Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Sarasota can be overwhelming. Many people are unsure what happens next—whether they will lose their license immediately, what court appearances are required, and how the charges could affect their future. Understanding the process is the first step toward protecting your rights.
At the Law Offices of Anthony G. Ryan, we guide clients through every stage of a DUI case. Attorney Anthony G. Ryan is a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with decades of courtroom experience, providing trusted defense in Sarasota DUI cases. Below is a step-by-step look at what typically happens after a DUI arrest.
Step 1: The Initial Arrest
When you are stopped on suspicion of DUI, the officer may ask you to perform field sobriety exercises or submit to a breath test. If your blood / breath alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if the officer believes you are impaired, you will likely be arrested and taken to jail.
- Your driver’s license will be confiscated.
- You will receive a temporary driving permit, valid for 10 days, unless you waive certain rights.
- Your vehicle may be impounded.
Step 2: Administrative License Suspension
Separate from the criminal court case, Florida law imposes an administrative suspension of your license if you fail or refuse a breath, blood, or urine test.
- First refusal: one-year suspension.
- Second refusal: 18-month suspension.
- Failed test (BAC .08 or higher): six-month suspension.
You have only 10 days from your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If you do not act quickly, you lose the chance to challenge the suspension.
You also have 10 days from your arrest to request an eligibility waiver hearing. This is a way to get a business purposes only driver’s license almost immediately. Attorney Ryan will explain this option to you so you can make this election if you decide it is in your best interest.
Step 3: Court Proceedings Begin
Your first court date is usually an arraignment, where you are formally advised of the charges. From there, your case moves through pre-trial hearings and possibly a trial.
Key issues the court will examine include:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful.
- Whether field sobriety and chemical tests were administered properly.
- Whether evidence should be suppressed due to constitutional violations.
A conviction can bring penalties such as fines, probation, license suspension, alcohol education programs, community service, and even jail time.
Step 4: Possible Defenses to a Sarasota DUI Charge
Every DUI case is unique, and viable defenses depend on the facts. Common defense strategies include:
- Challenging the stop: Police must have a lawful reason to pull you over.
- Breath test errors: Machines may malfunction or be improperly maintained.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues can mimic impairment.
- Insufficient evidence: The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired.
Attorney Anthony G. Ryan carefully reviews the circumstances of your arrest and develops a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Step 5: Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in Florida can follow you for years. Consequences may include:
- Higher auto insurance rates or cancellation of coverage.
- Employment challenges, especially in professions that require driving.
- Permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged.
- Increased penalties for any future DUI charges.
This is why securing experienced legal representation early in the process is so critical.
Why Immediate Legal Help Matters
Time is not on your side after a DUI arrest. You have only 10 days to fight your license suspension, and prosecutors begin building their case against you immediately. Having a board-certified criminal trial lawyer involved from the start ensures that your rights are protected at every stage.
Contact the Law Offices of Anthony G. Ryan Today
If you have been arrested for DUI in Sarasota, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense can be. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony G. Ryan today to schedule a confidential consultation. Attorney Ryan will explain your options and fight to protect your driving privileges, your freedom, and your future.
