2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 20
We did the research for you!
Licensing- User Reviews
- Mystery Shopping Calls
Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Clearwater DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
57Reviewed
42Curated
20Top Picks
Learn about our selection process.
Providers
=
Featured Provider
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (14)
(14)Why choose this provider?
Brian Palacios Law is a 24/7 criminal defense firm that fights for the rights of the accused. Brian Palacios, a former Prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office 13th Judicial Circuit, has a thorough understanding of how the justice system functions on both sides of the case. The firm represents individuals in all areas of criminal defense including DUI, burglary and theft, domestic violence, murder, and drug and sex crimes. Their goal is to assist individuals in avoiding or reducing penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and license suspension.
- Drug Charges
- Sex Crimes
- Theft
- Burglary
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
Musca Law is a criminal defense law firm that provides representation in DUI matters for clients in the Clearwater metro and the surrounding areas. The firm takes on various types of DUI cases, including those involving first or repeat offenders, manslaughter, and underage drivers. Its legal team has more than 150 years of combined criminal defense experience and puts to use its certification in Breathalyzer Operations to pinpoint mistakes and help defend clients' rights and reputations.
- Injunction
- Indecent Exposure
- Fraud
- Theft Crimes
- Probation Violation
- Restitution Modification
- Federal Crimes
- Resisting Arrest without Violence
- Disorderly Conduct
- Weapon Crimes
Why choose this provider?
Sammis Law Firm, P.A., has been focusing on drunk and impaired driving (DUI) cases in Clearwater for more than 15 years. Its attorneys use their training and experience to find mistakes made by officers in the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and local police departments. They take on matters involving formal review hearings, vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and probation violations. The firm aggressively fights to win cases related to breath, blood, and urine tests or refusal to submit to testing.
- DUI with Injury
- Reckless Driving
- DUI Defense
- Marijuana
Why choose this provider?
Hersem Law represents individuals who are facing criminal charges in the Clearwater metro and nearby areas. It handles DUI cases, helping clients settle penalties such as imprisonment and license suspension. The legal office also deals with cases related to traffic violations, drug crimes, kidnapping, child p*rnography, and fraud. Its founder, Christopher Hersem, started his legal career working as an assistant public defender for the 6th Judicial Circuit. He is also a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Hersem - Principal | Active | 19 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Mike G Law is a multi-practice firm representing clients in Clearwater and neighboring communities. It mitigates the impact of DUI charges on accused individuals by seeking dismissal or reduction of the penalties they may face following a conviction. Michael Gonzalez, the firm's founder, is a former prosecutor with 25 years of legal experience. He leverages his experience as an assistant state attorney to preserve defendants' constitutional rights by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Florida Ticket Firm caters to individuals dealing with DUI accusations in Clearwater and the surrounding communities. The law firm builds the clients' defenses to improve the chances of their charges being dismissed or dropped. Its team uses its experience in cross-examining law enforcement to find weaknesses in the cases. It also deals with other traffic violations like expired driver's licenses of six months or less, driving while license suspended or revoked, and drag racing.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The Adams Law Firm is a veteran-owned and operated general litigation law firm representing the people of Clearwater. The firm's attorneys advocate for those accused of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They have additional experience with DUI cases involving injuries caused by the driver, first-time offenders, and minors in the vehicle. Founding attorney Joshua Adams is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Adams - Founding Shareholder | Active | 16 yrs |
| Amy Adams - Managing Attorney | Active | 12 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
de la Grana | Boardman, P.A., is a Tampa-based law firm that caters to clients in Clearwater. Its attorneys represent drivers who have been arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. Through the dispute of factors such as unlawful stops and the accuracy of blood and breath tests, they pursue the goal of reducing or removing penalties faced by offenders. The firm's founder, Frank de la Grana, began his legal career as an assistant state attorney under the 13th Judicial Court.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Frank De la grana - Principal | Active | 45 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Pallegar Law, P.A., is a firm that represents clients throughout the Clearwater area. It handles DUI cases and helps accused individuals avoid penalties like community service and fines. The firm has experience advocating for fourth-time offenders. It also assists victims of motor vehicle accidents in recovering compensation from insurance companies. Ajay Pallegar, its managing attorney, served as an assistant state attorney at Pinellas County. He is the recipient of the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award in 2007 from Stetson University.
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (7)
Why choose this provider?
