Last updated January 2026
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Broward County, you’re facing one of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in South Florida. Deadlines move quickly, penalties escalate fast, and early mistakes can cost you your license — or worse.
Hiring an experienced Broward County DUI lawyer gives you the best chance to protect your driving privileges, your record, and your future. Local knowledge matters here, because DUI cases in Broward are shaped as much by procedure and prosecutor practice as by the statute itself.
🏛️ DUI Cases in Broward County Are Procedural — and Unforgiving
DUI arrests in Broward County are prosecuted through multiple courthouses, including:
Fort Lauderdale (Central Courthouse)
Hollywood / Plantation
North Satellite Courthouse in Deerfield Beach
Each courthouse operates differently. Judges vary in how they handle suppression issues, diversion eligibility, and sentencing. Prosecutors apply office-wide policies but still exercise discretion based on the facts — and on how early the defense engages.
A Broward County DUI lawyer who understands local court culture has a real strategic advantage.
📍 Common Broward County DUI Scenarios
We routinely defend clients charged with:
First-time DUI arrests
DUI involving crashes or property damage
DUI with injury or serious bodily injury
DUI based on breath or blood testing
Refusal and implied-consent cases
DUI arrests based on actual physical control (parked or sleeping in a vehicle)
Many of these cases are far more defensible than they appear, especially when evidence is challenged early.
🧠 How Effective DUI Defense Works in Broward County
Strong DUI defense is built before trial — not during it. In Broward County, outcomes often turn on early motion practice and procedural pressure.
An experienced DUI lawyer can:
Identify constitutional violations in the stop or arrest
Analyze breath and blood testing records for compliance failures
Challenge the timing and reliability of BAC evidence
File pretrial motions to suppress key evidence
Negotiate dismissals or reductions before prosecutors lock in sentencing positions
When critical evidence is excluded, DUI cases are frequently dismissed or reduced before trial.
🏆 What a “Win” Looks Like in a Broward County DUI Case
Success does not always mean trial. Depending on the facts, strong outcomes may include:
Dismissal of charges
Reduction to reckless driving
Avoidance of jail or ignition interlock
Protection of driving privileges
Preservation of eligibility for record sealing in reduced cases
Because DUI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged in Florida, avoiding adjudication or reducing the charge early is often the most important objective.
🕒 The 10-Day Rule: Don’t Miss Your Window
After a DUI arrest, you have 10 calendar days to request a formal DHSMV hearing to challenge your administrative license suspension.
Missing this deadline can result in:
Automatic license suspension
Loss of the right to contest the stop or testing
Limited driving only after DUI school
Early legal action allows your lawyer to request the hearing, preserve evidence, and use testimony from the administrative process to strengthen the criminal defense.
📑 DUI Penalties in Broward County: What Judges Consider
Florida DUI penalties are set by statewide law, but how they are applied depends heavily on the county and the judge.
In Broward County, sentencing often turns on:
BAC level (higher readings increase exposure)
Prior record
Crash involvement, especially with injuries
Presence of a minor in the vehicle
Attitude and cooperation at the scene
Penalties can range from probation and fines to jail or state prison in felony cases — but they are not automatic outcomes.
🛑 Can DUI Charges Be Dropped in Broward County?
Yes — DUI charges are frequently dismissed or reduced when evidence problems are identified early.
Common reasons include:
Illegal or unsupported traffic stops
Improperly administered field sobriety tests
Invalid or unreliable breath or blood testing
Bodycam footage contradicting officer reports
Lack of probable cause for arrest
In these cases, defense counsel may file motions to suppress evidence. When key evidence is excluded, the State’s case often collapses.
🔁 Diversion & Withhold Options in Broward County DUI Cases
A DUI arrest does not always result in a conviction.
In some cases — particularly for first-time offenders without aggravating factors — outcomes may include:
Diversion-type resolutions
Reduction to reckless driving
Withhold of adjudication on reduced charges
⚠️ Important: Under Florida law, a DUI conviction itself cannot receive a withhold of adjudication. However, when charges are reduced, a withhold may apply and preserve record-sealing eligibility.
Diversion availability and reductions vary by prosecutor and case facts — local experience matters.
👤 Why Clients Choose Michael White, P.A. in Broward County DUI Cases
As a former prosecutor and former General Counsel for the Broward PBA, Michael White has handled DUI cases from both sides of the courtroom.
Clients trust our firm because we:
Understand Broward court procedures inside and out
Focus on early, results-driven defense strategies
Communicate clearly and honestly at every stage
Prepare every case as if trial is possible
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Broward DUI lawyer and any defense lawyer?
Local DUI lawyers understand the specific procedures, prosecutors, and courts in Broward — which can make a major difference in your outcome.
Will I lose my license after a DUI in Broward County?
Not necessarily. You have 10 days to challenge the suspension. Your lawyer can request a DMV hearing and help protect your driving privileges.
Can a Broward County DUI lawyer help me avoid jail?
Yes. With strong representation, many first-time DUI defendants avoid jail through diversion, plea deals, or charge reductions.
Do all DUI cases go to trial in Broward?
No. Many cases are resolved through pretrial motions, plea negotiations, or successful suppression of evidence.
How much does a DUI lawyer in Broward County cost?
Fees vary depending on case complexity. Most lawyers offer flat-rate pricing. Investing in the right defense can save far more in the long run.