150 years of combined criminal defense experience and maintain evening and weekend availability for their clients. The firm also offers legal defense for white-collar crimes.

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 (117)
Google
5.0 / 5 (30)
Justia
5.0 / 5 (3)

(+1 additional source)

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5.0
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Price: Free consultation

Leppard Law: Florida DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC logo
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Leppard Law: Florida DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC

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638 Broadway Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
  • 24/7
  • Injury Representation
  • DUI Defense
  • Reckless Driving
  • DUI with Injury
  • Marijuana
  • Drugs
  • Alcohol

Business Description

Leppard Law: Florida DUI Lawyers & Criminal Defense Attorneys PLLC serves clients in Orlando. Its criminal lawyers, who have over 70 years of experience as prosecutors and defense attorneys, are known for advocating for the rights of their clients facing criminal cases, including DUI, homicides, felonies, and misdemeanors. The firm strives to resolve clients' legal charges by providing personal attention to their cases. Joel Leppard, the firm's founder, has been ranked as a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyer's Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesBar StatusExperience
Joe Eastonactive6 yrs
John Vallilloactive25 yrs
Leigh Glassmanactive7 yrs
Joel Leppard - Founderactive13 yrs

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 (260)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (45)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (23)

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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
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Price: Free Consultation!

Katz and Phillips, P.A. logo
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Katz and Phillips, P.A.

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Orlando, FL 32804
  • Illegal Stops
  • Improper Test Administration
  • DUI Defense
  • Improper Handling of evidence

Business Description

David Katz and James Phillips, the partners of Katz & Phillips, P.A. are two of only four Board Certified DUI Defense experts in Florida. Katz and Phillips, P.A. is a team of knowledgeable attorneys dedicated to providing clients with the highest quality of criminal defense. The firm handles state, federal, military, and juvenile criminal cases of all kinds, from domestic violence and possession charges to probation violations and weapons offenses. When clients face charges of DUI, the attorneys provide timely information and design creative strategies to ensure the client gets the best possible outcome and minimize risk of severe penalties like jail time. The firm also provides free initial consultations to all clients.

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
Google
4.6 / 5 (42)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (28)

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5.0
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Price: Free Consultation

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Gans Law logo

Gans Law

132 E Colonial Dr Ste 200, Orlando, FL 32801

Business Description

Founded in 2016, Gans Law is focused on providing legal counsel and representation in criminal defense, traffic, and DUI cases. Its attorneys commonly handle criminal matters such as mischief, burglary, drug charges, and fraud. Well-respected by fellow DUI lawyers in Orlando, attorney Brandon Gans is a former deputy sheriff who uses his inside knowledge of the criminal justice system to successfully fight on behalf of his clients. He was named to the Top 40 under 40 list by the National Trial Lawyers and won a 2017 Clients’ Choice Award from Avvo.

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 (72)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (16)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

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5.0
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Landers & Sternberg Attorneys at Law logo
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Landers & Sternberg Attorneys at Law

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722 W. Smith Street, Orlando, FL 32804
  • DUI with Injury
  • Reckless Driving
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Landers & Sternberg, Attorneys at Law, provides legal solutions to clients in Orlando. The firm represents those charged with felony and underage DUI, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Its lawyers work together to create an individualized strategy based on the client's situation and keep informed throughout the case. They also take on drug crime, identity theft, assault, and juvenile crimes. Its associate, M. Parker Landers, is a former prosecutor who handled over 20 jury trials.

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 (41)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)
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
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Law Office of Anton J. Nace, P.A. logo
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Law Office of Anton J. Nace, P.A.

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605 E. Robinson Street, #250, Orlando, FL 32801
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Law Office of Anton J. Nace, P.A., offers DUI defense to accused drivers in Orlando. Its legal professionals examine the prosecution's evidence, including breathalyzer test results and police reports. They use strategies such as challenging the breath test device calibration to help drop or reduce the charges. The team also represents clients in administrative proceedings in order to keep their driver's licenses. Nace began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Orange and Osceola County state attorneys' offices.

