DUI Defense Attorney in Sarasota

Defending Drivers in Manatee Counties & Lakewood Ranch Since 1993

DUI arrests in Sarasota and Manatee counties create stressful situations. Roadside field sobriety tests given to suspected drunk drivers can be embarrassing. The reality of handcuffs and spending time in jail challenges every driver emotionally. The penalties that follow a conviction mean DUI consequences can affect your life long-term.

At McIntosh Law, we know how to lessen or avoid the consequences of a DUI arrest. Our Sarasota DUI lawyers, led by Attorney McIntosh, who has training in forensic blood testing, investigate the details surrounding your arrest and review whether police properly conducted any breath, blood, or field sobriety tests. Our knowledge of Florida DUI laws puts the skilled legal representation of our entire team on your side. 

Request a confidential consultation with a DUI attorney in Sarasota at (941) 299-0701. You can also use our online contact form to get started.

Understanding DUI Charges in Sarasota

Under Florida law, DUI charges are based on the following: 

• A blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, or
• Being under the influence of alcohol or any chemical substance to the extent your normal faculties are impaired (regardless of BAC level).

Chemical substances include illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter products, such as allergy or sleep aids.

Our team of DUI defense attorneys in Sarasota investigates these details to defend your rights, examining how law enforcement determined substances in your system during the arrest.

Penalties for DUI Convictions in Florida

In Florida, DUI penalties are severe. Judges must impose specific minimum penalties and adjudicate the driver guilty unless a skilled attorney can negotiate a reckless driving plea or another offense.

Consequences of a DUI conviction include: 

• For a first conviction: You may face a fine of no less than $500 and a maximum of $1,000. Additional penalties include probation time, DUI school, and driver's license suspension.
• For a second conviction: Mandatory jail time and fines increase significantly for a conviction within five years, and your license may be suspended for five years.
• A third conviction: If the third conviction occurs within 10 years, it can result in a lifetime loss of your license and no less than 30 days in jail. Additionally, mandatory installation and maintenance of ignition interlock devices is required. Many judges impose harsher penalties than the minimum required.

Since penalties escalate with each conviction, successfully challenging the first DUI arrest becomes critical.

Aggravating Factors in Florida DUI Offenses

Certain factors can aggravate a DUI charge, leading to enhanced penalties:

• High BAC Levels: A BAC significantly higher than the legal limit, such as 0.15 percent or higher, may result in more severe charges.
• Reckless Driving: Dangerous driving behavior during the arrest can escalate the charge.
• Presence of Minors: Having a child in the vehicle during the offense increases penalties.
• Accidents & Injuries: Causing an accident, particularly one resulting in injury or death, greatly increases the severity of the charges.

Collateral Consequences of DUI Convictions

In addition to these direct penalties, a DUI conviction can lead to a host of collateral consequences:

• Administrative License Suspension: Your driver’s license is subject to administrative suspension by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which is a separate civil proceeding from your criminal case. This suspension is for 6 months for a BAC over 0.08% or 1 year for a refusal to submit to a chemical test.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Your car insurance premiums will likely skyrocket, and your policy may even be canceled.
• Employment Issues: A criminal record, especially for a felony, can be a significant barrier to employment, as many professional licenses and jobs that require driving will be off-limits.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a DUI conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation.

Common Plea Options & Alternative Sentencing in Sarasota DUI Cases

Many Sarasota drivers facing DUI charges wonder if alternatives exist outside of trial. Florida law and Sarasota County courts allow options such as plea agreements or diversion programs that can reduce penalties or tailor outcomes to individual circumstances. For some first-time offenders or those showing mitigating factors, charges may be reduced to reckless driving, carrying fewer long-term effects on driving records and future opportunities.

Courts in Sarasota also offer deferred adjudication and diversion programs requiring alcohol education, treatment, or community service. Successful completion can mean reduced penalties or avoidance of a formal conviction. Not everyone qualifies, but a local defense lawyer can evaluate eligibility, explain program obligations, and guide defendants through deadlines and court procedures. With legal help, individuals may secure a more manageable resolution than a full trial outcome.