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Florida DWI defense.

Florida has no separate DWI statute. If your paperwork, another state or an older record uses the term DWI, the Florida case is a DUI under F.S. 316.193, and it is defended that way.

How DWI defense cases are handled

Each case starts with a close review of the evidence: what the state has, what it needs to prove and where the gaps may be. Options are discussed after that review, because the right path depends on the facts of the case.

The firm takes DWI defense cases in Brevard County from its Satellite Beach office and in Central Florida from its Orlando office, and also takes cases in Bay County and Broward County. The practice is led by David Cannady, a former Florida prosecutor admitted to The Florida Bar in 2014, and calls are answered 24 hours a day.

Charges we handle
FAQ
DUI manslaughter is a second degree felony under F.S. 316.193. It carries a 4 year minimum mandatory prison sentence and a maximum of 15 years. If the driver fails to give information or render aid, the charge becomes a first degree felony.
There are 10 days from the arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If no request is made, the administrative suspension takes effect. This deadline runs separately from the criminal case, so it is one of the first things checked in a free case review.
A hardship or business purposes only license may be available during some suspensions. Eligibility depends on the type of suspension and the driver's record, and DUI school enrollment is part of the process. Whether it fits a particular case is reviewed along with the formal review hearing deadline.
In many misdemeanor DUI cases, an attorney can appear for the client at pretrial hearings, and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.180 governs when a defendant must be present. At arraignment, a lawyer can often file a written plea of not guilty. Plea and trial dates are treated differently, and the judge's requirements control.
Depending on the evidence, a DUI may in some cases be resolved as a lesser charge such as reckless driving. This is never automatic. It usually turns on the stop, the officer's observations, the breath or blood testing and the driver's history, which is why those points are reviewed before any plea is discussed.
Fees depend on the county, the charge and how much work the case needs, such as a formal review hearing, motions to suppress or a trial. The firm offers a free case review, and payment plans are available through Affirm, including $0 down options, subject to approval.
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