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.

The Fourth of July is one of the most active days for law enforcement in Pinellas County regarding DUIs. For young drivers taking part in festivities, police officers are increasingly present with numerous saturation patrols or “DUI Wolfpacks.” Florida has a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, and as the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater, The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan wants you to celebrate your freedom without losing your driving privileges.

Florida’s Zero-Tolerance Law for Underage Drivers

In Florida, drivers under the age of 21 have a significantly lower legal blood alcohol limit than adults over the legal driving age. While the adult BAC limit is 0.08%, anyone under 21 can face serious consequences if they are found driving with even a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Reaching a BAC of 0.02% often only takes up to one drink, depending on body weight and metabolism. 

For a first violation, a driver may face an immediate administrative suspension of their driver’s license for six months. A second violation carries a longer one-year suspension. If the driver refuses to submit to a breath test, the suspension is extended to 12 months, even if no alcohol is ultimately detected. These penalties are added on top of any additional criminal charges that may be filed, such as reckless driving or possession of alcohol by a minor. Due to the severity of a DUI charge for a minor, the first step that needs to be taken is to talk with an experienced Clearwater DWI lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

DUI Saturation Patrols and Your Rights

DUI Saturation Patrols are legal under Florida law, and are a common occurrence during holiday weekends like the Fourth of July. These coordinated efforts are meant to prevent impaired driving in Pinellas County and typically occur in higher-traffic areas. Likely spots for increased police presence may include:

• Memorial Causeway leaving Clearwater Beach
• 4th Street in St. Petersburg, particularly near downtown
• Courtney Campbell Causeway westbound from Tampa
• Gulf Boulevard from St. Pete Beach to Indian Shores
• Largo, specifically around Ulmerton Road and US Highway 19 North

If you are stopped by law enforcement you are legally required to stop and provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. However, you are not required to answer any questions about where you’ve been or whether you’ve been drinking. You have the right to remain silent, after providing your identification, until you consult with top DUI attorneys in Clearwater at the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

Tips for Staying Safe and Legal This 4th of July

For those planning to celebrate the holiday with an alcoholic beverage, the safest choice is to plan ahead. Using a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, can help you avoid any risk of driving under the influence. If you can’t get a rideshare, the best option is to have a safe place to sleep, whether that be at a loved one’s residence or at a hotel.

If You’ve Been Charged this Fourth of July, Take the First Step Towards Freedom and Speak with a DUI Attorney

If you or your child has been arrested for DUI or charged with underage drinking and driving, it’s important to act quickly. A DUI arrest, even if it does not result in a criminal conviction, can result in lasting consequences on your record, your driving privileges, and your future.

Arrested for a DUI? Get your complimentary DUI case consultation from the best Clearwater DWI lawyer or call our office at (727) 291-9717 for more information. 

Any DUI conviction can result in serious consequences, but the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department has stricter laws when it comes to underage drinking and driving. If an individual under 21 is found operating a moving vehicle under the influence even after a single drink, they could potentially face a wide variety of legal repercussions and penalties.

As the top DUI attorneys in Clearwater, the team with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan has a nationally-recognized track record in handling underage DUI cases, and has the experience to provide you with skilled representation and counsel.

Penalties for Underage DUI in Florida

Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy, which essentially means that drivers under the age of 21 can face DUI penalties if they have a BAC of just 0.02%. This number is significantly lower than the 0.08% threshold for drivers over 21, and it means that even a single drink can result in serious consequences, which can include:

• A driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or higher may face an automatic six-month license suspension.
• These must complete a DUI substance abuse course and may be required to attend alcohol counseling
• While rare for first-time offenders with lower BAC levels, there is a possibility of a jail sentencing, especially in cases for repeat offenders or when there are injuries or property damage 

While underage DUI penalties can be extenuating, working with an attorney with a leading Clearwater DWI defense law firm like The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can help increase the likelihood of you achieving a more favorable case outcome.

Long-Term Consequences of an Underage DUI

A DUI conviction extends beyond immediate legal penalties and can result in terrible impacts for the future. Having a criminal record can result in denied college admission or revoked scholarships. It will also show up on background checks for 75 years and can also potentially limit your ability to get an enjoyable or financially secure job.

