Pinellas · Pasco · Hillsborough
Charged With DUI in Tampa Bay?
The clock is already running. You may have only 10 days to act to protect your driver’s license.
A DUI can affect your license, your job, and your insurance. Get a clear plan from a former prosecutor—and understand your defense options before key deadlines pass.
- The 10-day deadline to protect your license
- How a DUI can affect your job and insurance
- Your defense options moving forward
- Local DUI Defense
- Same-Day Consults
- Former Prosecutor's Insight
The First 10 Days
What Happens After a DUI Arrest
A DUI moves on two tracks at once—the criminal case and the administrative suspension of your license. Knowing the timeline helps you protect both.
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Release & charges
After booking you may be released on bond. Your license is typically suspended administratively—separate from the criminal case.
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The 10-day clock starts
You generally have just 10 days to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV to challenge the suspension. Missing it can cost you driving options.
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Building your defense
The traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood results can all be reviewed. Early action preserves more of your options.
Don't Miss It
Protecting Your License
You generally have just 10 days to request a formal review hearing.
A DUI arrest triggers an administrative suspension of your driver’s license through the DHSMV—separate from the criminal charge. Requesting a formal review hearing within the deadline can let us challenge the suspension and may preserve your ability to drive for work and family. Miss the window, and options narrow quickly.
Fla. Stat. § 316.193
DUI Penalties in Florida
Florida treats DUI seriously, and penalties escalate quickly with prior offenses, a high breath-alcohol level, an accident, or a minor in the vehicle. The ranges below are general information—not a prediction for any individual case.
First DUI
Up to 6 months jail (up to 9 with a high BAL or a minor in the vehicle), fines generally $500–$2,000, license revocation, probation, community service, and possible ignition interlock.
Second DUI
Increased fines and possible mandatory jail, longer license revocation, and a required ignition interlock device—penalties escalate sharply with priors.
Third DUI / Felony DUI
A third within 10 years, or a DUI involving serious injury, can be charged as a felony with substantial penalties, including potential prison time.
For a deeper look at the statute and the administrative process, see our Florida DUI defense overview.
First-Time DUI
Your First DUI Offense
If this is your first DUI, you’re likely worried about jail, your license, and what this means for your job and your record. A first offense is serious—but with early action there may be ways to limit the consequences, depending on the circumstances. We’ll review the stop, the testing, and your options, and explain realistic next steps without pressure or promises.
Never been arrested before? You may also want to read about first-offense options and diversion programs.
How We Review a Case
DUI Defense Strategies
A DUI charge is not the end of the story. We examine every stage of the case for issues that could affect the evidence against you, including:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful
- How field sobriety tests were administered
- Calibration and maintenance of breath-test machines
- The handling and timing of blood draws
- Medical conditions that can affect results
- Whether your rights were observed throughout
Every case is different, and we cannot promise a particular result. Our goal is to build the strongest defense available under the facts.
The Stakes
What a DUI Can Affect
Your driver's license — the administrative suspension has its own deadline and process, apart from the criminal charge.
Your job — a conviction can appear on background checks and affect jobs that require driving or a clean record.
Your insurance — a DUI can raise your premiums significantly and may require special filings to keep coverage.
Your record — a DUI conviction in Florida generally cannot be sealed or expunged, which is why fighting the charge early matters.
Why Time Matters
The Sooner You Call, the More We May Be Able to Do
The 10-day license deadline, evidence that can fade, and witnesses who can be located—these all favor early action. Calling now doesn’t commit you to anything except getting clear, honest answers about your situation.
Why Bernhardt Riley
Why Choose Bernhardt Riley
Former prosecutors
Our team understands how DUI cases are built and evaluated by the other side—and where they can be challenged.
We move on the deadlines
From the 10-day license window forward, we act quickly to preserve your options.
Clear, honest guidance
We explain the realistic risks and choices in plain language—no promises, just a plan built for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after a DUI arrest?
Act quickly. You generally have only 10 days to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV to challenge your administrative license suspension. Speaking with an attorney right away helps you protect that deadline and your options.
Will I lose my license?
A DUI arrest triggers an administrative suspension separate from the criminal case. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to challenge the suspension or seek a hardship/business-purposes license. We can explain what may apply to you.
What are the penalties for a first DUI in Florida?
A first DUI under Fla. Stat. § 316.193 can carry up to 6 months in jail (more with a high BAL or a minor present), fines, license revocation, probation, and community service. Actual penalties vary with the facts of the case.
Can a DUI be reduced or dismissed?
No attorney can promise a result. Outcomes depend on the evidence—the stop, the testing, and how your rights were handled. We review every part of the case to identify the strongest available defense for your circumstances.
Can a DUI be sealed or expunged?
A DUI conviction in Florida generally cannot be sealed or expunged. That is one reason challenging the charge at the outset is so important. If a case resolves without a conviction, sealing may be possible depending on the circumstances.
How much does a DUI affect insurance?
A DUI can raise your insurance premiums significantly and may require special filings to maintain coverage. Limiting the consequences of the charge can help reduce the long-term impact.
Charged With DUI? Don't Wait on the 10-Day Deadline.
Free, same-day consult. Call 24/7.
No promises of outcomes—just clear answers and a plan.