DUI/BUI Lawyers Serving St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Tampa Bay and All Surrounding Areas

DUI—Driving Under the Influence—and BUI—Boating Under the Influence—are SERIOUS OFFENSES.  We have dealt with DUI and BUI cases both as prosecutors and as defense attorneys in Pinellas, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties.  With our experience on both sides of the courtroom, we know how to evaluate and attack DUI and BUI cases.  When you are accused of committing a crime—as with driving or boating under the influence of alcohol—time is of the essence.

In the state of Florida, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may take immediate action against your driver's license when you are charged with DUI.  Your driver's license may be administratively suspended BUT you have TEN days after receiving the citation to challenge the suspension of your driver's license by requesting a DHSMV administrative hearing.  We represent clients at these administrative hearings and can help you obtain a temporary driving permit so you can continue to drive until the DHSMV reviews the administrative suspension of your driver's license.

Use the Right Lawyer to Fight for a Good Outcome 

If you have been charged with DUI or BUI, you should immediately seek legal help from an attorney who is proficient in this area of the law.  Each year, stronger DUI and BUI laws and more severe penalties are enacted.  Potential consequences are significant and may include, but are not limited to:

• Losing your driver's license
• Being placed in jail
• Paying substantial fees, fines, and court costs
• Increased insurance rates
• A permanent criminal conviction on your record

We evaluate every case for a possible reduction or dismissal of the charge.  As former state prosecutors, each of our attorneys has invaluable knowledge of the PRACTICES AND CUSTOMS OF THE LOCAL COURT SYSTEM.  Among the important matters considered in every case are whether or not the state's evidence is admissible, whether a trial is necessary, and if you can avoid a permanent criminal record.

Appeals

In Florida, an appeal is a complex and time-consuming matter, but it may be your LAST CHANCE for getting the outcome you want.

Unlike many other law firms, at Barnett Wolfe Rice, P.A. we have the experience, ability and desire to handle criminal and family (domestic relations) appeals.

If you think you need to appeal your case, CONTACT US immediately.  There are STRICT DEADLINES for filing an appeal, so you must act quickly.

Quality Representation You Can Trust When You Need It the Most

Call (727) 525-0200 or visit our Contact Us page for more information on how we can help you.

Our main office is conveniently located near the downtown St. Petersburg Courthouse, the Criminal Justice Center in Clearwater, and the South County Traffic Court in St. Petersburg. 

There is no fee for an initial consultation on criminal cases and the minimal fee for an initial family law consultation will be applied to your retainer.