Fort Lauderdale’s Top DUI Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida, it’s critical to hire Fort Lauderdale’s top DUI Lawyer immediately. At Michael White, P.A., we offer free consultations to review your case and help protect your rights.
As a former prosecutor, attorney Michael White has handled hundreds of DUI cases, including those involving breath tests, license suspensions, and felony charges. He was even nominated for MADD’s DUI Prosecutor of the Year Award, a testament to his expertise in DUI litigation.
Michael personally investigates every DUI case, reviews all body cam footage, prepares clients thoroughly for trial, and regularly negotiates reductions to reckless driving — even on the morning of trial.
DUI Facts in South Florida:
💡 According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, law enforcement made over 32,000 DUI arrests statewide in 2023 alone. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges—but a strong defense can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
🚨 The Real Consequences of a Florida DUI Conviction
Being charged with DUI in Florida isn’t just inconvenient—it’s life-altering. A conviction brings more than just fines and embarrassment. It can derail your career, restrict your freedom, and permanently stain your record.
🔹 Even a first-time DUI conviction can lead to:
- A criminal record you can’t seal
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to 6 months in jail
- License suspension (6–12 months)
- Mandatory DUI school
- Probation and community service
🔹 Enhanced Penalties Apply If:
- You have prior DUIs
- Your BAC was 0.15 or higher
- A minor was in the car
- The DUI resulted in injury or death
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 32,000 DUI arrests occurred in Florida in 2023 alone.
And unlike other misdemeanors, Florida does not allow you to seal or expunge a DUI conviction—even if it’s your first offense.
🛑 The bottom line? The stakes are high. But with the right legal strategy, you can reduce or even avoid the harshest consequences.
💡 Did you know? Florida requires mandatory license suspension for DUI convictions—even if you weren’t formally convicted in court. Learn more from Florida’s official DUI penalties page.
Under Florida Statute 316.193, a first-time conviction can trigger a mix of fines, license restrictions, and even jail time. Worse, a conviction becomes permanently part of your criminal record and cannot be sealed or expunged.
⚖️ First-Time DUI Penalties in Florida
A first DUI offense in Florida may be a misdemeanor, but don’t be fooled—it still comes with serious consequences.
Under Florida Statute 316.193, a first-time conviction can trigger a mix of fines, license restrictions, and even jail time. Worse, a conviction becomes permanently part of your criminal record and cannot be sealed or expunged.
📋 Standard Penalties for a First-Time DUI:
- Fines: $500 – $1,000
- Jail time: Up to 6 months
- License suspension: 6–12 months
- Probation: Up to 1 year
- DUI School: Required
- Community service: 50 hours
- Vehicle impoundment: 10 days
- Adjudication of guilt: You’re not eligible to seal the record
🔺 Enhanced Penalties Apply If:
- Your BAC was 0.15 or higher
- A minor was in the vehicle at the time of arrest
In these cases, courts may increase jail time and impose a mandatory ignition interlock device on your vehicle—even for a first offense.
🚨 Felony DUI Charges in Florida: What You Need to Know
While many DUI cases in Florida are misdemeanors, certain circumstances elevate a DUI to a felony offense—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A felony DUI conviction can lead to years in prison, long-term license revocation, steep fines, and a lifetime criminal record. Prosecutors treat these cases aggressively, and you need a defense attorney who does the same.
🚔 When Does a DUI Become a Felony in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 316.193, DUI charges become felonies if any of the following apply:
- Third DUI within 10 years → Third-degree felony
- Fourth DUI at any time → Third-degree felony
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury (SBI) → Third-degree felony
- DUI Manslaughter (fatal accident) → Second-degree felony
- Punishable by up to 15 years in prison
➡️ For reference, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported over 32,000 DUI convictions statewide in a recent year — many involving repeat or injury-related offenses.
⚠️ Long-Term Consequences of Felony DUI:
- Extended incarceration and probation
- Mandatory substance abuse treatment
- Long-term ignition interlock requirements
- Ineligibility for many jobs, licenses, or government programs
- Lifetime driver’s license revocation (in some cases)
📞 Charged with a felony DUI in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida? Contact Michael White, P.A. today. As a former prosecutor, Michael knows how the State builds felony DUI cases—and how to take them apart. He’s Fort Lauderdale’s top DUI lawyer and handles cases all over South Florida.
✅ Proven DUI Defense Strategies in Fort Lauderdale
When you’re facing DUI charges in Florida, the right defense can make all the difference. At Michael White, P.A., we tailor strategies to the facts of each case, identifying weaknesses in the State’s evidence and challenging every procedural misstep. 💼
Here are some of the most effective defenses we use to protect your record and your freedom:
🔹 🚔 Illegal Traffic Stop – If law enforcement pulled you over without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, any evidence collected afterward may be inadmissible. We often file a motion to suppress in these situations.
