2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 19
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Cape Coral DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
(78)Why choose this provider?
Established in 1975, Ringsmuth, Day & O'Halloran, PLLC, is a specialty firm that provides criminal defense for cases such as DUI. It assists people in Cape Coral who have been charged or are still being investigated. The firm's lawyers work to protect their clients' rights and pursue favorable resolutions to the charges. Lead attorney Peter Duncan Ringsmuth is a popular choice for people charged with a DUI. In 2000, he handled 184 DUI cases, almost a hundred more than any other attorney in the county.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Ringsmuth - Partner | Active | 49 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.2 (56)
- 5.0 (53)
Why choose this provider?
Parks & Braxton PA is a DUI defense law firm that protects the rights of individuals in Cape Coral and the neighboring areas. Its lawyers aggressively represent clients in first-time offenses and felony DUI charges. Additionally, it handles college DUI, DMV hearings, multiple DUI, and out-of-state DUI. The firm is a member of the National College for DUI Defense. Partners Andrew Parks and Michael Braxton have been featured for legal commentaries on various media outlets, including NBC, Fox News, and CBS.
- DUI Defense
- DUI with Injury
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Parks - Partner | Active | 28 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Eric Reisinger resolves criminal law cases in Cape Coral. Eric Reisinger protects the rights of drivers arrested for DUI. His services are available for first-time offenders and for those facing felony DUIs. He investigates whether law enforcement officers made a valid stop, reviews police reports, and questions witnesses to better understand the case. Other cases he handles are domestic violence, firearm charges, and burglary and theft. Reisinger has over 15 years of experience in criminal law.
- DWI
Why choose this provider?
Aiken & O’Halloran handles criminal cases on behalf of defendants in Cape Coral. One of the charges its attorneys deal with is DUI, counseling clients on the legal options for dismissing their cases. They also develop strategies that may reduce penalties like fines and jail time. The team also takes on matters that involve driving with suspended licenses. Partner Peter D. Aiken is a former prosecutor and federal agent. With over three decades of courtroom experience, he has served a diverse clientele, from judges to homeless people.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The McCreary Law Firm is a Fort Myers-based practice that serves clients throughout Cape Coral. It deals with criminal defense cases and represents individuals charged with DUI. The firm conducts an exhaustive investigation as part of its efforts to obtain a favorable outcome for its clients. It also provides assistance through the process of expunging or sealing criminal records. Its namesake, Terry McCreary, previously worked in Hillsborough County as an assistant state attorney. He has handled more than 100 criminal cases.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Terry Mccreary - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Jean-Paul Galasso, PA, is a criminal defense and family law practice serving the Cape Coral area. Firm attorney Jean-Paul Galasso protects the rights of individuals facing DUI charges. He handles cases involving multiple DUIs, underage DUI, and DUI with injury. The legal professional also defends clients arrested for drug offenses, whether distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing. Galasso is a former assistant state attorney, who also led Lee County's career criminal unit. He established his private practice in 2006.
- DWI
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.4 (22)
Why choose this provider?
Diane Gonzalez Attorney at Law serves defendants in Cape Coral and nearby locations. It handles a variety of criminal cases, helping clients facing charges for DUI offenses. The legal practice conducts investigations and represents negligent drivers in state and federal courts. It also handles immigration cases and takes on matters related to assault and battery, theft, and drug-related crimes. In addition, it caters to couples dealing with divorce and paternity rights issues. Principal lawyer Diane Gonzales has been in the field for over 25 years.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Diane Gonzalez - Principal | Active | 38 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Calvo & Calvo, Attorneys at Law provides legal assistance to people in and around the Cape Coral metro. It offers DUI defense representation, in addition to its family law services. The firm's legal team has over 40 years of combined experience and can accommodate Spanish-speaking clients via bilingual staffers. Currently, it is led by Jose Luis Calvo, a former prosecutor turned criminal defense and family law attorney, and Katheryn Smith Calvo, a former judge who has handled more than 100 family law trials.
- DWI
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Patrick N. Bailey, P.A., deals with criminal defense cases in Cape Coral and the surrounding communities. Patrick Bailey offers his legal services to individuals facing DUI charges. He also handles different types of criminal charges involving burglary, domestic violence, theft, fraud, felonies, and misdemeanors. He also helps clients in filing criminal appeals, like motions to correct illegal sentences, and petitions for post-conviction relief. Bailey combines his experience with intensive legal research and writing to win cases.
