Getting charged with a DUI is stressful enough. When it comes to post-conviction requirements, the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan have the expertise needed to help you navigate this often confusing time.

A common requirement after DUI is the installation of an ignition interlock device. Taking the time to understand how ignition interlock devices work and what exactly they entail when mandated can help you better prepare for your next steps.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device is a small breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle. Before you can start the engine, you must provide a breath sample by blowing into the device. If the device detects a blood alcohol concentration over a preset limit, usually 0.025%, the vehicle will not be able to start.

Modern IID technology is highly advanced. Some systems require random “rolling retests” while you are driving to ensure continued sobriety. While installation is typically handled by a state-approved provider, you are completely responsible for any costs associated with the device, including installation, monthly monitoring, and maintenance fees.

When is an Ignition Interlock Device Issued?

The requirement to install an ignition interlock device depends on the number of prior DUI convictions, the level of your BAC at the time of your arrest, and whether there were any aggravating circumstances.

First Conviction

If it is your first DUI conviction, the court may order an ignition interlock device as part of your sentence, but it is not a guarantee unless you had a high BAC or aggravating factors, especially with representation from one of the best DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

First Conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or Higher or Minor in the Vehicle

If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if there was a minor present in the vehicle at the time of the offense, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device for a minimum of six months.

Second Conviction

A second DUI conviction results in a mandatory ignition interlock requirement of at least one year.

Second Conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or Higher or Minor in the Vehicle

If your second conviction involved a BAC of 0.15 or higher or a minor in the vehicle, the ignition interlock device must be installed for at least two years.

Third Conviction

For a third DUI conviction, the law mandates installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of two years, regardless of your BAC or other circumstances.

Four or More Convictions

If you are convicted of four or more DUIs and are seeking a hardship license to regain limited driving privileges, you must have an ignition interlock device installed for at least five years as a mandatory condition of your hardship license.

How an Attorney Can Help

A skilled top DUI attorney in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can make a significant difference in the overall outcome of your case. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction of your charges to reckless driving, which could help you avoid the mandatory ignition interlock requirement altogether. Your attorney can also explain any potential costs and ramifications associated with an ignition interlock device.

Contact The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan for the Highest Quality Representation

If you have been charged with DUI and are concerned about the possibility of being required to install an ignition interlock device, do not wait to get the help and guidance you need.

If you are currently facing a DUI charge, the best way to prepare for what is about to come is to be represented by the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717. 

A recent legislative push in Florida may significantly affect how law enforcement handles Boating Under the Influence cases, and if you are planning on enjoying any amount of time on a boat, you should be aware. As the best DUI lawyers in Clearwater, the team at the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan is ready to continually provide you with the most up-to-date information on legislation surrounding BUI and DUI charges.

What is the Change Being Proposed by These Laws?

In February of 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the “Boater Freedom Initiative,” which includes two proposed bills: Senate Bill 1388 and House Bill 1001. This legislation limits the overall authority and capability of law enforcement officers to stop boaters without probable cause, which would ultimately change the way BUI investigations are handled during court procedures.

Under the prior law, officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other legal agencies can randomly stop vessels for safety inspections or to check for compliance with boating laws. These stops can sometimes lead to BUI charges if the officer suspects the boater is impaired in any way. However, SB 1388 and HB 1001 requires officers to have probable cause or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity before they can legally board or detain a vessel. 

What Are the Potential Impacts on BUI Cases and Charges?

This change in the law will undoubtedly make it more difficult for law enforcement to gather evidence against the defendant in BUI cases. Random stops that lead to BUI arrests are no longer permitted unless an officer can clearly articulate a reason for the stop. Actually, this change  aligns boating more closely with the standards used for road traffic stops in DUI cases.

As a result, boaters may see stronger constitutional protections against unlawful searches and seizures while enjoying their time on the water. For individuals charged with a BUI, this law change could provide a better chance for your DUI lawyer in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan to challenge the legality of the stop, which could even lead to the suppression of “key” evidence or even dismissal of the charges.

How a DUI Defense Attorney Can Benefit Your BUI Case

Facing a BUI charge can result in severe and long-lasting consequences, including fines, probation, and even possibly jail time. The best DUI lawyers in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan will take the time to examine the facts of your case to determine whether the stop and detention were lawful. 

Contact the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan Today for Leading Legal Guidance and Representation

At the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, we always remain informed about legislative changes that can impact your rights. If you have been charged with BUI in Florida, our team is prepared to review your case thoroughly, challenge any improper police procedures, and build the strongest defense possible on your behalf.

