Miami DUI Attorney

Arrested for Drunk Driving in Miami-Dade County? We're Here to Help

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Miami, Florida, it is important to seek the help of a skilled Miami criminal defense lawyer. A DUI charge can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. can help you understand the DUI charges against you, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in Miami court. They can also work to negotiate a plea bargain or seek a reduction of charges in order to minimize the potential penalties you may face. In addition, a DUI defense lawyer in Miami can help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.

Arrested for drunk driving? Contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today for your free consultation from our Miami DUI lawyer. Give us a call at (305) 400-0074 today.

What are DUI & DWI in South Florida?

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the criminal offense of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol or operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

In Miami, Florida, a DUI is considered a serious criminal offense which can lead to severe legal penalties if the person is convicted.

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Really Help With DUI?

Yes an experienced criminal defense lawyer really can help with DUI support for your DUI case. DUI or DWI laws can be complicated and change frequently along with convictions.

Should you decide to seek representation for your DUI charges, our Miami DUI lawyer will help keep you informed and prepared to beat your court case in Miami, Florida.

Understanding the Consequences of DUI in Florida

Being charged with a DUI in Florida can have serious legal and personal consequences. It's important to understand the potential penalties and long-term effects of a DUI conviction, including:

• Driver's license suspension or revocation
• Fines and court costs
• Possible jail time
• Mandatory DUI education or treatment programs
• Increased insurance premiums
• Potential impact on employment and professional licenses

Our experienced Miami DUI attorneys at Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. can provide personalized legal guidance and representation to help you navigate the complexities of DUI charges in South Florida. Don't face these serious consequences alone - contact us today to discuss your criminal case and explore your legal options.

What Are The Charges for a First Time DUI in Florida?

• A person with a BAC of 0.08% to less than 0.15% may serve a maximum of 6 months in jail and pay fines from $500 up to $1,000
• A person with a BAC above 0.15% may serve a maximum of 9 months in jail and pay fines from $1,000 up to $2,000
• A person convicted of a first time crime may have their license suspended from 180 days to 1 year and may have their vehicle impounded for 10 days
• A person convicted of a first DUI charge may have to complete DUI school prior to the hardship application
• A person convicted of a first DUI charge may have to complete 50 hours of community service and pay $10 for each hour required
• Ignition interlock device – up to six months (hardship reinstatement BAC above 0.15%)

What Are The Charges for a Second DUI in Florida?

• A person with a BAC of 0.08% to less than 0.15% may serve a maximum of 9 months in jail and pay fines from $1,000 up to $2,000
• A person with a BAC above 0.15% may serve a maximum of 12 months in jail and pay fines from $2,000 up to $4,000
• A person convicted of a second DUI charge may face a mandatory 10 days in jail if the second conviction is within 5 years
• A person convicted of a second DUI charge may have their license suspended for five years if the second conviction is within five years
• A person convicted of a second DUI charge may have their vehicle impounded for 30 days if the second conviction is within 5 years
• If a person is convicted of a second drunk driving crime, they will have their license suspended and will be eligible for hardship reinstatement after one year
• Hardship reinstatement – complete DUI school
• Ignition interlock device is required for 1 year for BAC from 0.08% to less than 0.15%
• Ignition interlock device is required for 2 years for BAC above 0.15%

What Are The Charges for a Third DUI in Florida?

• If a person is convicted of a third DUI charge within 10 years, it is a third-degree felony
• If a person is convicted of a third DUI charge, they may face up to 12 months in jail
• If a person is convicted of a third DUI charge, they may face a mandatory 30 days in jail if the third conviction is within 10 years
• A person with a BAC from 0.08% to less than 0.15% may pay fines from $2,000 up to $5,000
• A person convicted of a third DUI charge may have their license suspended for 10 years if the third conviction is within 10 years
• If a person is convicted of a third DUI charge, they will have their license suspended and will be eligible for hardship reinstatement after two years
• Hardship reinstatement – complete DUI school
• Ignition interlock device is required for two years
• A person convicted of a third DUI charge may have their vehicle impounded for 90 days if the third conviction is within 10 years

What Are The Charges for a Fourth DUI in Florida?

• If a person is convicted of a fourth DUI charge, they may face up to five years in jail
• If a person is convicted of a fourth DUI charge, they may have their license suspended for life with no hardship reinstatement

DUI with Drug Charges in Miami

DUI drug cases in Miami usually involve chemical tests of your urine and/or blood. Under Florida DUI law, it is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle while their normal abilities are impaired due to a controlled substance.

Many typical prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause driver impairment and have an effect on the driver’s normal faculties, such as the driver’s ability to talk, walk, and make emergency decisions.

Many people are surprised to learn that prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication can lead to a DUI arrest around Miami, Florida.

The penalties for DUI of drugs are the same as for driving under the influence of alcohol.

A driver may face the following penalties for a first DUI in Miami:

• A fine of up to $500
• A driver’s license suspension
• Imprisonment for up to six months

A driver may also face probation and/or a mandatory rehabilitation or drug treatment program set forth by the Miami courthouse.

DHSMV Hearings

In the state of Florida, if a driver is pulled over for DUI and is found to have a BAC of 0.08% or higher or if the driver fails or refuses a breathalyzer test or a blood test, they will have their license suspended at once.

• If a driver has been arrested for DUI, they will only have 10 days to schedule an administrative hearing with Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
• If they do not schedule this hearing within the 10 days, then their license will be automatically suspended for 1 year.
• If a person fails to schedule their hearing with the DHSMV, they will not be able to legally drive for a minimum of six months.

In addition, other DUIs can result in extended periods of license suspension ranging from 5 to 10 years or permanent revocation.

Criminal defense attorney Armando Hernandez can schedule your DHSMV hearing for you and can represent you at your hearing.

As an aggressive and skilled lawyer with a background as a former Miami Dade prosecutor, attorney Hernandez understands the particulars of both sides of the criminal process.

Boating Under the Influence - BUI

Similar to driving under the influence, BUI or boating under the influence is a serious crime. Read more on our BUI page.