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DUI Overview

DUI Penalties Driving Privileges Hardship License Fighting DUI Charges Why Choose Carlson Hayslett, P.A. FAQs

DUI Defense: Safeguarding Your Freedom

Driving under the influence (DUI) is aggressively prosecuted by authorities in Bradenton, Florida. Even if you are a first-time offender, the court can impose serious penalties on you if you are convicted of DUI. Your future—and your freedom—is on the line. Fortunately, the DUI lawyers in Bradenton at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. are here to help. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to help you minimize or avoid the legal penalties of a DUI conviction. We are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and reaching the best possible outcome in your case. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, schedule a free consultation with our team today by calling 941-289-0504.

Attorneys at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. on Criminal Defense

Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett

What Are the Penalties For DUI in Bradenton?

The penalties for DUI in Bradenton can vary depending on several factors, including your prior criminal record. The penalties for first-time offenders can include up to $1,000 in fines and up to six months in jail.

The penalties for repeat offenders are even more serious. Second-time offenders can face up to $2,000 in fines and up to 9 months in jail.

If this is your second conviction within five years, you will also face mandatory imprisonment of at least 10 days. Third-time offenders may have to pay up to $5,000 in fines and spend up to one year in jail. If this conviction occurs within 10 years of a prior conviction, you will face mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days. If you have three or more prior DUI convictions on your record, you can face at least $2,000 in fines and up to five years in prison for your fourth or subsequent conviction.

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How Does A DUI in Bradenton Affect Your Driving Privileges?

If you are arrested for DUI, your driver’s license is immediately revoked. The length of this revocation will vary depending on your prior DUI history, but it can range anywhere from six months for a first conviction to up to ten years for more than three convictions. If you apply for a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, you may be able to challenge your suspension and retain your driving privileges. It is imperative that you have a skilled personal injury attorney in Bradenton with you at the DMV hearing to help you fight for your driving privileges.

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Do You Qualify For A Hardship License After A DUI Arrest?

If your license is suspended after a DUI, you may be eligible for a hardship reinstatement, which would allow you to continue driving for business or employment purposes only.

The eligibility requirements for hardship reinstatement will vary depending on whether you are a first-time or repeat DUI offender. For example, first-time offenders will need to provide proof of completion of DUI school. However, if this is your second DUI conviction within five years, in addition to completing DUI school, you must also wait one year before applying for hardship reinstatement. Furthermore, you must remain in a DUI supervision program for the remainder of your driver’s license revocation period.

If you have four or more DUI convictions, you will not be eligible for hardship reinstatement.

Contact our DUI attorneys in Bradenton, who can help you understand your case.

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How Can An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Fight DUI Charges?

DUI cases often rely mainly on the results of the driver’s chemical test. You may think that there’s no way to fight your charges if your results show that you were intoxicated, but that’s not the case. The truth is that the results of blood, breath, and urine tests are often inaccurate. The police must follow specific procedures when administering, testing, and storing samples from chemical tests.

If they fail to follow one or more of these procedures, the results may not be accurate. Our Bradenton DUI lawyers will carefully review the evidence to look for missteps or mistakes that we can use to weaken the state’s case against you. It is possible to avoid a conviction even if your chemical test results show intoxication—we can help.

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Why Choose the DUI Attorneys at Carlson Hayslett, P.A., in Clearwater, FL?

Facing a DUI charge in Bradenton can have serious consequences for your driving privileges, reputation, and future. The experienced DUI attorneys in Bradenton at Carlson Hayslett, P.A. bring more than 55 years of legal experience and understand how to challenge evidence, examine police procedures, and develop defense strategies tailored to your case.

Our team provides personalized, hands-on legal representation grounded in strong ethics and genuine client care. What distinguishes our firm includes:

  • Deep roots in the Tampa Bay and surrounding communities
  • Extensive familiarity with local courts and the judges who preside over criminal cases
  • Leadership within the legal community, including involvement in the nomination of judges our clients now appear before
  • Recognition from respected legal organizations such as Super Lawyers, Florida Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Clearwater Bar Association

Let us advocate for you when you are facing DUI charges. Contact Carlson Hayslett, P.A., today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our Bradenton DUI defense attorneys can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

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DUI Accident FAQs

Did I have to take the field sobriety tests during my DUI stop?

Can DUI charges be reduced?

Can I be charged with a DUI in Florida if my blood alcohol level is below 0.08%?

What happens if I was arrested for DUI while visiting Bradenton from another state?

Can a DUI charge be dismissed if the officer did not have a valid reason to stop me?

Did I have to take the field sobriety tests during my DUI stop?

Field sobriety tests are generally voluntary in Florida, and refusing them may not prevent an officer from making an arrest. However, the prosecution may be able to use your refusal as evidence in court. Our team can review the circumstances of your stop and explain how your decision may affect your defense.

Can DUI charges be reduced?

Yes. Depending on the evidence and circumstances of your case, DUI charges may be reduced through negotiations with the prosecution. Factors such as problems with the traffic stop, unreliable test results, or weaknesses in the evidence may affect the available options.

Can I be charged with a DUI in Florida if my blood alcohol level is below 0.08%?

Yes. Florida law allows DUI charges when a driver's normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or other substances, even if their blood alcohol concentration is below 0.08%. Police observations, driving behavior, and field sobriety test results may be considered alongside chemical test results. Our attorneys can examine the evidence and determine how to challenge the allegations.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI while visiting Bradenton from another state?

A DUI arrest in Bradenton can have consequences in Florida and potentially affect your driving privileges in your home state. You may need to address court proceedings in Florida, and your home state may take separate action depending on applicable laws and reporting requirements. Carlson Hayslett, P.A., can help you understand the process and explain how the charge may affect your driving record.

Can a DUI charge be dismissed if the officer did not have a valid reason to stop me?

Potentially, yes. If an officer lacked the legally required justification for the traffic stop, your defense may be able to challenge the legality of the stop and seek to suppress evidence obtained as a result. Whether that leads to dismissal depends on the facts and the court's ruling.

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