Established in 2018, OA Law Firm focuses on representing clients in and around the Clearwater area who are facing criminal charges. Founder Omar Abdelghany handles different types of DUI cases, including felony, first-time DUI, and misdemeanor. He aggressively defends drivers before the trial court and collects blood or toxicology-related evidence and arrest reports. Abdelghany helps plaintiffs in negotiating minimal consequences and revoking their suspended licenses. In addition, he offers sound legal counsel in other criminal law matters, such as domestic violence, federal charges, and violent crimes.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Timothy M. Doud serves individuals throughout Clearwater and the neighboring areas. The general practice law firm provides representation in a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases, including DUI. It counsels clients throughout the legal process, including bail bond hearings, plea bargains, trials, appeals, and revocation hearings. Timothy M. Doud has been practicing law since 1995. He is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Located in Clearwater, Finebloom Haenel & Higgins exclusively represents clients in different areas of criminal cases, such as DUI, assault and battery, traffic violations, sex crimes, drug possession, and misdemeanors and felonies. The firm has been aggressively defending individuals in a variety of DUI charges, including underage, felony, CDL, and drug DUI for more than 30 years. One of its founders, Darren Finebloom, is the president of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| David Haenel - Partner | Active | 23 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Frank P. Bianco P.A. is a multi-practice firm serving the Clearwater area. Its legal team defends individuals facing drunk driving charges. The professionals investigate the facts surrounding each case, challenging pieces of evidence such as body camera footage and police reports in the process. They also protect the rights of clients arrested for felony DUI. The law office is led by Frank Bianco, who served as an assistant state attorney. He has over two decades of criminal defense and personal injury experience.
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Plotnick Law, P.A., handles criminal defense cases—including charges of DUI, assault, and drug crimes—in the Clearwater area. Its lawyers, who have more than 24 years of combined experience, guide their clients through the legal process with the aim of having charges reduced. Its founder, Marc F. Plotnick, is a former state prosecutor—an experience that informs his case strategies, as he knows best how to attack the prosecution’s case against his clients. In addition, Plotnick Law provides legal assistance in matters surrounding family law and personal injury.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Plotnick - Founding Attorney | Active | 21 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Sierra Law Firm has been serving clients in Clearwater since 1994. He assists clients with DUI cases by offering consultation to legal representation as needed. He investigates the state's case against the client, interviews police officers and witnesses, and develops a criminal defense strategy. Sierra began his legal career as a research law clerk, worked in the public sector for four years as an assistant attorney general, and then as an assistant public defender.
- DUI Defense
Why choose this provider?
The Lee Law Group represents individuals and families in Clearwater. It offers defense for individuals facing DUI and DWI charges. It examines the details of the arrest and investigates whether there is probable cause for the arrest and if the breath or blood test is accurate. In addition to criminal defense, the Lee Law Group handles personal injury, bankruptcy, family law, and business litigation cases. One of its attorneys, Joseph Hwan Yul Lee, is admitted to practice law in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.
- DUI Defense
- DWI
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (15)
Why choose this provider?
Thomas Law, P.A., represents individuals in the Clearwater area accused of DUI. Principal attorney Jenny Thomas guides clients in administrative hearings and helps them avoid or reduce their penalties, such as imprisonment, license suspension, community service, and imprisonment. She served as an assistant public defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County and has more than seven years of legal experience. Thomas also covers cases involving drug crimes, theft offenses, and probation violations.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Thomas - Principal | Active | 19 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
The Hardy Law Firm, P.A., is a Tampa-based firm that handles DUI defense in Clearwater. Its principal attorney, David Hardy, is a former state prosecutor and a certified criminal trial expert. He educates each client about their potential DUI penalties, from mandatory rehab to mandatory jail time. He also examines each incident to find discrepancies in the laboratory tests and the arresting officer's behavior. David believes in speaking directly to each client and is fluent in Spanish. His practice also covers firearms and drug charges.
- Alcohol
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| David Hardy - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Serving the Clearwater metro, Fleming Law Group consists of two criminal defense lawyers with nearly 40 years of combined experience. As former prosecutors, Lucas Fleming and Amanda Bettker have unique perspectives in defending their clients. They handle various criminal cases, including DUI, domestic violence, juvenile crimes, white-collar fraud, and domestic violence. The law firm serves the community through Lawyers for Literacy, a non-profit program committed to helping underprivileged children pass the Florida Standards Assessment.
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| John Stewart Fleming - Founder | Active | 33 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Why choose this provider?
