Clearwater Criminal Defense Law Blog

A DUI charge in Florida can create serious concern for anyone accused of driving under the influence. Even a first offense may expose a person to jail time, driver’s license suspension, court costs, fines, community service, court-ordered classes, vehicle-related penalties, and higher insurance rates. A DUI is not just a traffic ticket. It is a criminal charge, and a DUI conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged. For some people facing a DUI charge, a diversion program may offer a way to avoid a DUI conviction. Diversion is not available in every case, and it is not guaranteed just...

A DUI stop in Florida can move quickly. One moment, a driver is being pulled over. The next, an officer may be asking questions, requesting field sobriety exercises, or asking the driver to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test. Many people assume they can simply refuse a breathalyzer and avoid giving the State evidence. In reality, refusing a breathalyzer in Florida can create serious consequences of its own. For anyone facing a DUI investigation in Tampa, understanding Florida’s implied consent law is critical. A refusal may affect your driver’s license, your criminal case, and...

If you were riding in a car with someone who was pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you may be wondering whether a passenger can also face DUI charges. This is a common question after a late-night traffic stop, especially when law enforcement is trying to sort out who was driving and what happened before the stop. For anyone searching for answers, understanding how Florida law treats passengers is important. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we help people facing criminal charges understand what the state must prove and what defenses may be available. In many cases, a...

A DUI arrest in Florida can create immediate stress and long-term consequences. Even a first offense can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, driver’s license suspension, fines, court costs, required classes, community service, and vehicle-related penalties. A DUI can also bring indirect consequences, such as higher insurance costs and possible professional or administrative problems. For many people, the biggest concern is the criminal conviction itself, especially because a DUI conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged. That is why many people facing a DUI charge want...