Why You Need a Lawyer for DUI and Other Driving Offenses in Florida

Driving offenses in Florida range from simple civil infractions to life-impacting criminal charges. Whether you are accused of DUI, reckless driving, or have received a traffic citation, the consequences can extend far beyond a fine. Jail time, long-term license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and permanent criminal records are all possible.

Because the stakes are high, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer is critical especially in Pasco County, where enforcement is aggressive, and the courts operate on strict deadlines. Attorney Rachel Stevens at Stevens Law, P.A. provides focused, strategic defense for individuals facing driving-related charges throughout Pasco County and surrounding Florida communities.

This article explains why it’s important to retain legal counsel early, what deadlines you must know, and how a defense attorney can protect your rights from day one.

A DUI charge is a serious criminal offense under Florida law. Even a first offense carries penalties that may include:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Mandatory probation
• License suspension
• DUI school
• Vehicle impoundment
• Ignition interlock requirements

But many people do not realize that in Florida, you have only ten days from the date of your arrest to take action to preserve the ability to drive while your case is pending resolution.

The 10-Day DHSMV Deadline

When you are arrested for DUI, the officer typically takes your driver’s license and issues a criminal traffic citation which will serve as a temporary driving permit. From that moment, you have 10 days to request a formal or informal hearing with the Florida DHSMV to challenge the administrative suspension.

If you do not request the hearing in time, the administrative suspension automatically goes into effect—regardless of what happens later in criminal court. Suspensions issued by the DHSMV are administrative and separate from any suspension that may be issued by a Criminal Judge at sentencing. The length of the suspension will depend on the type of DUI and any prior history of DUI.

An attorney can:

• File the request before the deadline.
• Represent you at the DHSMV hearing.
• Challenge the probable cause (legality) of the stop.
• Question the accuracy of breath or blood results.
• Help you determine if the type of administrative hearing is best based on your specific set of circumstances or if waiving the hearing is appropriate.
• Request for disclosure of evidence and contact witnesses in advance of any criminal proceedings.

Florida’s DUI laws are complex, and the administrative and criminal cases operate separately. Having a defense lawyer ensures that no deadlines are missed and all available defenses are preserved.

Many Floridians mistakenly assume reckless driving is a minor traffic citation, similar to a speeding ticket. Under Florida Statute § 316.192, however, reckless driving is a criminal traffic offense. A conviction can result in:

Up to 90 days in jail for a first offense

• Fines
• Probation
• License points
• Increased insurance costs
• A permanent criminal record

Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety. This is a subjective standard, which means officers often charge reckless driving when the facts may not support it.

A defense attorney can examine whether the officer’s interpretation matches the legal standard. Criminal Traffic Defense strategies may include:

• Showing a lack of intent, simple mistakes, or negligence isn’t enough.
• Demonstrating safe driving behavior through witness testimony or video.
• Challenging improper charging decisions.
• Negotiating reductions to lesser, non-criminal traffic infractions.

In Pasco County, prosecutors take reckless driving seriously. Without legal representation, many drivers accept avoidable convictions simply because they do not understand their options.

While traffic citations may seem minor, they can create long-term hardships. Common tickets include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Careless driving
• Failure to yield
• No valid driver’s license
• Failure to maintain lane

Florida uses a point system, and accumulating too many points results in automatic license suspension. Some violations add 3–6 points, and excessive points can lead to:

• Higher insurance premiums
• Driver’s license suspension
• Required driver improvement courses

How a Lawyer Helps

A defense attorney can often appear in court on your behalf, saving you a day away from work. Depending on the facts, an attorney may seek:

• Dismissal of the citation
• Reduction to a non-moving violation
• No points assessed

An experienced lawyer understands local court procedures and what arguments may persuade a judge or hearing officer. In counties such as Pasco, representation can be particularly beneficial because of diligent law enforcement and busy court calendars.

Regardless of the charge, what you do immediately after receiving a citation or being arrested can affect the outcome of your case.

1. Act Fast—Especially for DUI

You have only 10 days to prevent automatic administrative suspension of your driver’s license. Even waiting a few days can limit your options.

2. Schedule a Consultation

Stevens Law, P.A., offers free initial consultations so you can:

• Understand the charges
• Discuss possible defenses
• Learn what to expect in court
• Ask questions about the process

A consultation helps you make informed decisions before any long-term harm occurs.

3. Choose a Lawyer Familiar with Pasco County

Local experience matters. A lawyer who appears regularly in Dade City, New Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes, and Wesley Chapel courts understands:

• Local prosecutors’ tendencies
• Judicial preferences
• How local law enforcement handles DUI and traffic cases

This inside knowledge helps craft more effective defense strategies.

Stevens Law, P.A., focuses on providing strong, individualized defense for clients facing DUI, reckless driving, and other driving-related offenses in Pasco County and beyond. Attorney Rachel Stevens provides:

• Careful review of the evidence
• Clear communication about your rights
• Strategic analysis of administrative and criminal consequences
• Guidance through every step of the process

Every case is different, and no outcome can be guaranteed, but personalized representation ensures your side of the story is presented clearly and effectively.