{"id":1227,"date":"2026-10-04T02:51:29","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T02:51:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/dui-defense-attorney\/fort-lauderdale\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:55:19","slug":"fort-lauderdale","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/dui-defense-attorney\/fort-lauderdale\/","title":{"rendered":"DUI Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale | Patrick Wilson Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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DUI Defense Attorney<\/a><\/p>

Aggressive DUI Defense in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida<\/h1>

Patrick Wilson Law defends drivers facing DUI charges across Broward County, Miami-Dade, and the Keys. We challenge breath tests, blood tests, and traffic stops to protect your license and your future.<\/p>

Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Patrick David Wilson \u00b7 Published October 04, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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DUI Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale<\/h2>\n

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale, you’re facing immediate and serious consequences\u2014jail time, license suspension, fines, and potential damage to your career and professional standing. The first hours after your arrest are critical. What you do now determines what options remain available to you later.<\/p>\n

Patrick Wilson Law defends people across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County against DUI charges. We handle first-time offenders, licensed professionals whose careers are on the line, and drivers facing complex testing or procedural issues. We know the local courts, the prosecutors, and the administrative processes that affect your case. This guide explains what you’re facing and how early legal intervention can protect your rights.<\/p>\n\n

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If you've been arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, the first hours matter\u2014reach out to Patrick Wilson Law for a free consultation and learn how we protect your rights and your future. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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DUI Charges in Fort Lauderdale: What You’re Facing<\/h2>\n

A DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale triggers two separate legal processes at the same time: criminal charges and an administrative license suspension. Both move quickly, and both require immediate attention.<\/p>\n

When you’re arrested, law enforcement conducts a breath or blood test to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Police also document field sobriety tests\u2014the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) tests. The arrest report becomes the foundation of the criminal case. At the same time, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor<\/a> Vehicles (FLHSMV) initiates an automatic license suspension. You have only 10 days to request a hearing to challenge that suspension, or you lose the right to contest it.<\/p>\n

In Broward County, DUI cases are handled by the Eleventh Judicial<\/a> Circuit. The prosecutors and judges in Fort Lauderdale courts follow specific patterns and procedures. Understanding local practice matters because it shapes what defenses are available and what outcomes are realistic.<\/p>\n

Is Jail Time Mandatory for a First DUI in Florida?<\/h2>\n

Yes, jail time is mandatory for a first DUI conviction in Florida, but the amount depends on circumstances and can sometimes be reduced.<\/p>\n

Florida Statute \u00a7316.193<\/a> establishes the penalties for DUI. For a first offense, the mandatory minimum is 6 days in jail. However, this minimum can be reduced to community service in some cases, particularly for first-time offenders with no aggravating factors and no accident involved.<\/p>\n

If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle, the mandatory minimum increases to 10 days. If your DUI involved an accident causing property damage or injury, penalties escalate further. Your license will be suspended for 6 months to 1 year.<\/p>\n

Early legal intervention matters because prosecutors in Broward County sometimes agree to reduce charges or recommend lighter sentences when a defense attorney negotiates before trial. The strength of the evidence against you\u2014the quality of the breath or blood test, the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests\u2014affects what the prosecution is willing to offer.<\/p>\n

What Is the Typical Cost of Hiring a DUI Lawyer in Florida?<\/h2>\n

DUI defense costs vary widely depending on case complexity and the attorney’s experience, but understanding the full financial picture helps you plan.<\/p>\n

Attorney fees for DUI defense typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on whether the case is resolved through negotiation or proceeds to trial. Beyond attorney fees, you’ll face court costs, fines, and administrative fees imposed by the state. A first-offense DUI fine ranges from $500 to $1,000. You’ll also pay for the mandatory DUI school course, substance abuse evaluation, and potentially ignition interlock device installation if required.<\/p>\n

Many people focus only on attorney fees and overlook the total cost. Early legal intervention can actually reduce your overall expenses. When an attorney challenges testing procedures, identifies procedural errors, or negotiates a favorable resolution early, you avoid the cost of a full trial and may reduce fines or avoid some mandatory minimums.<\/p>\n

Patrick Wilson Law offers a free consultation. We review your case, explain your options, and discuss what defense strategy costs in your specific situation\u2014without obligation. Understanding your case and your choices costs you nothing.<\/p>\n

Common Sentences for a First DUI in Fort Lauderdale<\/h2>\n

Broward County judges apply Florida law consistently<\/a>, but they also consider the specifics of your case when determining sentences.<\/p>\n

A typical first-offense DUI sentence includes:<\/p>\n