🔹 🚶♂️ Improper Field Sobriety Tests – Police officers must follow strict procedures. If they fail to administer field sobriety tests correctly, the results can be challenged and weakened in court.
🔹 🍻 Breathalyzer Issues – Breath test devices require routine maintenance and calibration. If we uncover any inconsistencies or expired certifications, your BAC results may be excluded from evidence.
🔹 🩺 Medical Explanations – Conditions such as diabetes, neurological disorders, or acid reflux can mimic signs of impairment. These medical factors may explain why someone appeared intoxicated or failed roadside tests.
🔹 📹 Inconsistent Video Evidence – We thoroughly review all available body cam and dash cam footage to catch discrepancies between an officer’s report and what actually happened.
🔹 👀 Unreliable Observations – “Bloodshot eyes” and “slurred speech” are highly subjective. We know how to dismantle vague or boilerplate DUI arrest language during cross-examination.
👉 Did you know? According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 43,000 DUI citations were issued in 2023 — but many were reduced or dismissed with skilled legal defense. ⚖️
🚫 Refusing a Breath Test in Florida: What You Need to Know
Refusing a breath test may feel like protecting yourself, but in Florida, that choice comes with automatic penalties. Under the Implied Consent Law (Fla. Stat. § 316.1932), all drivers lawfully arrested for DUI are required to submit to chemical testing — including breath, blood, or urine.
🔹 First Refusal
- Automatic 1-year license suspension
- Prosecutors may use your refusal as evidence of guilt
- You’re not eligible for a hardship license unless you waive your right to a formal review hearing and enroll in DUI school
🔹 Second or Subsequent Refusal
- Criminal charge — a 1st-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Adds to the case’s perception of guilt in court
⚖️ However, there are defenses:
- 🚨 Was the stop lawful?
- 🧾 Did law enforcement properly inform you of your rights?
- 📹 Does bodycam footage support the officer’s version of events?
At Michael White, P.A., we analyze every detail — from the legality of the stop to how refusal warnings were delivered. If your rights were violated, we’ll fight to suppress the refusal and minimize the fallout.
🚨 Don’t Wait — Protect Your Future Today
Florida prosecutors are building a case against you right now. Don’t give them the upper hand. At Michael White, P.A., we act fast to preserve your license, challenge faulty evidence, and negotiate for the best possible outcome.
📞 Schedule your free DUI consultation now — it costs nothing to talk, and everything if you wait.
🚗 What Does “Actual Physical Control” Mean in a Florida DUI Case?
In Florida, you don’t have to be driving to get arrested for DUI. If you’re in the driver’s seat, have access to the keys, or could operate the vehicle at any moment—you may be considered in “actual physical control” of the car.
This standard often surprises people, especially those who were simply sleeping in their parked vehicle. However, Florida courts routinely uphold DUI charges in these situations.
👉 Pro Tip: Even if your car isn’t running, prosecutors can argue you were in control based on your position and access to the keys.
🛡️ Arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale? We’re Ready to Fight for You.
You don’t have to face these charges alone. Whether it’s your first DUI or a felony repeat offense, we’ll dig into every detail — from the traffic stop to the breath test — and fight to protect your future.
📞 Michael White, P.A. offers free, confidential DUI consultations for clients across Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County.
✅ Former prosecutor
✅ 5-star client reviews
✅ Aggressive, personalized defense strategy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges in Florida
🚗 Can I be arrested for DUI even if I wasn’t driving?
Yes. Under Florida law, you can be arrested if you’re in actual physical control of the vehicle — meaning you have access to the keys and the ability to operate it, even if you’re not driving.
🧪 What happens if I refuse a breath, blood, or urine test?
Refusing a chemical test will result in an automatic license suspension under Florida’s Implied Consent Law. A first refusal typically leads to a 1-year suspension, and subsequent refusals can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor.
📋 Will a first DUI conviction stay on my record?
Yes. In Florida, DUI convictions are not eligible for sealing or expungement, even for first-time offenders. That’s why it’s crucial to fight the charge or seek a reduction to reckless driving, which may be sealable.
💸 What are the costs associated with a DUI?
Beyond fines, expect additional expenses like:
- DUI School 💼
- Vehicle impound fees 🚗
- Increased insurance rates 📈
- Ignition interlock devices 🔐
Altogether, a first DUI can cost over $10,000 in total expenses.
👨⚖️ Do I need an attorney if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes. Even if you’re considering a plea, an experienced DUI attorney may be able to:
- Get charges reduced or dismissed
- Challenge unlawful stops or faulty testing
- Protect your license and future