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 (8)
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
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Law Office of Guy H. Gilbert, PL logo
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Law Office of Guy H. Gilbert, PL

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4700 Millenia Blvd. #175, Orlando, FL 32839
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Law Office of Guy H. Gilbert, PL, fights for the rights of individuals in Orlando and nearby locations. It represents first-time and underage DUI offenders during courtroom proceedings and helps them build defense strategies to resolve community service, probation, and license suspension penalties. The legal practice also deals with cases involving assault and battery, theft, illegal possession of firearms, and drug-related crimes. Founder Guy Gilbert has been practicing criminal law for more than 25 years.

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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
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
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Lindsey & Ferry, P.A. logo
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Lindsey & Ferry, P.A.

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1150 Louisiana Avenue, Suite 2, Winter Park, FL 32789
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Lindsey & Ferry, P.A., defends and protects the rights of individuals in Orlando facing federal and state criminal charges. One of its associates, Warren Lindsey, is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer by the Florida Bar. He has been in the industry for over 37 years, representing individuals charged with DUI offenses. Lindsey handles a wide range of DUI claims, including first-offense, repeat, and DUI manslaughter. He also works on matters involving domestic violence, theft, student offenses, probation violation, and expungement.

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 (28)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (6)
Facebook
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
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Moses & Rooth Attorneys at Law logo

Moses & Rooth Attorneys at Law

115 Granada Ct, Orlando, FL 32803

Business Description

Moses & Rooth Attorneys at Law was founded in 2006 to assist communities in Orlando, Florida, and surrounding areas with legal services. TThe firm’s team of experienced DUI lawyers in Orlando represents individuals charged with first-time and repeat DUI or DWI charges. The firm also accepts clients involved in probation violations, juvenile offenses, domestic violence, theft, and drug crimes. Andrew Moses, the founding attorney, is a former Orange County State attorney and a member of The Florida Bar Association.

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 (141)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (29)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (25)

(+3 additional sources)

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
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Panella Law Firm logo
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Panella Law Firm

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1238 East Concord Street, Orlando, FL 32803
  • DWI

Business Description

Panella Law Firm serves individuals and families in and around the Orlando area. It defends drivers arrested for DUI, handling cases that involve injury and death. The law office also represents clients facing license suspensions and seeking to appeal trial outcomes. In addition to criminal cases, it takes on family law matters. Panella Law Firm is led by Michael Panella, a public defender who is knowledgeable of prosecutors' approaches. He was featured on several media outlets, including the New York Times and USA Today.

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 (100)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (28)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (24)

(+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
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Parikh Law, P.A. logo

Parikh Law, P.A.

200 E. Robinson St., Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801

Business Description

Parikh Law PA is a criminal defense law firm that represents clients in the greater Orlando, Florida, area. The firm works with clients facing driving under the influence charges, whether it's their first offense or they have multiple prior convictions. Attorneys review all evidence of the case, including the stop, probable cause, sobriety testing procedures, and the accuracy of test results. Attorney Rahul Parikh is a former prosecutor who played a role in providing DUI investigation training to police officers.

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 (106)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (58)

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
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Sercombe Law logo
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Sercombe Law

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Fifth Third Bank Building 200 E. Robinson St., #1140, Orlando, FL 32801
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Sercombe Law is a DUI defender that strives to meet the legal needs of Orlando residents. The firm represents individuals charged with DUI violations who could be facing penalties such as high fines, jail time, and court supervision. Dan Sercombe and his team prepare defense action plans that help secure the best possible outcomes such as dismissals, charge downgrading, or acquittals. He is a member of the DUIDLA and previously served as an assistant state attorney. He is also a BSA Eagle Scout.

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 (8)
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
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Seth Hyman Law logo
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Seth Hyman Law

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37 N. Orange Avenue Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32801
  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

Seth Hyman Law offers services to individuals involved in DUI charges in and around Orlando. The firm contests administrative driver's license suspensions on behalf of clients, files actions to suppress evidence, and provides representation in trial proceedings. It also handles a wide variety of issues, such as driving with a suspended license, possession of cannabis, battery, theft, domestic violence, and criminal mischief. Hyman is a former Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, giving him unique insights on building a defense that benefits his clients.

