DUI

Pensacola DUI Attorney

Fighting DUI Charges Throughout the Florida Panhandle & Escambia County

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Florida as laid out under the 2021 Florida Statutes. You can be arrested and charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or higher or if your normal faculties have been impaired to the degree that you are a safety risk to others regardless of your BAC level.

If you have been arrested for DUI anywhere within the Florida Panhandle, your first action should be to bring in a skilled criminal defense lawyer. While you may think that you have no chance for a favorable outcome against the state of Florida, that is not true. Everyone deserves a sound defense when accused of a crime and DUI is no different. Furthermore, many factors underlying DUI charges can be faulty, from lack of probable cause to improper police procedure, defective equipment, flawed sobriety testing, and other testing problems.

Because DUI is a highly-complex mix of science, technology, and police procedure, you will need an attorney who understands it and knows how to investigate such cases to uncover flaws and weaknesses in the state’s case against you. At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we have defended innumerable clients against DUI with favorable results. Our attorney is well-versed in Florida DUI and its component parts that can be thoroughly scrutinized for the benefit of your defense.

Book a free case evaluation with our Pensacola DUI lawyer by contacting us via email or at (850) 495-7977.

What Are DUI Penalties in Florida?

DUI leads to both criminal penalties and a license suspension as an administrative action by the Florida DMV.

A first-offense DUI conviction carries the following potential penalties:

Up to six months in jail
Fines ranging from $500 up to $1,000
License suspension of 180 days up to a year
Installation and maintenance of an ignition interlock device (IID) for possibly six months
Community service of up to 50 hours
Probation of up to a year
10-day vehicle impoundment
Alcohol or drug abuse treatment program

If you were found driving with a minor in your car or if your BAC measured .15 percent or higher, you could face up to nine months in jail and fines of $1,000 up to $2,000.

Second offenses within five years will lead to increased penalties:

Fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher or if there was a minor passenger in the vehicle, the fines may be increased to $2,000 to $4,000.
Up to 9 months in jail.
5-year license suspension.
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
12 months of probation.

A third DUI offense, especially if committed within 10 years of a previous DUI conviction, carries the most severe penalties under Florida law:

Fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, and may increase to $4,000 to $10,000 if your BAC was 0.15% or higher or if a minor passenger was present in the vehicle.
Up to 5 years in prison.
10-year license revocation.
Installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle the defendant drives.
The court may impose probation for a third DUI offense. You may also be required to attend DUI school, undergo substance abuse treatment, perform community service, or comply with random alcohol and drug testing.

Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors can significantly increase the penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, have a minor passenger (under 18) in the vehicle during the DUI, or if you have prior DUI convictions you may face harsher consequences, including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

As you can see, DUI is a serious matter in Florida that calls for the services of a skilled and committed attorney. At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we are dedicated to providing you with effective representation aimed at optimum results.

Speak with a Pensacola DUI attorney today for a free consultation. Call (850) 495-7977 or simply contact us online to get started on your path to a better outcome.

Continue Reading Read Less

"Mr. Griffith is the one to call!"
Mr. Griffith, Cheryl, and their entire team stood by me and fought for me during the two most difficult years of my life. He is compassionate and truly cares about his clients. His ability to pair his vast knowledge of the law with incredible intuition makes him a master of his craft. I will never be able to thank him enough for giving me my life back. If you find yourself in need of someone to fight for you and winning is the only option, Mr. Griffith is the one to call. Trust him, be patient, and don't get discouraged. It is difficult but he can and will make it happen.

- Former Client
"Thank goodness for Michael!"
What a professional!! A young person, for whom I care dearly, made a mistake that could have landed him in prison for five years, with a felony on his record to boot. Needless to say, we were distraught and needed the very best attorney we could find in the Pensacola area...that was Michael Griffith. Michael certainly knows what he is doing and his staff kept me informed all along the way with letters of upcoming court dates and full disclosure of all materials pertaining to the case. He was always available for discussion of the case, either immediately or with a timely returned call. If you're looking for an attorney who fully understands the legal system and how to handle a client's case for the best outcome, that's Michael. In the end, with Michael's skilled negotiations, the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor and the young person was given the option of probation or to serve a short sentence and have no probation. It was a totally unbelievable outcome, considering the result that could have been. Now this young person, who has realized how close he came to ruining his life, still has a chance to be successful with all doors open to him. All I can say is thank goodness for Michael!

- Diane
"This man works miracles!"
Michael Griffith is by far the best attorney you could get to represent you. He genuinely cares about each and every client he represents and coming from someone that works in the legal profession, know that is something hard to find in an attorney. Trust him and the processes of his office. If you have questions he is only a phone call away and always returns calls within 24 hours. It is truly remarkable to see an attorney care about his clients' futures and well being the way Michael Griffith does. He got me results better than anything I could have ever expected because of the hard work and knowledge his office puts in. If you hire Michael Griffith, do so knowing you have the best possible representation and will get the best possible outcome for your particular case. This man works miracles!

- Kelci
"Amazing work!"
Mr. Griffith is a true monster in the courtroom. Saved my son twice, from ruining his future. He is worth every penny. Believe in what he does. He has your best interest at heart. Just don't call him every five days. He already has your case figured out the first time you are in his office. He just won't tell you because, he doesn't want you messing it up. Just listen to him, show up to court, and enjoy the show. Wish you could live forever brother. The work you do is amazing. Thanks again Mr. Griffith.

- Yuki
"Absolutely amazing!"
Mr. Griffith was absolutely amazing and one of the sweetest, most professional people I have met in Pensacola. I was charged with a felony and Mr. Griffith helped me get my felony completely dropped from my record. He is very personal and treats you like a human being rather than just another client who has made a mistake. I DEFINITELY RECOMEND Micheal J. Griffith!

- Lauren
"Worth every penny!"
Great, experienced attorney. Delivered beyond our expectations and saved our son by getting him a second chance. Worth every penny! We visited other so called criminal attorneys who just gave us lip service and wanted the cash. We highly recommend Mr. Griffith.

- L.H.
"He went above and beyond for me!"
Michael Griffith is hands down the best attorney. I had traveled to Pensacola from out of state and unfortunately got into some legal trouble. I was able to reach attorney Griffith on a Sunday and get in to see him the following Monday. He went above and beyond for me, stayed in touch with me as I had to return to my home state. He was constantly updating me and always asking if I had any questions. He fought hard on my case and the outcome was far better than I expected.

- Amanda
"Had my best interest in mind."
I've used this attorney for years and I always feel that he has my best interest in mind at all times and the complete staff is professional and polite.

- B.G.

View All Reviews

Why Choose Michael J. Griffith, P.A.?

Attorney Griffith levels the playing field with his extensive experience, skills, and client service

Nearly 50 Years of Experience
Proven Track Record of Success
Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court
Passionate About Fighting for Those in Need

Hard-Hitting Advocacy

Start With a Free Consultation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy