DUI FAQ's

1. I've been arrested for DUI, what should I do now?

Unlike some arrests, a DUI arrest requires that you take several steps within the first 10 days after your arrest. These steps include, but are not limited to, setting a court date and filing for a formal review with the DMV. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION regarding these matters.

2. I took a breath test and my results were over the legal limit - doesn't that mean I am guilty?

NO. The State must prove that you were over the legal limit of .08 at the time of driving. Most breath tests are taken an hour after the DUI arrest occurred. We can hire experts who may be able to show through scientific evidence that you were under the legal limit at the time of driving.

3. Do I need a lawyer?

The Lawyers at my firm are all former DUI prosecutors and experienced DUI Defense Attorneys. We have the training and experience to handle your DUI case in an aggressive and professional manner. From our vast experience in handling DUI cases we have learned the habits and tendencies of the Judges and the Prosecutors all around the Tampa Bay area. We can use this information to obtain a better result for your case. We know the law and its loopholes and we know how to apply it to your DUI case. If you hire a Tampa DUI Lawyer to represent you on your DUI case you will enter the courtroom empowered with the knowledge and experience of that Attorney.

4. The Officer took my License. Can I drive?

Although your License is suspended you may drive for 10 days from the date of arrest using your DUI citation as a temporary license. If you file for your DMV formal review within 10 days of your date of arrest the DMV may grant you a temporary “business purpose only” permit which is usually good for 30 to 40 days. During this time period your formal review will be held and the DMV will decide whether or not to give your license back.

5.How do I get my car released from impound?

The jail should provide you with documentation notifying you which impound company has your car. If the jail did not notify you then call their front desk and ask them to look it up or ask them to transfer you to the Officer who arrested you. Typically, the impound company will require payment of a fee and proof that the car is yours. You will need to go there as soon as you are able to, as the fee usually gets higher each day the car is left in impound.

6. What about my Court date?

Florida law requires that you set a court date within 10 days of an arrest for DUI. If you hire us we will do it for you. A typical DUI case requires an average of 5 court appearances before the case reaches resolution. If you are represented by an attorney we can waive your presence for some or even all of these court dates.

7. What about the bond money I paid - will I get it back?

If you paid a cash bond at the Jail there are ways to have it released back to you or to the person who paid it. Please ask about this during your free DUI consultation. The Court will automatically apply any of your funds that are being held to your costs and fines if you are convicted. If you beat the case then the money is returned to the person who paid it.

8. Will my employer find out?

Arrests are public records. Furthermore, certain employers have deals with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to notify them if one of their employees is arrested. The only way to remove these records is through the sealing or expungement process.

9. What happens if I live out of state?

In most cases you will not have to come back to Florida for court. We can appear for you and resolve the case using paperwork that we prepared for you. Most of the time you can do Probation (if required) through the mail.