DUI Attorney in Kendall

The Critical 10-Day Deadline: Protecting Your Driver's License

The moment you are arrested for DUI in Florida, your driver's license is taken, and a 10-day temporary permit is issued. This starts the most urgent deadline in your case: the 10-Day Rule.

• You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a Formal Review Hearing with the DHSMV.
• If you miss the deadline, your license is automatically suspended (6 months for blowing over the limit, 1 year for refusal).
• If you request the hearing, we challenge the legality of the suspension. A successful challenge can restore your full driving privileges, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.

We recognize that the administrative suspension is a separate legal proceeding from the criminal case. Our firm immediately requests this hearing and utilizes the opportunity to subpoena the arresting officer and witnesses under oath. As former prosecutors, we use this sworn testimony to gather information and build a stronger defense for your criminal trial.

Penalties and Aggravating Factors in Florida DUI Cases

A first-time DUI conviction is a misdemeanor, but Florida imposes severe statutory penalties that intensify with higher BAC levels or prior offenses. A Kendall DUI defense lawyer is essential to mitigate these consequences.

First DUI Penalties

• Fines: $500 to $1,000.
• Jail: Up to 6 months.
• License Revocation: Minimum 180 days to 1 year.
• Community Service: Mandatory 50 hours.
• Vehicle Impoundment: 10 days.
• DUI School: Mandatory completion.

Enhanced Penalties (Aggravated DUI)

The penalties dramatically increase if aggravating factors are present. These enhancements lead to higher fines and longer jail time, even for a first offense:

• High BAC: BAC of 0.15 or higher. This doubles the minimum fine (up to $2,000) and increases the maximum jail time to 9 months.
• Minor Passenger: Having a person under 18 in the vehicle.
• Accident: If the DUI resulted in property damage, it can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail). If it caused serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a Third-Degree or Second-Degree Felony, respectively.

Our Comprehensive Approach to DUI Defense in Miami-Dade

At Beckham Law Firm, we utilize our experience as former prosecutors to dissect the State's evidence, often finding grounds for dismissal or reduction that other firms overlook. Our defense strategy tackles both the procedural steps and the scientific evidence.

Challenging the Stop and Arrest

• No Probable Cause: We challenge the initial traffic stop, arguing the officer lacked a lawful reason or reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle. If the stop was illegal, all evidence gathered afterward—including breath tests and field sobriety tests—must be suppressed.
• Actual Physical Control: We argue that you were not in "actual physical control" of the vehicle if we were merely found sleeping in a parked car, with the keys not in the ignition.

Attacking the Scientific and Field Evidence

• Breathalyzer Accuracy: We subpoena the machine's maintenance and calibration logs. Errors in calibration, officer training, or improper administration can render the BAC results unreliable.
• Rising BAC Defense: We argue that your BAC was still rising when you were tested at the station and that your BAC was legally below 0.08 at the time we were actually driving.
• Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): We challenge the subjective nature and improper administration of the FSTs, noting that factors like fatigue, medical conditions, or improper footwear can make a sober person appear impaired.
• Alternative Sentencing (Diversion): For eligible first-time offenders, we aggressively pursue diversion programs like Miami-Dade's "Back on Track," which can lead to charges being reduced to Reckless Driving (a "wet reckless") and eventually sealed from your criminal record.

DUI Attorney Process: What to Expect with Our Kendall Team

When you reach out to Beckham Law Firm for DUI defense in Kendall, you talk directly with attorneys who listen first. We explain the process, clarify what happens at each stage, and help you make informed decisions from day one. Our commitment to transparency ensures that you never feel lost or left out as your case moves forward.

• Comprehensive case analysis: We carefully review police reports, evidence procedures, and breath or blood test results to identify any errors or potential rights violations.
• Clear, practical advice: Our attorneys walk you through how Florida DUI law applies to your situation, and how the facts may impact negotiations or trial strategy in Miami-Dade County courts.
• Client-centered representation: We focus on advocacy that reflects your personal priorities, whether you seek reduction of charges, preservation of your driving privileges, or another legal solution.
• Support for license suspension issues: We guide you through the steps related to driver’s license hearings or administrative suspensions with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Our attorneys stay up to date on current changes in Miami-Dade County’s handling of DUI cases, including handling for both first-time and repeat DUI allegations. We explain what to expect at arraignment, possible pretrial motions, and the impact of any prior record. This approach helps you make decisions that work for your life and helps to prevent surprises along the way in the Kendall system.

Trusted Counsel from a Kendall DUI Defense Lawyer

Clients trust Beckham Law Firm to deliver not just answers, but consistent support when facing a DUI or drunk driving case in Kendall. We remain available to answer questions and explain every step, so you always feel informed and respected throughout the process. Our team believes your defense should reflect your goals, your record, and your day-to-day needs in the community.

With many individuals living, working, or going to school in Kendall or greater Miami, a DUI charge can quickly affect your employment, your education, and your family responsibilities. Our attorneys dedicate themselves to understanding each client’s circumstances, so your strategy matches the reality you face both in and out of the courtroom. When you choose our firm, you receive focused, experienced advocacy that looks beyond the paperwork to the real impact a criminal accusation can have.

Why Work with Our DUI Lawyers in Kendall

Clients choose Beckham Law Firm as their DUI defense attorney in Kendall because we offer genuine local insight and proven results. Our team includes a former prosecutor and a public defender, giving us a clear understanding of how the state builds and challenges DUI cases.

• Decades of courtroom experience: Work with attorneys who have handled a broad range of drunk driving and criminal cases throughout Miami-Dade County.
• Personalized DUI defense strategies: We tailor each defense based on your situation, considering local court practices, the evidence in your case, and Florida law.
• Transparent communication throughout: You always understand your options, timelines, and what to expect from beginning to end.
• Deep community knowledge: Our Miami roots provide an edge in understanding local law enforcement and the way Kendall-area courts process DUI cases.

Our approach centers on thorough preparation, diligent client care, and direct communication. We know the procedures, personalities, and expectations unique to the region, which helps us anticipate challenges and craft more effective defenses. 

With every client, we work to limit the short- and long-term impact that a drunk driving charge could have on your life, your work, and your family in and around Kendall.

Contact a Kendall DUI Defense Attorney Today

When you need the best DUI attorney in Kendall, reach out to Beckham Law Firm for guidance built on decades of defense experience and local insight.