Delray Beach DUI Defense Attorney
Defending Against Your DUI Charges to Help You Move Forward
Arrested for DUI? Don’t face your charge alone. It is a stressful, complex matter that is best addressed by our skilled DUI defense attorney. There are many different situations involving DUI charges that can affect your potential consequences. These include prior DUI offenses, if harm was inflicted on a person or property during the offense, whether you are underage, and whether you hold a professional license. Because so many factors can affect the situation, it is important to enlist the help of our attorney, who is familiar with the types of DUI scenarios seen most often in Florida.
When facing a DUI charge in Delray Beach, it’s crucial to understand that the local legal process may differ depending on where the arrest took place. The Delray Beach Police Department, along with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, frequently conduct DUI checkpoints throughout city hotspots, such as along Atlantic Avenue and near popular beachside districts.
Contact us at (561) 771-6336 so we can fight for you!
Understanding the Range of DUI Penalties With Our DUI Attorneys in Delray Beach
- Jail time
- Fines that can add up to thousands of dollars
- Suspension of your driving privileges for a minimum of 6 months
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Community service
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol or drug treatment program
- Vehicle impoundment
Our experienced team has taken on countless DUI matters across Florida, including DUI manslaughter, 3rd DUI offenses, and underage drivers. You can count on us to tirelessly tackle the difficult situations you face while maintaining open communication with you to ease your stress. When your livelihood, future and freedom are on the line, you need our empathetic and knowledgeable lawyers by your side.
As a boutique law firm providing legal services for DUI defense matters, you can trust that when you hire us to represent you, you will work directly with our attorneys. Our rule is that the client comes first. Our goal is to never stop working to achieve the best possible results.
What are Florida’s DUI Penalties?
Depending on the severity of your alleged offense, your blood alcohol level (BAL) at the time of your arrest, and your prior criminal history, you may be punished as such:
First Offense DUI Penalties
Depending on the severity of your alleged offense, your blood alcohol level (BAL) at the time of your arrest, and your prior criminal history, you may be punished as such:
First Offense DUI Penalties
Fines between $500 and $1,000.
- If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, $1,000 to $2,000.
Imprisonment for up to 6 months.
- If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, up to 9 months.
License Revocation
- First offense without bodily injury: 180 days to 1 year.
- First offense with bodily injury: At least 3 years.
Second Offense DUI Penalties
Fines between $1,000 to $2,000.
- If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, $2,000 to $4,000.
Imprisonment for up to 9 months.
- If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, up to 12 months.
- If the second conviction was within 5 years of a prior conviction, mandatory imprisonment for at least 10 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.
License Revocation
- A second offense within 5 years from prior conviction: Minimum 5 years revocation.
We Help People Move Forward
Our Results
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Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery
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Cases Dismissed Battery
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Case Dismissed Carrying a Concealed Firearm
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Case Dismissed Grand Theft
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Case Dismissed Identity Theft
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"Professional, courteous, always available for any questions/updates and a genuinely nice person."
I would strongly recommend McLaughlin Morris, P.A. and will use their services in the future should the need arise.- Cesar J. -
"If you want to be represented by someone you can trust, don't hesitate call McLaughlin Morris."
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be represented by this firm on serval occasion and I am ever so grateful- Kimmie C. -
"I can honestly recommend Jeffrey Morris without any hesitation and I hold him in the highest regard."
Mr. Morris made himself available throughout the case with prompt return calls, frequent updates and patient explanations of the legal process.- Nicole C. -
"Jeff gave me hope and got me through it."
Jeff gave me hope and got me through it now I have my family back and got another chance at giving my daughter a bright future and myself a bright future Jeff resolved my case in about a month he put all he had into it and was there for me every single day- Chantel B. -
"From the very beginning they treated me with respect and listened to my concerns."
I give five stars to this law firm. From the very beginning they treated me with respect and listened to my concerns. They were responsive to my needs and always returned my phone calls within 24 hours. I highly recommend them it was a pleasure to work wit- Tom G. -
"I recommend Andrew and his firm wholeheartedly."
