๐Ÿš— Fort Lauderdale DUI Defense Lawyer

Arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida?

If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida , you need a DUI lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.  The consequences are seriousโ€”and immediate. You need a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer who understands Floridaโ€™s tough DUI laws and knows how to fight back.

At Michael White, P.A., we bring strategic, aggressive representation to DUI cases throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, Pompano Beach, and beyond.

๐Ÿ“ž Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free DUI consultation

Recognized for trusted DUI Defense in Fort Lauderdale, Michael White, P.A. proudly serves clients across South Florida with experienced, results-driven legal representation

โš–๏ธ What Are the Penalties for DUI in Florida?

Even a first-time DUI can result in:

  • Jail time (up to 6 months)
  • Fines up to $1,000
  • License suspension (6โ€“12 months)
  • DUI School + 50 hours of community service
  • Probation + vehicle impoundment
  • A criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged

๐Ÿ‘‰What is DUI Diversion?

๐Ÿ”บ Enhanced penalties apply if:

  • Your BAC was 0.15 or higher
  • A minor was in the vehicle
  • The DUI involved property damage or injury

๐Ÿ‘‰ What are the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida?

๐Ÿง  What Is “Actual Physical Control”?

Under Florida law, you don’t need to be driving to get arrested for DUI. If you’re:

  • In the driver’s seat
  • Have the keys nearby
  • Could operate the car at any moment

…you may be charged under Florida’s “actual physical control” ruleโ€”even if the car is parked.

๐Ÿ‘‰ How long does a DUI stay on your record in Florida?

๐Ÿšจ When Is DUI a Felony in Florida?

A DUI becomes a felony offense if:

  • It’s your third DUI within 10 years
  • It’s your fourth DUI (ever)
  • The DUI resulted in serious injury
  • The DUI resulted in death (DUI manslaughter)

โš–๏ธ Felony DUI Penalties May Include:

  • Up to 15 years in prison
  • Lifetime driver’s license revocation
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device
  • Loss of employment or professional licenses
  • Ineligibility for sealing, expungement, or many federal programs

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn about Florida’s felony DUI sentencing laws

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Why Hire a DUI Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

We build every case around your unique facts and legal goals. Common defenses include:

  • Illegal Traffic Stop โ€“ No probable cause = evidence suppressed
  • Faulty Field Sobriety Tests โ€“ Subjective, misapplied, or poorly administered
  • Breathalyzer Errors โ€“ Device maintenance, calibration, or operator error
  • Medical Conditions โ€“ Acid reflux, diabetes, or neurological issues mimicking impairment
  • Video Evidence Conflicts โ€“ Contradictions between bodycam footage and officer reports
  • Unlawful Refusal Warnings โ€“ Incorrectly delivered Implied Consent notices

๐Ÿ‘‰ Can I refuse to Perform Field Sobriety Exercises or Roadside Tests?

๐Ÿงช Refused the Breath Test? Here's What You Need to Know

Under Florida’s Implied Consent Law (Fla. Stat. ยง 316.1932):

  • First refusal = 1-year license suspension
  • Second refusal = criminal charge (1st-degree misdemeanor)
  • Refusals are often used by prosecutors as evidence of guilt

But… these cases are defensible.

We challenge:

  • The legality of the stop
  • The delivery of refusal warnings
  • Whether you were properly advised of your rights
  • Gaps between officer testimony and video footage

๐Ÿ‘‰ What’s the DUI “10-Day Rule”?

๐Ÿ’ก Florida DUI Stats You Should Know

  • Over 43,000 DUI citations were issued in Florida in 2023
  • More than 32,000 DUI arrests statewide
  • Florida has a zero tolerance policy for DUIโ€”even first offenses
  • DUI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged

๐Ÿ‘‰ See what happens if you fail a breath test in Florida

โ“ DUI FAQs – Fort Lauderdale & South Florida

Can I be arrested if I wasn’t driving?

Yes. If you’re in actual physical control of the car (e.g., keys nearby, in the driver’s seat), you can be charged.

What happens if I refuse a chemical test?

Refusal leads to an automatic license suspension (1 year for the first, criminal charge for second+), and prosecutors can argue it’s a sign of guilt.

Will a DUI stay on my record?

Yes. In Florida, DUI convictions cannot be sealed or expungedโ€”which is why fighting the charge is essential.

How much does a DUI cost?

Expect over $10,000 in total expenses, including fines, court fees, DUI school, interlock devices, insurance hikes, and more.

Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?

Yes. A lawyer can often reduce your charges, protect your license, and explore non-criminal resolutions (like a wet reckless reduction).

๐Ÿ“ž Arrested for DUI? Let’s Talk.

Attorney Michael White is a former DUI prosecutor and award-nominated DUI litigator. He knows how prosecutors thinkโ€”and how to beat them at trial or negotiation.

We defend DUI cases across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Broward County, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach.

๐Ÿ“ž Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free DUI consultation