"A DUI is fought on two fronts at once — the criminal case and your license. Lose sight of one and it can cost you the other."
— Carolle El-Naffy
TL;DR – A DUI arrest in Miami starts two cases: a criminal one and an administrative one over your license, with only a 10-day deadline. A good DUI lawyer protects both, knows the local court, and explains the costs and consequences up front.
The Florida DUI Process
A DUI case in Florida almost always follows the same steps:
- The traffic stop. The officer needs a lawful reason to pull you over.
- The investigation. Observations of odor, speech, and eyes, plus the field sobriety exercises.
- The arrest and the breath or blood test.
- Two parallel cases. A criminal case under Statute 316.193 and an administrative case over your license through the DHSMV.
That second case is what surprises people: the license suspension begins immediately, and you have only 10 days from the arrest to request a hearing and protect your license.
What a DUI Lawyer Typically Costs
Fees vary with the complexity of the case, but broadly:
- First-time DUI, no aggravators: usually handled on a flat fee.
- Cases with aggravators (high BAC, an accident, a minor in the car) or repeat offenses: cost more because of the added work.
- Cases that go to trial: are the most expensive, requiring motions, experts, and court days.
Be wary of fees that seem too low — in DUI defense, price usually reflects experience and the time actually spent on your case. Always ask for clarity on what the fee includes (for example, whether it covers the administrative license hearing).
What to Look For in a DUI Lawyer
Not every attorney handles DUIs with the same depth. Look for:
- Specific DUI experience in the Miami-Dade courts (and Broward, if it applies).
- Willingness to fight the license hearing, not just the criminal case.
- Technical knowledge of the breath test (Intoxilyzer 8000), calibration, and the 20-minute observation rule.
- Clear, bilingual communication, so you understand each step.
- Transparent fees in writing.
Your Rights at the Traffic Stop
What you do at the stop matters:
- You must provide your license, registration, and insurance, but you are not required to answer questions like "how much did you drink?"
- The field sobriety exercises are, in most cases, voluntary.
- Refusing the breath test has license consequences under the implied-consent law — a nuanced decision worth understanding.
- Be polite and don't resist; save your arguments for your lawyer.
For the first steps after an arrest, see also: What to Do If You're Arrested in Miami.
The Real Consequences of a DUI
A DUI reaches far beyond the courtroom:
- License: suspension or revocation, and a possible ignition interlock device.
- Insurance: Florida's FR-44 requirement, which demands high coverage limits and spikes premiums for years.
- Employment: a DUI on your record can affect jobs that require driving or professional licenses.
- Record: in Florida, a DUI conviction cannot be sealed or expunged — one more reason to defend it from the start.
Arrested for DUI in Miami? The Clock Is Already Running
Remember the 10-day deadline for your license. Carolle El-Naffy reviews the stop, the testing, and the paperwork from day one, and fights both the criminal case and the license case.
Call (305) 456-7576 75 Valencia Ave, Suite 800, Coral Gables, FL Confidential consultations available
