π Arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale? Here’s What You’re Really Up Against
A DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about breath tests or field sobriety exercises — it’s about whether the State can prove their case legally and constitutionally.
What most people don’t realize is this:
β‘οΈ If the police violated your rights, any evidence they gathered might be thrown out.
β‘οΈ And if the key evidence is suppressed, the entire DUI case can collapse.
As a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer and former prosecutor, I know how to challenge DUI arrests from every angle β and I often start by asking:
Can we suppress the State’s best evidence?
π§Ύ What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Fort Lauderdale?
After a DUI arrest, here’s what typically happens:
Your license is immediately suspended unless you request a DMV hearing within 10 days ποΈ
You’ll be booked and released (often with bond or ROR)
Your first court date (arraignment) is usually set within 30 days
You’ll be facing mandatory penalties unless the charges are reduced or dismissed
π¨ Don’t wait until court to build your defense — most winning strategies start in the pretrial phase.
π How We Challenge DUI Evidence in Fort Lauderdale
Not all DUI charges are built the same — but most rely on:
Police observations
Field sobriety exercises
Breath or blood test results
Your statements to law enforcement
Here’s how we attack those:
Was the traffic stop legal? (No probable cause = motion to suppress)
Were field sobriety exercises administered correctly?
Was the breath test valid? (20-minute rule violations are common)
Were you Mirandized when required?
Did the officer document everything properly — or just assume guilt?
β Every misstep is a defense opportunity — and we know where to look.
βοΈ What Is a Motion to Suppress in a DUI Case?
A motion to suppress is a legal tool that asks the judge to throw out certain evidence because your rights were violated. In DUI cases, that often includes:
An illegal traffic stop π«
Statements made without Miranda warnings π¬
A breath test obtained without following required procedures π§ͺ
Blood draws done without a warrant or proper consent π
If the motion is granted, the prosecution often can’t move forward β especially if the suppressed evidence was their key to proving impairment.
π‘οΈ Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer Who Understands Suppression
Most DUI arrests look solid on paper β but fall apart under pressure.
At Michael White, P.A., we file targeted motions to:
Suppress illegally obtained evidence
Discredit officer observations
Challenge test results and calibration records
Expose inconsistencies in police reports and bodycam footage
We combine legal skill, investigative work, and trial strategy to weaken the Stateβs case before it ever gets to a jury.
π Charged with DUI in Fort Lauderdale? Start Fighting Now.
The sooner you act, the more options we have.
At Michael White, P.A., weβve helped clients:
Protect their licenses and their records
π Call today for a free consultation and letβs start with the most important question:
Can we suppress the State’s evidence against you?
πβοΈ Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense and Suppression
β What is a motion to suppress in a DUI case?
It’s a formal request asking the judge to exclude certain evidence (like a breath test or traffic stop) because it was obtained in violation of your rights.
β Can I win my DUI case if the breath test gets thrown out?
Yes. If the test is suppressed, the State may not have enough evidence to move forward — especially if field sobriety exercises or statements were also flawed.
β Is every traffic stop legal in a DUI case?
No. Police must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop. If they pulled you over without cause, everything that followed can be challenged.
β Do I have to be read my Miranda rights during a DUI arrest?
Only if you’re being interrogated while in custody. If the police question you without Miranda warnings, your statements may be excluded.
β How soon should I contact a lawyer after a DUI arrest?
Immediately. You only have 10 days to request a hearing to fight your license suspension β and the sooner your lawyer gets involved, the more defenses you can preserve.
π¨ Don’t just plead guilty. Don’t assume the evidence is solid.
Call Michael White, P.A. today and find out if the Stateβs case can be torn apart before trial.