Jeff Keel, PA, is a Tampa-based law firm that offers its services to clients who are facing DUI charges within the local area. Keel and his team dispute the legality of traffic stops, the accuracy of breathalyzer results, and the validity of field sobriety tests when establishing a client's defense. Throughout his 20 years of experience, Keel has handled at least 5,500 DUI- and traffic-related cases. He also served as a prosecutor for the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida prior to establishing his own practice.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Keel - Principal | Active | 30 yrs |
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Palacios Law | 3502 Henderson Blvd. Suite 210, Tampa, FL33609 | Free Consultation | View More | |
| Musca Law | 13575 58th Street North, Clearwater, FL33760 | Free consultation | View More | |
| Sammis Law Firm, P.A. | 14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, #701, Clearwater, FL33762 | Free Consultation | View More | |
| Hersem Law | 1421 Court St., Clearwater, FL33756 | View More | ||
| Mike G Law | 1259 S Myrtle Ave, Clearwater, FL33756 | View More | ||
| Florida Ticket Firm | 200 N Pierce St Suite 1, Tampa, FL33602 | View More | ||
| The Adams Law Firm | 235 North Garden Avenue, Clearwater, FL33755 | View More | ||
| de la Grana Boardman | 1710 East Seventh Ave, Tampa, FL33605 | View More | ||
| Pallegar Law, P.A. | 1211 N Westshore Blvd #102, Tampa, FL33607 | View More | ||
| OA Law Firm | 550 N Reo St #300, Tampa, FL33609 | View More | ||
| The Law Offices of Timothy M. Doud | 4158 US Hwy 19, New Port Richey, FL34652 | View More | ||
| Finebloom Haenel & Higgins | 4500 140th Avenue North Suite #101, Clearwater, FL33762 | View More | ||
| Frank P. Bianco P.A. | 8300 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey, FL34653 | View More | ||
| Plotnick Law, P.A. | 13575 58th Street North Suite 177, Clearwater, FL33760 | View More | ||
| Sierra Law Firm | 7850 Ulmerton Road Suite 3A, Largo, FL33771 | View More | ||
| Lee Law Group | 3804 W North B St, Tampa, FL33609 | View More | ||
| Thomas Law, P.A. | 215 E. Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL33604 | View More | ||
| The Hardy Law Firm, P.A. | 1710 N. 19th Street, Suite 215, Tampa, FL33605 | View More | ||
| Fleming Law Group | 2701 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL33713 | View More | ||
| Jeff Keel PA | 730 S. Sterling Avenue, Suite 108, Tampa, FL33609 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Clearwater, Florida?
Call (727) 562-4242 for a non-emergency response from the Clearwater Police Department.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Clearwater, Florida?
Go to the records section of the police station at 645 Pierce St. in Clearwater from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call the section at (727) 562-4441 for concerns.
Can you get arrested for DUI in Clearwater just by sitting behind the wheel?
Yes, it is possible to be arrested for DUI in Clearwater, even if you are not moving or the car is not running. The police officer may allege that you showed an intent to drive just by being in the driver's seat. This is what is called an Actual Physical Control (APC) case. It can also be applicable even if you are sleeping in your car.
What are the consequences of a DUI with damage to a property in Clearwater?
A DUI with property damage in Clearwater can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and one year of jail time. In addition to this, mandatory attendance to DUI school and probation may be required, plus license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and gun rights loss. A DUI with property damage in the state is considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
What happens to a teenager in Clearwater who still got arrested even with a BAC of less than the 0.08% legal limit?
Persons under 18 can be charged with violating the Zero Tolerance Policy if arrested for a BAC of more than 0.02% and not impaired. A first offense in Clearwater can lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, the possibility of jail time for a BAC higher than 0.08%, and up to six months of license suspension. Additional penalties may include alcohol education, vehicle impoundment, and community service.
How do you request a public defender for a DUI case in Clearwater?
An indigent in Clearwater may request a public defender by filling out the Application for Determination of Criminal Indigent Status form and filing it at the Clerk’s Office. The form can be obtained from these courts in the metro: North County Branch at 29582 US 19 North or Pinellas County Justice Center at 14250 49th Street, North. The Clerk’s Office is at 315 Court Street in Clearwater and can be reached at 727-464-7000 for general inquiries.
Should you refuse a breath test at a DUI stop in Clearwater?
To decide whether to refuse a breath test, know that the consequence of refusing is an automatic license suspension for a year or 18 months if this is not the first time you refused one. You can safely take the test at the DUI stop in Clearwater if you do not have any drink, but if you have had too many drinks, it is better not to take it.
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.
Related Articles
Featured
DUI Penalties and Consequences
If you are charged with DUI, it’s important to understand what consequences you might face, how penalties can differ dependin...
You might also like...
How Long Does a DUI Case Take?
How Much Does A DUI Lawyer Cost in 2024?
How To Handle a DUI Stop
How Much Does a DUI Attorney Cost? [2024]
4 Steps to Find the Right DUI Lawyer
How To Hire A DUI Attorney
DUI Defenses
Find top DUI Lawyers nearby
- Largo, FL
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Riverview, FL
Other top picks in your area
- Personal Injury Attorneys in Clearwater, FL
- Family Lawyer in Clearwater, FL
- Slip And Fall Lawyer in Clearwater, FL
- Defamation Lawyer in Clearwater, FL
