First Offense DUI in Melbourne

Your First DUI Case & Florida’s 10-Day License Deadline

A first arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can start two separate proceedings: a criminal case and an administrative driver-license suspension. The criminal allegation may involve impaired normal faculties, meaning a reduced ability to perform ordinary physical or mental tasks, or a blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. Each proceeding has its own deadlines and potential consequences.

We review what happened before, during, and after the traffic stop, including field sobriety tests, chemical testing, release conditions, and arrest procedures. Laura Siemers personally handles each case, giving clients direct access to the attorney evaluating the evidence and available options.

Call (321) 218-5512 now for a free consultation about your arrest, driving privileges, and next steps.

Florida Penalties for a First DUI Conviction

Under Florida Statute section 316.193, a first conviction generally carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. If the offense involves a blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, or a passenger younger than 18, the range increases to a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to nine months in jail.

Additional consequences may include:

• Probation and court-ordered community service.
• Completion of an approved DUI program and any required evaluation or treatment.
• Suspension or restriction of driving privileges.
• Vehicle immobilization or impoundment.
• Installation of an ignition-interlock device when required by the facts and applicable law.

An arrest isn’t a conviction. The consequences depend on the evidence, any enhanced allegations, applicable law, and how the case is resolved.

The 10-Day Florida Driver-License Deadline

A DUI arrest can trigger an administrative license suspension that proceeds independently of the criminal prosecution. A request for formal or informal review generally must be submitted within 10 days of the arrest or notice of suspension, as applicable. Waiting for the first criminal court date can allow this separate deadline to expire.

A formal review involves a hearing at which the suspension and supporting evidence can be examined. An informal review is based on documents submitted to the hearing officer. A driver facing a first-time suspension may also be eligible for review of restricted driver license eligibility, depending on the circumstances and satisfaction of Florida requirements.

Keep the citation, temporary permit, notice of suspension, and release paperwork. We can examine those documents, explain the available administrative paths, and address the license proceeding separately from the criminal charge.

Evidence in a First-Offense DUI Defense

Our review begins with the legal basis for the stop and the officer’s observations. We examine whether there was lawful justification for the stop and probable cause for the arrest. We also determine whether field sobriety tests were explained and administered properly. Medical conditions, injuries, or testing conditions may affect how the recorded performance should be interpreted.

We evaluate evidence that may include:

• Patrol and body-camera video: Footage may document driving, instructions, testing conditions, statements, and the arrest.
• Breath-testing records: We review testing procedures and the equipment’s calibration and maintenance records.
• Blood evidence: We examine how a sample was collected, stored, transported, and analyzed.
• Chain of custody: This record identifies who handled physical evidence from collection through analysis.
• Reports and witness accounts: We compare written allegations with video, test data, and other available information.

When appropriate, we consult qualified professionals to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. We also assess whether the facts support challenging evidence, negotiating a reduction that could include a traffic violation, or pursuing another available resolution. These options depend on the facts and aren’t promised outcomes.

First DUI Cases in Melbourne & Brevard County

We guide clients through each applicable stage, from the initial appearance and pretrial conferences through negotiations, motions, and trial when necessary. When a case proceeds in Brevard County criminal court, we review discovery and any plea offers, request available reports and videos, and obtain relevant breath-testing equipment records. We track court dates, explain the purpose of each hearing, and keep clients informed as the evidence develops.

The criminal prosecution and administrative license proceeding have different decision-makers, procedures, and schedules. We monitor both tracks so the driver-license issue isn’t overlooked while the criminal charge is pending.

More Than 20 Years of Criminal Defense Experience

Our practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, including DUI, misdemeanor, and felony charges. Laura Siemers brings more than 20 years of criminal-defense experience and familiarity with Florida criminal procedure to every case she personally handles.

We’re available 24/7 to serve clients in Melbourne and throughout Brevard County. We offer free consultations and bilingual staff support, along with clear communication about the legal process, potential fees, and decisions ahead.

Get a Prompt Review of Your DUI Arrest

Contact us for an evidence-focused review of the stop, testing, arrest paperwork, license deadline, and criminal allegations. During your free consultation, we can identify which steps require immediate attention and which defense options warrant further investigation.

Call (321) 218-5512 to speak with Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers about your first DUI arrest.