DUI Defense Your Future Is Worth the Fight

St. Petersburg DUI Lawyer

Fighting for Your Rights in Pinellas County

A DUI charge in Florida can have serious consequences, including license suspension, steep fines, and possible jail time. Even a first-time offense can impact your future, making it harder to keep your job, maintain your insurance, or avoid a criminal record. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, having an experienced defense attorney on your side is crucial. At Bastos Defense, we fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Don't wait to contact our St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyer after an arrest. We’re here for you. Call (727) 353-6842 or contact us online.

What Happens If You Get a DUI in Florida?

If you’re pulled over on suspicion of DUI in Florida, you could face serious legal trouble—even if you felt fine to drive. Florida law considers driving under the influence (DUI) to mean operating a vehicle while your ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

You can be charged with a DUI if:

Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (this is about four to five drinks for the average person, depending on weight).
You show obvious signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, unsteady movement, or delayed reactions, even if your BAC is below 0.08%.
You are in "actual physical control" of the vehicle while impaired—meaning you don’t have to be driving. If you’re in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition while under the influence, you could still face charges.

Florida has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning a BAC of just 0.02%—as little as one drink—can result in a DUI charge. Commercial drivers are also held to strict rules, with a BAC limit of 0.04%, and violating it can lead to serious penalties, including losing their commercial driver’s license (CDL).

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Florida?

Being charged with a DUI in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal consequences. A conviction can lead to license suspension, expensive fines, and even jail time, affecting your job, finances, and future. The severity of the penalties depends on your blood alcohol level (BAC), prior offenses, and whether an accident or injury was involved.

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What Sets Us Apart? Defense That Delivers

Get A Former Prosecutor On Your Side

Elite Experience

María Bastos is a former statewide prosecutor with a track record of handling complex, multi-county cases.
Client-First Advocacy

Our selective caseload ensures every client gets personalized attention and a strong legal strategy.
Fierce & Compassionate

We're tough in the courtroom, but deeply committed to guiding clients through criminal defense and family law matters with care.
Justice-Driven

We are passionate about defending the accused and advocating for victims when possible, always fighting for what’s right.

Potential Penalties

Here’s what you need to know about DUI penalties in Florida based on your specific situation:

First-Time DUI Penalties in Florida

A first DUI offense can still come with harsh consequences, even if no one was hurt. If convicted, you may face:

License Suspension - Between 6 months to 1 year, meaning you may be unable to drive to work or handle daily responsibilities.
Fines - Ranging from $500 to $1,000, which can increase based on your BAC level.
Jail Time - Up to 6 months, though alternative sentencing may be possible in some cases.
Community Service - At least 50 hours, which may interfere with your job or personal life.
Vehicle Impoundment - Your car may be taken away for 10 days, making transportation a challenge.

What Happens If You Get a Second DUI in Florida?

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI before, penalties get much more severe, especially if it happens within five years of your first offense:

License Suspension - Up to 5 years, making it nearly impossible to maintain employment that requires driving.
Fines - Between $1,000 and $2,000, significantly increasing financial strain.
Jail Time - Up to 9 months, with the possibility of mandatory time behind bars.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) - A breathalyzer installed in your vehicle for at least one year, requiring you to test alcohol levels before driving.

Is a Third DUI a Felony in Florida?

A third DUI within 10 years is considered a felony in Florida, meaning a permanent criminal record and even more serious penalties:

License Suspension - 10 years, severely limiting your independence.
Fine - Between $2,000 and $5,000, making it financially devastating.
Jail Time - Up to 5 years, leading to lost employment and major personal consequences.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) - Required for a minimum of two years, adding extra expenses and inconvenience.

DUI Involving Injury or Death: The Most Severe Penalties

If a DUI leads to serious injury or death, the penalties are life-altering. You may face:

Felony charges, meaning long-term consequences on your record.
Extensive prison time, often decades behind bars.
Permanent license revocation, meaning you may never be allowed to drive again.

A DUI conviction can affect your life for years, but you may have options to reduce or fight the charges. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, contact Bastos Defense online or at (727) 353-6842 to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Effective Defense Strategies for DUI Charges

Every DUI case is different, but we take a strategic approach to identify flaws in the prosecution’s case. Our defense strategies include:

Challenging Unlawful Traffic Stops – If police pulled you over without reasonable suspicion, your entire case may be dismissed.
Questioning Breathalyzer & Blood Test Accuracy – Improperly calibrated or faulty devices can produce false BAC readings.
Exposing Field Sobriety Test Flaws – Poor lighting, uneven roads, or medical conditions can unfairly impact test results.
Protecting Your Rights – If police violated your Miranda rights or conducted an illegal search, key evidence could be thrown out.
Negotiating Reduced Charges – First-time offenders may qualify for probation, diversion programs, or a reckless driving plea instead of a DUI conviction.

A DUI charge does not automatically lead to a conviction. There are ways to fight back and minimize the impact on your life. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to reduce penalties, keep your record clean, or even get your case dismissed.

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How a DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help

Getting arrested for DUI in Florida can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve never been in trouble with the law before. You may be wondering if you’ll lose your license, have to pay expensive fines, or even face jail time. A DUI conviction doesn’t just affect your driving privileges—it can impact your job, finances, and reputation, making everyday life much more difficult.

At Bastos Defense, we understand the uncertainty and stress that come with a DUI charge. That’s why we take a proactive and aggressive approach to defending your case. We carefully examine police reports, breathalyzer tests, and field sobriety procedures to find errors or inconsistencies that could work in your favor. Being charged with DUI does not mean you’re guilty, and with the right legal strategy, you may be able to avoid harsh penalties or even get your case dismissed.

Call us at (727) 353-6842 today for a confidential consultation or fill out our online form and start building your defense.

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"Would definitely recommend her to anyone"
I have known Maria a very long time and would definitely recommend her to anyone who needed an effective, timely, and experienced defense attorney.

- Ellie C.
"Let Maria fight for you!"
Maria's drive, dedication, and compassion, coupled with her extensive experience as a statewide prosecutor, make her an exceptional candidate for your legal needs. She is prepared to stand up for your rights. Let Maria fight for you!

- Lelia A.
"She Came In Swinging"
Maria came in swinging! From the first phone call she had a plan. Top notch defense attorney, more than fair rate. 10/10 would recommend. She is now locked in.

- Erica B.
"Nothing Short of Amazing"
Maria is nothing short of amazing! I am so glad I hired her. She went above and beyond! She is very efficient and kept me up to speed every step of the way. I highly recommend Maria to fight for your rights!

- Danielle B.

Meet Attorney María Bastos Your Case Is Our Mission

At Bastos Defense, you get a fierce advocate on your side, with a compassionate and personalized approach to client care.