DUI Defense | Jupiter, Florida
Former Prosecutor. Trial-Ready. Focused on protecting your license and record.
Request a Defense Strategy CallCall now: (561) 919-2645
A DUI arrest in Florida triggers two separate processes at the same time: the criminal charge in court and an administrative license suspension handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Most people only know about the criminal side. The administrative case runs on its own clock and its own rules, and it starts the moment you are arrested. Miss the 10-day window to request a hearing and the suspension locks in automatically, regardless of how the criminal case resolves. Arrieta Law handles both tracks from day one.
After a DUI arrest, you have 10 days to request a formal review hearing or apply for a hardship license. Miss that window and your license suspension becomes automatic with no further avenue to challenge it. This is the first call to make.
The defense review covers the full picture: why you were pulled over, how field sobriety tests were administered and scored, whether the breath testing machine was properly maintained, and what the officer's observations actually show. A weakness anywhere can change the outcome of the case.
When the state knows your attorney is ready to take the case to a jury, they negotiate differently. Arrieta Law prepares every DUI case for trial, and that posture produces better results at every stage of the process.
After a DUI arrest, you have 10 days to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV or apply for a hardship license. If you miss this deadline, the administrative suspension becomes automatic and cannot be challenged through that process.
Yes. The validity of field sobriety tests depends on how they were administered, the conditions at the scene, whether proper instructions were given, and whether any medical or physical factors affected the results. These are all reviewable.
Not necessarily. Florida's administrative suspension can be challenged within 10 days of arrest. Acting immediately preserves your ability to fight for your driving privileges while the criminal case is pending.
Not before a full review of the evidence. In the 15th Judicial Circuit, the state's first offer is rarely its best, and the strength of the underlying case matters enormously. The lawfulness of the stop, how the field sobriety tests were administered, whether the breath test instrument was properly calibrated and maintained, what the dashcam or bodycam shows: all of it needs to be evaluated before any plea is considered. Cases that look closed-cut often aren't.
Common questions from people facing DUI charges in Florida, answered with Florida-specific law and Palm Beach County context.
Fines, probation, license suspension, community service, and possible jail time. Here is what Florida Statute 316.193 actually requires.
Yes, under the right circumstances. Here is what gives a defense attorney room to work and what a reduction to reckless driving actually means.
Most first-time offenders do not. Here is what determines whether jail is on the table and what probation typically looks like instead.
Two separate suspension tracks run at once. Here is how the administrative and criminal suspensions each work and what you can do about them.
The fine is the smallest piece. Add fines, court costs, DUI school, insurance increases, and SR-22 requirements and the total is rarely under $8,000.
First offenses have the best odds of a favorable outcome. Here is what actually moves the needle and what makes a case harder to fight.
The spectrum runs from dismissal to a wet reckless to a DUI conviction with probation. Here is what each outcome requires.
Yes, permanently. Florida DUI convictions cannot be sealed or expunged. Here is what shows up and how long it stays there.
There is no reliable formula. Here is what actually determines your BAC and why the rising BAC defense matters in many cases.
A DUI arrest follows a predictable sequence: booking, sober hold, first appearance. Here is what to expect and what to do once you are out.
Usually, for first and second offenses. But the misdemeanor label understates the consequences. Here is when it becomes a felony and what either means.
Not before understanding what that plea permanently locks in. Here is what a guilty plea actually means for your record, license, and insurance.
The administrative and criminal suspensions each have their own maximums. Here is how both work for a first offense and how to challenge them.
Florida has expanded ignition interlock requirements and does not offer DUI diversion. Here is what is current under Florida Statute 316.193.
The answer depends on the evidence in your specific case. Here is a framework for thinking through that decision before making a permanent one.
The 10-day deadline is already running. Arrieta Law handles DUI defense across Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach. Call now for a confidential consultation.