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You are here: Home > DUI Defense > 🚨 First DUI Arrest in Fort Lauderdale? Read This Before You Do Anything

First DUI Arrest in Fort Lauderdale? What to Do Next

Last updated November 2025

If you’ve been arrested for your first DUI in Fort Lauderdale, you need an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney on your side.

Choosing the right DUI lawyer can make the difference between jail time and a second chance.

At Michael White, P.A., we’ve helped hundreds of first-time DUI clients get their charges reduced, avoid convictions, and keep their records clean. As a former prosecutor, I know how the State builds its case β€” and how to challenge it at every step.

βœ… Why First-Time DUI Offenders Still Need a Top Lawyer

Florida law doesn’t go easy on first-timers β€” in fact, a first DUI conviction can still mean:

A skilled DUI attorney can often prevent or minimize these outcomes by:

πŸ”Ή Filing motions to suppress bad stops or unlawful testing
πŸ”Ή Negotiating “wet reckless” or diversion programs
πŸ”Ή Guiding you through hardship license and DMV proceedings
πŸ”Ή Protecting your professional license (for teachers, nurses, etc.)

πŸ§ͺ How We Defend First-Time DUI Charges

We take a forensic approach to DUI defense β€” especially when breath or blood tests are involved. Here’s how we fight:

  • Challenge the legality of the initial traffic stop

  • Examine field sobriety exercises for flaws and improper instructions

  • Review breath test procedures and machine calibration logs

  • Expose officer errors in the 20-minute observation rule

Florida law doesn’t go easy on first-timers — in fact, a first DUI conviction can still mean:

  • Mandatory license suspension

  • Fines and court costs

  • Probation and DUI school

  • Jail time in some cases

  • A permanent criminal record

A skilled DUI attorney can often prevent or minimize these outcomes by:

πŸ”Ή Filing motions to suppress bad stops or unlawful testing
πŸ”Ή Negotiating “wet reckless” or diversion programs
πŸ”Ή Guiding you through hardship license and DMV proceedings
πŸ”Ή Protecting your professional license (for teachers, nurses, etc.)

That’s why working with a Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney who handles first-time cases is so important.

 

πŸ§ͺ How a Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Fights First-Time Charges

βœ… Former DUI prosecutor in Florida
βœ… Deep experience with Broward County DUI court procedures
βœ… Personally handles your case β€” no hand-offs
βœ… Strategic, aggressive defense from day one

We don’t plead you out. We plan for a win.

πŸ“ž Facing Your First DUI in Fort Lauderdale? Let's Talk.

You have one shot to keep this off your record. Let’s make it count.

πŸ“² Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation.

A knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can challenge field sobriety tests, breath results, and more.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

πŸ§‘‍βš–οΈ Do I need a lawyer if this is my first DUI offense?

Yes. First-time DUIs can still carry serious penalties. A lawyer can help you avoid a conviction and minimize consequences.

πŸš— Will I lose my license after a first DUI in Florida?

Not automatically — but the DMV can suspend it unless you request a hearing within 10 days of arrest.

🧠 Can a first DUI be reduced to reckless driving?

Yes. Many first-time DUIs are reduced to wet reckless when there are flaws in the evidence or the stop was questionable.

πŸ›‘οΈ Is jail mandatory for a first DUI in Fort Lauderdale?

Not always. With strong representation, jail time can often be avoided through probation or diversion.

πŸ“„ Will this stay on my record forever?

If convicted, yes. But if the case is reduced or dismissed, you may be eligible to seal your record.

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