Insurance rates for young people are already quite high. However, a DUI conviction on top of being young can cause insurance rates to go up dramatically

Possible Defenses Against Underage DUI Charges

While underage DUI charges are serious, there are legal defenses that can challenge the case. One common defense that your top DUI attorneys in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan may choose to employ is to question the accuracy of the breathalyzer or Field Sobriety Test. Breathalyzer devices can show inaccurate results due to improper calibration, medical conditions, or external factors like residual mouth alcohol. Field sobriety tests are also very subjective and easily influenced, and an officer’s interpretation may not always be accurate. 

Other potential defenses include proving that the traffic stop was unlawful or that law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull the driver over. In some cases, a skilled attorney can negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options that minimize long-term repercussions.

Seeking Legal Representation

If an individual has an underage DUI charge in Florida, their future is at risk. However, legal defenses may be available, and seeking the help of an experienced DUI attorney from a trusted Clearwater DWI defense law firm like The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can make a substantial difference in the outcome of their case

Facing a DUI? You need to consult with a lawyer who has the skills to make a difference. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717 today.

For more information, view this VIDEO discussing minors being charged with DUI.

Insurance companies classify DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, which leads to significantly higher premiums or, in some cases, outright policy cancellations. This financial burden only adds to the already severe penalties associated with a DUI, which include fines, a suspended license, and even jail time. 

If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, the first step you need to take is to consult with the best DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

How Much Can Insurance Rates Increase After a DUI?

The exact increase depends on your insurer, but Florida drivers can generally expect their rates to skyrocket after a DUI conviction. For instance, if your car insurance previously cost $1,500 per year, your new rate could be around $3,000 or higher. Some drivers may even find themselves paying rates close to triple the amount of their original premium.

A DUI conviction in Florida triggers an obligation to obtain FR-44 coverage, which is a form that requires significantly higher liability coverage than a standard insurance policy would. This requirement typically lasts for at least three years and can make your already expensive insurance even more costly.

Other Insurance Policies May Be Affected

After a DUI conviction, some insurers also increase rates on health, life, medical, and disability insurance. And in more severe cases, your provider may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it, leaving you scrambling to find coverage.

Factors That Influence Insurance Rate Increases

Several factors can determine just how much your insurance rates will rise after a DUI conviction:

• Younger drivers already face higher insurance premiums, and a DUI conviction will only make matters worse and drastically increase your rate
• A clean record before a DUI might soften the extent of your overall penalties and insurance rate increase, but if you have prior criminal convictions, you can most assuredly expect a much steeper increase
• Repeat offenders will see significantly higher insurance costs in comparison to first-time DUI offenders
• Some insurers will provide harsher penalties for DUIs than others, so where you’re insured plays a big role in how drastically your rate will increase

Because of how many variables there are associated with the penalties after a DUI conviction, your best bet is to immediately consult with the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. In some cases, our top-rated Pinellas County DUI attorney can seek a dismissal or reduction to reckless driving in order to sidestep the hefty insurance ramifications of a DUI conviction.

How Long Does a DUI Affect Insurance Premiums?

In Florida, a DUI can impact your insurance rates for a long time. Most insurers consider a DUI conviction when calculating premiums for three to five years, but in some cases, it may be even longer.

The exact length of time depends on both Florida state laws and your insurance provider’s policies. Some companies may gradually reduce the surcharge over time, so long as you maintain a clean driving record, but others choose to keep your rates elevated for the full penalty period.

Seeking Legal Guidance with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan

Insurance rate hikes are just one of the many financial consequences of a DUI. A conviction can also impact your employment opportunities, ability to rent a car, and overall reputation. However, you don’t have to face it all by yourself. With the right legal strategy from the best Clearwater DWI lawyers with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, you may be able to reduce the overall charges against you or avoid a conviction entirely.

The best way to protect yourself from the terrible consequences associated with a DUI charge is to be represented by the top DWI lawyers in Clearwater with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. For a complimentary DUI case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717. 

Law enforcement officers are given great power to understand and enforce state laws and make arrests, where appropriate. However, the top-rated Clearwater DUI Defense Attorney has observed a common scenario where law enforcement officers’ lack of understanding of Florida law has led to unwarranted, serious arrests. In this article, highly experienced DWI defense lawyer Timothy Sullivan discussed the “added offense” of Child Neglect, which sometimes accompanies a DUI arrest.

