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., weโve 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 โ and how to challenge it at every step.
โ Why First-Time DUI Offenders Still Need a Top Lawyer
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:
๐น Filing motions to suppress bad stops or unlawful testing
๐น Negotiating “wet reckless” or diversion programs
๐น Guiding you through hardship license and DMV proceedings
๐น Protecting your professional license (for teachers, nurses, etc.)
๐งช How We Defend First-Time DUI Charges
We take a forensic approach to DUI defense — 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:
๐น Filing motions to suppress bad stops or unlawful testing
๐น Negotiating “wet reckless” or diversion programs
๐น Guiding you through hardship license and DMV proceedings
๐น 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.
๐งช How a Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney Fights First-Time Charges
โ
Former DUI prosecutor in Florida
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Deep experience with Broward County DUI court procedures
โ
Personally handles your case โ no hand-offs
โ
Strategic, aggressive defense from day one
We don’t plead you out. We plan for a win.
๐ 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.
๐ฒ Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation.
A knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can challenge field sobriety tests, breath results, and more.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
๐งโ๏ธ 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.
๐ 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.
๐ง 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.
๐ก๏ธ 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.
๐ 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.