Serving Palm Beach and Broward County

Have you or a loved one been charged with DUI in Florida?

Attorney Ray Ledezma has many years of experience fighting driving under the influence and related charges. We know you have a lot of questions right now. Consider this page to be a basic tutorial through Florida DUI law and feel free to call us for a free, confidential consultation if you want to discuss the specific facts of your case further.

You must act now to avoid a license suspension! You only have ten (10) days from the date of your arrest to take action regarding your driver’s license before an automatic suspension goes into effect. If this is your first DUI arrest, you have the option to waive your right to an appeal, which will result in you obtaining a hardship license good for driving for work, religious, school, or medical purposes, or “for any reason necessary to maintain your livelihood.”

If you refused to blow or provide a urine sample, the hardship license will be in place for one (1) year from the date of arrest.
If you provided a sample and your blood-alcohol level was over .08 (the legal limit in Florida) then the hardship will be in place for a period of six (6) months from the date of arrest. Please note that to obtain a hardship license you must waive your right to appeal and also enroll in DUI School within the first ten (10) days.

Alternatively, you may challenge the suspension altogether. I will set a hearing with the DMV and if the officer is unable to prove the necessary elements your license will be reinstated. During the time that the appeal is pending you will be able to drive on a hardship license.

I will be able to advise you whether it is in your best interest to waive the appeal or to go forward with an appeal. Regardless of your decision, you must take action within ten (10) days to avoid a suspension automatically going into effect! Should you fail to take action within ten (10) days, your license will automatically be suspended for ninety (90) days for a refusal or thirty (30) days for a sample over the legal limit.

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Free Consultation

What are the first time DUI penalties in Florida?

1st DUI (BAC Under .15) Minimum Penalties
1st DUI (BAC Over .15) Minimum Penalties
Questions we ask when reviewing your case:
  • $500 fine plus court costs
  • Probation
  • 50 community service hours
  • DUI School & Any Required Treatment
  • 10 Day Vehicle Impound
  • 6 Month License Suspension
  • $1,000 fine plus court costs
  • Probation
  • 50 community service hours
  • DUI School & Any Required Treatment
  • 10 Day Vehicle Impound
  • 6 Month License Suspension
  • 6 Month Vehicle Ignition Interlock Device
  • Were your Miranda rights read to you?
  • What was the reason for the stop?
  • Were you legally stopped?
  • Were you unlawfully arrested?
  • Were you asked to submit to a breath test?
  • Were you asked to submit to field sobriety exercises?
  • How did you perform on those exercises?
  • Did you "blow" or "refuse"?
  • Was there a video taken at the scene?
  • Was your breath test accurate?

    • If you have been arrested for DUI, all hope is not lost! Our firm’s goal is to help you avoid a DUI conviction.

    If you are convicted of DUI there are certain minimum mandatory sanctions that are required by law. We will fight to have your DUI dismissed through a technical or procedural error made by law enforcement, or by obtaining a “not guilty” verdict from a jury. Alternatively, we may be able to have the State reduce your DUI to a lesser charge of Reckless Driving, which removes the stigma associated with DUI and allows you to answer “no” if asked if you were ever convicted of DUI. Additionally you will avoid some of the mandatory penalties associated with DUI and may not have to carry high-risk auto insurance.

    CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

    UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE & DEDICATION TO HELP
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    • Very Capable Trial Attorney

      Renier or "Ray" as he calls himself represented me for a DUI in Palm Beach County and at first I was not thrilled about the idea of going to trial. However, Ray made me feel comfortable and explained the pros and cons of having a trial. We had the trial and he got me a NOT GUILTY. I was very happy but glad that the process was finally over. He could have kept me a bit more informed regarding the discussions he had with the state attorney about my case. Overall though, I would definitely recommend him to someone.

    • Renier got me a great resolution to my case.

      I retained Mr. Ledezma for my DUI case about a month ago. It was my second DUI arrest in a few years. Renier did a great job and explained the process to me and did not make promises he could not keep. There was a chance I would not get another reckless so my expectations were kept at a reasonable level. However, he found some weaknesses in the case and ended up getting me a reckless instead of a DUI conviction. I was impressed with Mr. Ledezma because he was very straightforward and showed that he cared. I would definitely recommend him because he is sincere in his efforts and cares about his clients.

    • Very aggressive and cared about getting the nest result.

      I fell down at Walmart about a year ago and hurt my back. I received medical treatment and brought it to Walmart's attention. However, when Walmart received my letter and medical records they said they were not responsible. My friend retained Renier for his personal injury matter and recommended him. When I spoke to Renier he was very helpful and explained the process to me. He didn't make any promises besides he would work very hard to get me a good settlement. He filed a demand letter and negotiated with Walmart for over 6 months when he eventually got me a great settlement. He was great because I was able to call him for questions even on the weekends. I could tell he cared about making me happy and getting me a great result. I highly recommend him to anyone else in my position.

    • Great Attorney and cares about his clients.

      Mr. Ledezma assisted me with my battery case and fought hard for me. He did not recommend accepting the first offer and it turned out he was correct. I ended up getting a much better deal which minimized the costs associated with my plea agreement and long-term consequences. More importantly, Mr. Ledezma by his actions really showed he cared and made me feel like I was more then just another client. A great experience and I would highly recommend him for anyone.

    • An excellent, reliable, knowledgeable, considerate, hard working attorney. I would never, ever use another attorney.

      It is rare in this day and age to find an attorney that is dignified, caring and kept me up to date the entire time. He exceeded my expectations, which are quite high. Ray did not miss a beat in any part of the client/attorney relationship. If you need an attorney, this is the attorney you should choose. You will not be disappointed.

    Broward: (954) 670-7105 | Palm Beach: (561)-454-9727