Andrew was able to get me through the deposition with ease. When it came time for the negotiations, he settled my case for much more than I ever had expected. The entire experience could not have been any smoother considering it was a tedious endeavor. I r- Joe N. -
"The truth is that he made what I thought impossible possible."
The truth is that he made what I thought impossible possible. My charges dropped completely and before my court date. Thank you and God bless you !- Vanessa B. -
"Mr. Morris did an outstanding job defending our son."
Mr. Morris did an outstanding job defending our son and the peace of mind having him as our attorney was priceless. I would absolutely recommend Mr. Morris to anyone looking for a honest, reliable, hardworking attorney to have represent you.- Jessica H.
How Long Does a DUI Case Take in Florida?
In Florida, a DUI case can take around three to six months to resolve. Navigating the legal system after a DUI arrest can be challenging, leaving many people wondering how long the process will last. The duration of a DUI case is affected by several factors, but most misdemeanor cases conclude in three to six months, while felony DUI cases in Delray Beach can take five to seven months or longer.
The length of your DUI case in Delray Beach may depend on factors such as the complexity of the charges, your criminal record, case strategy, and whether you contest the allegations or pursue a negotiated plea. In Palm Beach County, court schedules, case volume, and the involvement of either the State Attorney’s Office or the defense can all affect processing time. By understanding phases like arraignment, pretrial hearings, administrative license reviews, and potential trial dates, you can better anticipate the legal timeline. Engaging a DUI attorney in Delray Beach early in the process is key to efficient case handling and to safeguarding your rights from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Delray Beach?
Florida’s implied consent law requires drivers in the state to submit to lawful breath, blood, or urine testing if an officer suspects DUI. In Delray Beach, refusing a breathalyzer can mean an immediate driver’s license suspension, even if you are not convicted of DUI. The penalty for a first refusal is typically a 12-month suspension, while repeated refusals lead to longer suspensions and can be used by prosecutors in your case. While you have the right to refuse, it’s important to understand the impact on both your license and your legal defense. Consulting a drunk driving attorney in Delray Beach quickly can help you weigh your best options and avoid avoidable mistakes at this critical stage.
What Happens at a DHSMV Administrative Hearing?
After a DUI arrest in Delray Beach, you have just 10 days to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to contest your driver's license suspension. At this hearing—which is separate from your criminal case—a DHSMV hearing officer reviews the lawfulness of your arrest, whether the officer had grounds to stop and arrest you, and if breath or blood testing was properly requested or refused. This stage is significant, as it may determine if you can continue to drive as your DUI or drunk driving case proceeds in Palm Beach County courts. Our lawyers routinely represent clients before the DHSMV in Delray Beach, using relevant evidence and cross-examination to protect your driving rights.
Are There Alternative Sentencing Options for DUI in Delray Beach?
Depending on your DUI case’s details—including your prior record, cooperation level, and whether anyone was injured—there may be opportunities for alternative sentencing in Delray Beach or Palm Beach County. Alternatives may include DUI diversion courts, enrollment in alcohol or drug treatment, community service, or probation rather than jail time. The availability of these programs can vary, depending on case specifics and local court or State Attorney policies. As drunk driving lawyers in Delray Beach, we actively pursue options that minimize fines, jail, and long-term consequences for our clients whenever the law allows. Our firm helps you weigh all available alternatives and resources, tailored to your circumstances and the realities of the local legal system.
Contact Our DUI Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation!
The last thing you need following your frightening experience with the criminal justice system is the loss of your freedom and driving privileges. The thought of sitting behind bars and paying heavy fines, plus being unable to drive anywhere is upsetting and anxiety-provoking. Don’t let this happen to you.
If you or a loved one has recently been charged with DUI in Delray Beach, reaching out promptly is vital to building a strong defense. Our DUI attorneys in Delray Beach are well-versed in Palm Beach County procedures and can help you through both the criminal process and any DHSMV administrative hearings. By choosing a drunk driving attorney in Delray Beach who regularly appears before local judges, you gain a valuable perspective and advocacy that can make a meaningful difference in your case. We are dedicated to helping you understand your rights, avoid unnecessary risks, and protect your future every step of the way.
Retain our lawyers by calling (561) 771-6336 and experience all the good we have to offer.