If you are facing a BUI charge, you can greatly benefit from working with experienced DUI lawyers in Clearwater. To schedule a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717.

The consequences of a DUI can be severe, and often incur more than just insurance hikes and legal fees. A DUI conviction can be devastating for professionals working in healthcare, law, finance, and even education, as it can result in the complete loss of your professional licensing. If you are charged with a DUI in Pinellas County, the very first step to take is to consult with a top DUI defense attorney in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

How a DUI Can Affect Your Professional License

In many fields, when a professional receives their licensing from a Florida board, they are required to report any past criminal arrests or convictions. If they do not report a previous incident, even if it is a DUI and whether or not there was a conviction, in the timeframe required, it can lead to disciplinary action. The board may investigate the incident once a charge or conviction is reported, and, based on their findings, it could result in probation, license suspension, or even permanent revocation.

Board investigations can be public, and a disciplinary record can follow you and damage your reputation. Even a temporary license suspension can make it difficult to seek future employment or even retain the trust of current clients and colleagues. Regardless of the field, a DUI can trigger a chain of events that threaten your ability to work and grow in your profession, making it all the more important to work with a trusted Clearwater DUI lawyer with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

The Role of a DUI Defense Attorney

If you are a licensed professional who has been charged with DUI in Pinellas County, hiring an experienced Clearwater DUI defense attorney should be your top priority. They will take the time to thoroughly examine the circumstances of your arrest to build as strong a defense strategy as possible and even identify any procedural issues that could potentially lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges. 

Beyond defending you in criminal court, your attorney can represent you in administrative hearings, work to protect your license, and even advise you on how to minimize damage to your professional reputation.

Protecting Your Career Starts with the Right Legal Help

At the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, our team is committed to using our combined decades of successful courtroom experience to take a comprehensive approach to your defense strategy. If you are a licensed professional facing DUI charges, contact our office today for a confidential consultation. Your future is too important to leave to chance.

Are you currently facing a DUI charge? Take the best step for your future and seek representation from a leading Clearwater DUI lawyer. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717 today.

If you have been pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, you may be wondering whether you actually need to take the breathalyzer test. DUI stops can be stressful, and the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan want you to feel prepared and confident in making the best decision for your situation.

Explaining Florida’s “Implied Consent Law”

Florida drivers automatically agree to submit to chemical tests like breathalyzers or blood tests when they first get their driver’s license. This is because of Florida’s Implied Consent Law. By choosing to drive in the state of Florida, it is implied that you have already given legal “consent” to submit to testing if law enforcement suspects you of driving under the influence. That being said, refusing a breathalyzer test is not a crime on its own (yet), but refusing to take it can be potentially used against you in court. However, the Florida legislature recently passed a law making it a crime to refuse a breath or urine test, which is effective October 1, 2025. Thus, a refusal could soon subject an individual to up to sixty (60) days in jail for a first offense.

Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test

If you decide to refuse a breathalyzer test after being lawfully arrested for DUI in Florida, your driver’s license will be suspended for one year, even if you are never fully convicted of a DUI offense. If this is your second or subsequent refusal, the suspension duration will increase to 18 months, and you may face additional misdemeanor charges for your refusal.

On top of license suspension, refusing a breathalyzer may add some more difficulties to your defense. A prosecutor may argue that you intentionally refused the test because you knew that you would fail it. In other words, the prosecutor is permitted to argue that your refusal is evidence of “consciousness of guilt.” While your Clearwater DWI lawyer would likely be able to argue against that point, refusal could potentially be used as evidence of guilt. 

Is There a Right or Wrong Choice?

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to whether you should refuse a breathalyzer test. Your actual Blood Alcohol Content levels, any prior DUI history, and how well you perform on any Field Sobriety Tests can influence which choice would be the best for your situation and case. 

Each situation is unique, and what might be beneficial for one person could potentially be very detrimental for another. That being said, if you are being charged with a DUI, it is extremely important that you choose to work with one of the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan for legal guidance and representation backed by years of successful and relevant experience.

How a Florida DUI Lawyer Can Help You During Your DUI Case

Every DUI case is different, and a skilled Clearwater DWI lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan will take time to meticulously evaluate all the details of your situation to ultimately determine the best course of action, including whether you took the breath test or not, to build a strong defense and minimize the impact on your life.

If you’ve refused a breathalyzer or are facing DUI charges in Florida, The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan for representation you can trust. For a complimentary case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717.