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 (46)

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
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Detail
Skubiak & Rivas P.A logo
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Skubiak & Rivas P.A

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1516 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32801-2122

Business Description

Skubiak & Rivas, P.A., legally represents clients in Orlando in their traffic law issues. Its works in defense of those who are facing DUI charges. Other cases handled by the attorneys of the law firm include bench warrants, car accidents, careless driving, and stop sign violations. Alain Rivas worked at the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office and served as legal counsel for Joelo Inc. Rob Skubiak, on the other hand, has represented thousands of clients from his Orlando-based office that started in 1993.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (48)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (4)

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
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Detail
Smith & Eulo Law Firm: Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers logo

Smith & Eulo Law Firm: Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers

32 N Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811

Business Description

Founded in 2015, Smith & Eulo Law Firm is a criminal defense and civil litigation law firm that serves clients in the Orlando, Florida, metro area. The firm handles driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated cases, ensuring that its clients are fully protected under Florida law. Partners Darryl R. Smith and Ken R. Eulo are both former public defenders who have successfully litigated thousands of cases for clients in Central 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.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (322)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (33)
Avvo
4.8 / 5 (18)

(+2 additional sources)

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
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Detail
The Law Firm of John Guidry logo

The Law Firm of John Guidry

320 N Magnolia Ave Ste B1, Orlando, FL 32801

Business Description

With over 25 years of experience, the Law Firm of John Guidry represents clients in Orlando, Florida. The firm provides legal representation for those charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It seeks to reduce or eliminate possibilities of large fines, driver's license suspensions, mandatory interlock devices, jail sentences, and higher car insurance rates. Guidry also provides legal assistance with cases involving robbery, dealing in stolen property, statutes of limitations, trespassing, and loitering.

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 (170)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (112)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

(+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
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Detail
The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen logo

The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen

605 E Robinson St Ste 330, Orlando, FL 32801

Business Description

The Law Office of Corey I. Cohen accepts all types of DUI and DWI cases in the greater Orlando, Florida, area. The multi-attorney firm tackles each client's case, seeking to uncover evidence that acquits or diminishes the charges. It defends clients against arresting officer misconduct and inaccurate blood or field sobriety test results. Founding attorney Corey I. Cohen has published works on DUI defense and is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

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 (656)

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
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The Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark logo

The Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark

999 Douglas Avenue #3317, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Business Description

Since 2013, the Law Offices of Matthews R. Bark has served the residents of Orlando and the surrounding areas of Central Florida. The firm defends those charged with criminal offenses, including driving under the influence, DUI with property damage, DUI with a minor in the vehicle, and DUI with a breath alcohol content above .15. Founding attorney Bark, who is a former prosecutor, has more than 10 years of 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 (350)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (59)

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
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The Law Offices of Peter A. Shapiro & Jonathan D. Wilson logo
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The Law Offices of Peter A. Shapiro & Jonathan D. Wilson

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211 East Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801
  • DUI Defense

Business Description

The Law Offices of Peter A. Shapiro & Jonathan D. Wilson handles DUI cases on behalf of defendants in Orlando. Its lawyers undertake options to defend the rights of the accused in drunk driving-related situations like car accidents, after-routine traffic stops, DUI roadblocks. To reduce penalties or nullify the offenses, they argue points like breath test results or lack of probable cause. The firm has been of service to the community since 1996. Managing partner Peter A. Shapiro is a circuit court-certified mediator.

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 (83)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)

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
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The Ticket Clinic logo

The Ticket Clinic

1333 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

Business Description

For more than 30 years, The Ticket Clinic has concentrated on providing legal representation services by DWI lawyers in Orlando, Florida, area. The firm's DUI criminal defense team seeks to have its client's DUI cases dropped or reduced due to inaccurate or unlawful DUI arrest and blood alcohol limit testing measures. Founding attorney Mark S. Gold, Esq., has been a member of the DUI Task Force since 1987.

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 (429)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (117)

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
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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.