- DWI
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (57)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Jose Nunez, Jr., responds to the criminal defense needs of the Cape Coral community. It represents drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics and guides them in navigating the legal system. Nunez is equipped with extensive DUI case experience as a former assistant state attorney. He uses this knowledge to build defense strategies and utilize legal solutions to produce better outcomes for criminal charges. Nunez previously served as president of the Collier County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (5)
Why choose this provider?
O'Halloran & Foley of Charlotte County is a group of criminal trial attorneys representing individuals throughout Coral Cape. It assists clients facing drunk driving charges by examining their cases for specific weaknesses that might help reduce charges and avoid or minimize jail time. Its attorneys, Robert Foley and Sean O'Halloran, have a combined experience of more than four decades. In addition to DUI, they handle a variety of other criminal cases, such as those involving domestic violence, resisting arrest, property crimes, and probation violations.
- Drugs
- DWI
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Sean O'halloran - Partner | Active | 24 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Powell Law Firm is a specialty practice that serves clients in Cape Coral. Sole practitioner Michael Powell defends clients against various allegations, including DUI, traffic tickets, drug crimes, theft, assault, and sex crimes. He has handled different DUI charges, such as those involving property damage or personal injury. Powell has over two decades of experience in criminal law, where he was a prosecutor for more than a decade. This allows him to easily find weaknesses in prosecutors' cases and help his clients.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Robert Foley Law Firm offers legal aid to individuals living in the Cape Coral area. Robert Foley and his team help their clients who have been accused of commiting DUI by forming a legal defense for them. They personally investigate the scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. Prior to starting his practice, Foley worked as an FBI special agent for 20 years and served as a state prosecutor. He can communicate with clients in Spanish.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
The Camadeco Law Group, PLLC, serves individuals and families in Cape Coral. It offers legal representation for DUI and DUI-related charges, such as reckless driving, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and driving without a license. Its legal team investigates to discover evidence contrary to the charges and use it for the case or during negotiation with the prosecutor. The office also assists with juvenile offenses, theft, and white-collar crimes. Its founder, Michael A. Camadeco, has been named Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 5.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
The Caldarone Law Group PA is ready to help anyone that needs a DUI attorney near Cape Coral. This firm is operated by founding attorney Justin Caldarone, who has over a decade of trial experience and fights aggressively to have clients acquitted or found innocent after they've been accused of driving under the influence or related endangerment scenarios. It devises sophisticated defense strategies to protect its clients from accusations and lower the likelihood of them facing prosecution.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Caldarone - Principal | Active | 22 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
The Sherman Defense Law Firm, P.A., responds to the counseling needs of the accused in the Cape Coral metro and surrounding areas. It represents individuals arrested for DUI and BUI offenses that may result in penalties, probation, jail time, and community service. Melissa Sherman guide clients in each step of the legal process, from case assessment and investigation to roadmap creation and jury trial. Sherman has been practicing law for more than ten years.
- Drugs
Why choose this provider?
Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law serves the people of Cape Coral and nearby areas. Its legal professionals have over 60 years of combined experience handling different misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI. They analyze the case and build defense strategies to help accused clients have their charges reduced or dismissed. The lawyers also represent clients in administrative hearings for license reinstatement. One of the practitioners, Lee Hollander, is a board-certified criminal law specialist. He has also served as a prosecutor for 17 years.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
Robert Harris Law Firm represents clients in Cape Coral in DUI law. Robert Harris aims to win DMV administrative hearings on behalf of his clients facing DUI charges. In addition to DUI, other cases he handles involve white-collar crimes, violent acts, probation violations, drug possessions, and sexual assault. Harris has been practicing criminal defense for two decades. He is a part of several legal memberships, including the American Bar Association-Litigation Section and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
If you have been arrested for DUI, the Lee Viacava Law Firm will listen to your version of the facts to achieve the best possible resolution. Mr. Viacava handles all DUI cases in Cape Coral and the surrounding areas. Lee Viacava is a dedicated and trusted attorney who will fight to keep your driver’s license valid. Mr. Viacava has received many awards throughout his career based on the results he consistently achieves for his clients. Lee Viacava has the knowledge you want on your side. We are open 24/7 and offer free consultations over the phone or in person.
