🚗 Fort Lauderdale DUI Defense Lawyer
Arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida?
You need a Fort Lauderdale DUI Defense lawyer who knows how to protect your license, fight your charges, and beat the State at its own game. At Michael White, P.A., we bring aggressive, strategic defense to DUI cases in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, Pompano Beach, and throughout South Florida.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free DUI consultation
⚖️ What Are the Penalties for DUI in Florida?
Even a first-time DUI can result in:
Up to 6 months in jail
Fines up to $1,000
6–12 month license suspension
Probation, vehicle impoundment
A criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged
👉 Facing a DUI Conviction in Florida? Here’s What’s at Stake
🔺 Enhanced penalties apply if:
BAC is 0.15 or higher
A minor was in the vehicle
The DUI caused injury or property damage
📍 Local Knowledge Matters
From downtown DUI arrests in 33301 to Broward County satellite courts, we’ve built strong relationships with judges, prosecutors, and police. We understand:
Local plea practices and diversion options
What makes DUI cases winnable in Broward
🚨 When Is DUI a Felony in Florida?
A misdemeanor DUI becomes a felony when certain aggravating factors apply:
A DUI is a felony if:
It’s your third DUI within 10 years
It’s your fourth DUI ever (regardless of timing)
The DUI caused serious bodily injury
The DUI resulted in death (DUI manslaughter)
⚖️ Felony DUI Penalties in Florida
Felony DUI charges carry severe consequences:
Up to 5–15 years in prison (depending on the degree)
Permanent driver’s license revocation
Mandatory ignition interlock device
Loss of employment, public benefits, or professional licenses
Ineligibility for sealing or expungement
Felony DUI cases demand immediate legal intervention. We use aggressive litigation to challenge the evidence, suppress unlawful stops, and seek downward departures from mandatory sentencing.
🧠 DUI Without Driving? It Happens All the Time
You don’t need to be driving to be arrested. If you’re in actual physical control of a car—
In the driver’s seat
With the keys nearby
Able to operate the vehicle
…you can be charged.
🛡️ Common DUI Defenses We Use
Illegal Stop: No valid reason for the traffic stop
Field Sobriety Errors: Misadministered or unreliable
Faulty Breath Test: Calibration, operator, or timing issues
Medical Conditions: Acid reflux, diabetes, fatigue
Video Contradictions: Bodycam vs. report conflicts
Implied Consent Issues: Warnings delivered incorrectly
⏳ The DUI 10-Day Rule
After your arrest, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension.
❓ DUI FAQs – Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
Can I be arrested if I wasn’t driving?
Yes — if you had actual physical control of the vehicle.
What if I refused the breath test?
You’ll face a license suspension and possibly a misdemeanor, but refusal cases can be won.
How long does a DUI stay on my record?
Forever. Florida DUI convictions are not sealable or expungeable.
Can I get my charges reduced?
Possibly. Many of our clients qualify for reduced charges like wet reckless, saving their license and record.
Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Absolutely. A lawyer may uncover defenses, protect your license, and reduce penalties.
👨⚖️ Why Choose Michael White, P.A.?
Attorney Michael White is a former prosecutor and General Counsel for the Broward County Police Benevolent Association. He’s known for:
Motion-heavy litigation strategy
Exceptional trial preparation
Creative plea resolutions that preserve records
We’ve successfully defended:
First-time offenders
Commercial drivers
Tourists and out-of-state visitors
Clients facing felony DUI
📞 Let’s talk about your defense. Contact us now.