Your Trusted DUI Lawyers in Florida

DUIs in Florida are serious offenses that can have life-altering consequences. If convicted, a DUI charge cannot be sealed or expunged from your record – ever. Beyond losing your driving privileges, you could face probation, community service, hefty fines, and other penalties. At Fighter Law, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this experience can be, which is why we are here to fight for you every step of the way.

Attorneys Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis bring unmatched expertise to DUI defense. As former prosecutors and board-certified trial experts by the Florida Bar, they have the skills and knowledge necessary to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case. Together, they offer a unique perspective as a male and female team, giving our clients a balanced and comprehensive defense strategy that stands apart from any other law firm in Central Florida.

Why Choose Fighter Law for Your DUI Defense?

When facing DUI charges, having the right legal representation can mean the difference between walking away with no criminal history or carrying a conviction that follows you for life. Fighter Law has earned a reputation for being one of the top DUI defense teams in Central Florida. Our Florida DUI lawyers combine decades of experience with an in-depth understanding of Florida’s DUI laws to provide clients with the best possible defense.

As board-certified criminal trial attorneys, Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis have proven track records of success in the courtroom. Their unique backgrounds as former prosecutors give them insight into how the state builds DUI cases, allowing them to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and identify weaknesses. Our team approaches each case with meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication to securing the best outcome for our clients.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Florida?

If you are arrested for a DUI in Florida, the process can be confusing and overwhelming. The clock starts ticking the moment you are charged. Here are the key steps to understand:

1. License Suspension: After your arrest, your license will likely be suspended. You have only 10 days to request a formal review hearing to challenge the suspension and potentially regain driving privileges.
2. Arraignment: During this court appearance, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is critical to have legal representation at this stage.
3. Discovery Phase: This involves gathering all the evidence in your case, such as police reports, breathalyzer results, body camera footage, and witness statements.
4. Negotiations or Trial: Your Florida DUI attorney will either negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or take your case to trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached. 

Understanding the timeline and taking immediate action with an experienced DUI lawyer is essential to protecting your rights and building a strong defense.

Why DUI Charges in Florida Are Serious

A DUI conviction in Florida is permanent – that’s why it’s so important to hire the best Orlando DUI Attorney you can. Unlike some other offenses, a DUI can never be sealed or expunged from your record. Beyond the stigma of having a criminal record, the consequences can include:

• Loss of driving privileges
• Probation and mandatory community service
• Substantial fines and fees
• Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Skyrocketing insurance premiums
• Potential jail time

The impact on your personal and professional life can be devastating, which is why it’s critical to have an attorney who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and minimize the impact of these charges.

Common DUI Defense Strategies

At Fighter Law, we employ a variety of proven defense tactics to challenge DUI charges. These include:

1. Breathalyzer Inaccuracies: Breathalyzer devices can produce faulty results due to improper calibration, equipment malfunctions, or operator error.
2. Field Sobriety Test Issues: Weather conditions, uneven surfaces, and medical conditions can unfairly impact field sobriety test results.
3. Probable Cause Challenges: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you, evidence gathered during the stop could be ruled inadmissible.
4. Medical Defenses: Conditions such as acid reflux or diabetes can lead to false positives on breath or blood tests.
5. Officer Misconduct: Body camera footage and witness testimony may reveal errors or inconsistencies in the arrest process.
6. Chain of Custody Errors: Mistakes in the handling and storage of evidence can compromise its reliability in court. 

These strategies, combined with a detailed review of all evidence, give our clients the strongest possible defense against DUI charges.

How Fighter Law Goes Above and Beyond

At Fighter Law, we take a personalized approach to every DUI case. One of our key strategies is creating a detailed character portrait of our clients to present to prosecutors. This includes:

• Visual Evidence: Photos of you participating in community service, military service, or family activities can shift the prosecutor’s perception and humanize your case.
• Character Reference Letters: Letters from respected members of your community, such as clergy, military veterans, or employers, add credibility to your defense.
• Proactive Steps: We encourage clients to complete programs such as DUI Counterattack School or community service before trial, demonstrating a willingness to take responsibility and make positive changes.

Additionally, we are skilled negotiators who leverage our relationships with local prosecutors to seek favorable outcomes, such as reduced charges or case dismissals. When necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial, where our board-certified expertise gives you a distinct advantage.

Florida DUI Law Updates for 2024

Recent changes to Florida’s DUI laws highlight the need for experienced legal representation. Key updates include:

1. House Bill 0039: Mandates ignition interlock devices for drivers refusing breath, urine, or blood tests.
2. House Bill 0871: Introduces stricter penalties for refusal to submit to testing and limits plea options for DUI defendants.
3. House Bill 0447: Eliminates the use of intoxication as a defense in civil DUI-related cases.

These updates reflect Florida’s commitment to tougher enforcement, making it more important than ever to have a skilled DUI attorney on your side.

FAQs About DUI in Florida

1. Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida? Refusing a breathalyzer test can result in immediate penalties, including a license suspension of up to one year for the first refusal. Repeat refusals may result in misdemeanor charges.
2. What are the penalties for a first-time DUI conviction? Penalties may include fines, probation, community service, mandatory DUI school, and a license suspension. In some cases, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device.
3. Can a DUI charge be reduced to reckless driving? Yes, with the right legal representation, it is possible to negotiate a reduction in charges. This often depends on the strength of the evidence and the specifics of your case.
4. How long will a DUI stay on my record? A DUI conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged and will remain on your record permanently.

Serving Central Florida’s Counties

Fighter Law proudly represents clients throughout Central Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, Lake, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Brevard Counties. Wherever you are, we’re ready to fight for your rights and your future.

Success Stories from Fighter Law

Our firm has helped countless clients achieve favorable outcomes in their DUI cases. For example:

• Case Dismissed: A client was charged with DUI after a faulty breathalyzer test. We demonstrated that the device was improperly calibrated, leading to the dismissal of all charges.
• Reduced Charges: In a case involving field sobriety tests, we showed that uneven pavement and poor lighting contributed to the client’s performance, resulting in reduced charges.
• Not Guilty Verdict: A client facing severe penalties for a second DUI offense was found not guilty after we uncovered body camera footage showing officer misconduct.

These successes are a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation.

Contact the Best DUI Defense Team in Florida

When your future is on the line, don’t settle for less than the best. Attorneys Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis have the experience, knowledge, and commitment to provide you with an aggressive and effective defense. Their combined perspectives as a male and female team ensure a balanced and comprehensive approach to every case.

Don’t go it alone. Call Fighter Law today at (407) 344-4837 for a free consultation, or use our online contact form to schedule a meeting. Let us fight for you.