- First time DUI
- DUI Lawyer
- DUI/Criminal Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Viacava - Principal | Active | 17 yrs |
| Zachary Cantor - Partner | Active | 14 yrs |
| Lee Viacava - Partner | Active | 17 yrs |
| Lee Viacava - Principal | Active | 17 yrs |
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringsmuth, Day & O'Halloran, PLLC | 2215 First Street, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Parks & Braxton PA | 5237 Summerlin Commons BlvdSuite 402, Fort Myers, FL33907 | View More | ||
| Law Offices of Eric Reisinger | 223 E. Oak St., Suite 2, Arcadia, FL34266 | View More | ||
| Aiken & O’Halloran | 2257 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| The McCreary Law Firm | 2400 1st St, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Jean-Paul Galasso, PA | 2077 First Street – Suite 204, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Diane Gonzalez Attorney at Law | Miromar Design Center 10800 Corkscrew Road Suite 380, Estero, FL33928 | View More | ||
| Calvo & Calvo Attorneys at Law | 1534 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| The Law Office of Patrick N. Bailey, P.A. | 1375 Jackson Street, Suite 402, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Law Offices of Jose Nunez, Jr. | 780 5th Ave S Ste 200, Naples, FL34102 | View More | ||
| O'Halloran & Foley of Charlotte County | 214 Wood Street, Punta Gorda, FL33950 | View More | ||
| Powell Law Firm | 265 E. Marion AveSuite 118, Punta Gorda, FL33950 | View More | ||
| Robert Foley Law Firm | 2401 First Street #255, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Camadeco Law Group, PLLC | 2043 W First St, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. | 2390 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL34103 | View More | ||
| The Sherman Defense Law Firm, P.A. | 2256 First St #153, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law | 2149 1st St, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Robert Harris Law Firm | 2052 Virginia Ave, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More | ||
| Lee Viacava Law Firm | 1375 Jackson Street, Suite 201, Fort Myers, FL33901 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cape Coral, Florida?
Non-emergency calls to the Cape Coral police are made at (239) 574-3223.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cape Coral, Florida?
Records-related calls to the Cape Coral police are received at (239) 574-0695. The documents are issued in person at 1100 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33990.
Other than statutory penalties, what are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Cape Coral?
Other than penalties in criminal law, drunk driving in Cape Coral brings economic difficulties because of increased insurance rates due to the heightened risk of the insured being injured. Travel is more difficult because some countries are reluctant to give visas to convicts. Access to government aid is also lessened.
What are the lapses in police procedure that DUI defense lawyers in Cape Coral typically exploit?
DUI defense lawyers in Cape Coral look for procedural lapses like conducting a traffic stop without probable cause to suspect that the driver is drunk or breaking other laws. The field sobriety test may have been administered incorrectly because the authorities failed to mention that the defendant has a physical impairment that makes standing and walking hard.
If a motorist in Cape Coral has convictions for DUIs in 2010 and 2012, would a third strike in 2023 be eligible for increased penalties?
A driver in Cape Coral with prior DUI convictions in 2010 and 2012 can't be considered a repeat offender in 2023 and will receive lesser penalties. All of the repeated drunk driving incidents have to occur within a decade before the third strike results in raised punishment. 11 years have passed between 2023 and 2012; thus, the previous incidents don't count.
Can a commercial trucker in Cape Coral who has had convictions for two on-the-clock DUIs in the past get a job as a bus driver after serving the penalties?
No, a commercial truck driver in Cape Coral with two DUI convictions on the clock cannot get a new position that requires operating buses. A person with two DUIs on record while driving large common carriers is prohibited by law from obtaining a new commercial driver's license because the public interest requires more diligence from those driving dangerous and bulky vehicles.
Can a 22-year-old driver who has been stopped for a DUI in Cape Coral be arrested if the blood alcohol test taken in the field is 0.05%?
Yes, a driver who is 22 may be arrested at a DUI stop for a blood alcohol test result of 0.05% if there are other signs of drunkenness or impairment. The law does not differentiate between drivers who are intoxicated on drink or high on drugs, and breath tests could miss the latter. The motorist may also act in an addled manner, and police will take that person in to keep the public safe.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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