Child Neglect Defined

In order to establish “Child Neglect,” the government must establish that an individual engaged in conduct whereby:

1. The parent or caregiver failed to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child; or
2. The parent or caregiver failed to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person.

Law Enforcement’s Error

Our office has frequently experienced a scenario where law enforcement believed that an arrest for DUI where a minor is in the vehicle, in and of itself, established child neglect. This is simply not the case for many of these arrests. In fact, in most cases that our office has handled where a parent suffered an added charge of “Child Neglect,” the minors were commonly clean, well fed, and wholly uninjured.

Our Early Involvement May Help Secure a Dismissal of a Child Neglect Allegation

When our office is retained early enough, we can contact the prosecutor assigned to a client’s case to point out mitigation and legal issues with the arrest. Just because a person has been arrested for “Child Neglect,” that does not necessarily mean that the prosecutor will file the charge. In some cases, our office can point to the DUI statute itself, which provides additional misdemeanor sanctions where a minor is in the vehicle. In other words, we can point to the fact that the legislature itself has established what it believes the appropriate penalties should be for a DUI with a person under the age of 18 in the vehicle, and that prosecution for the felony offense of Child Neglect is inappropriate.

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI and an added charge of Child Neglect, contact the Best DUI Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg for a free consultation at 727-855-3847.

Common Questions Surrounding Spring Break DUI Arrests in Pinellas County

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Driving Under the Influence while on Spring Break in St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, or the surrounding areas of Pinellas County, it is imperative that you contact the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater to discuss your case. In this article, top-rated DWI defense lawyer Timothy Sullivan discusses common questions that come up surrounding Spring Break impaired driving arrests.

How Do I get my Car Back?

In many cases, law enforcement will elect to impound the vehicle that a person is driving after a DUI arrest. If that occurs, the process of getting your car out of impound will depend on who the registered owner of the vehicle is. In that regard:

• If the arrestee is the registered owner, he or she will first visit the law enforcement agency that arrested him/her and secure an impound release form. From there, the registered owner will visit the tow yard to obtain the car.
• If the registered owner is a parent or loved one who is not on Spring Break, the registered owner will either need to return to Florida, or provide a “power of attorney” document to allow the family member in Pinellas County to secure the release of the vehicle. (Our office routinely helps with this form).
• If the vehicle was a rental car, you will need to contact the rental company and notify it that the vehicle has been impounded.

Can My DUI Arrest be Reduced to Reckless Driving?

Avoiding a DUI conviction will help our client’s job prospects, higher education opportunities, and provide significant savings in automobile insurance. One method of avoiding a conviction for DUI is securing a reduction in charge from DUI to Reckless Driving. During your free consultation with highly-experienced St. Petersburg DUI Defense Lawyer Timothy Sullivan, we will discuss the likelihood of such a resolution and the recommended steps that our client should take. 

Will I have to return to Florida to go to Court?

In many cases, our office can handle a DUI case from start to finish for persons arrested for DUI without the individual ever having to return to Florida. Attorney Tim Sullivan limits his practice to the Defense of DUI and similar cases in Pinellas County. As a result, he has extensive experience with the local judiciary and practice preferences.

Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI while on Spring Break in Pinellas County, contact our office at 727-855-3847 for a free consultation. We will tailor a strategy designed to meet your goals and objectives and minimize any penalties that might be imposed.

A DUI conviction in Florida carries serious consequences, including fines, possible jail time, probation, and mandatory alcohol education programs. However, one of the most immediate and long-lasting penalties is the impact on your driving privileges. 

If you are convicted of a DUI, the court will impose a license revocation. Retaining a highly rated Pinellas County DUI defense attorney at the outset of your case may mean the difference between losing your driver’s license or maintaining your privilege to drive.

DUI Penalties in Florida

A DUI conviction results in significant legal penalties that vary based on factors such as prior offenses and blood alcohol concentration. These penalties may include fines, jail time, probation, or even mandatory alcohol education programs. First-time offenders may face a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, whereas repeat offenders can face even higher fines and extended jail time.

License Revocation or Suspension

A DUI conviction will lead to an automatic suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. The length, similar to the other penalties, depends on factors like whether there were previous offenses, whether there was a refusal to submit to a BAC test, and whether there were any subsequent injuries or fatalities. 

Length of License Revocation or Suspension

• 1st offense with no refusal to take a BAC test: Minimum suspension of 180 days and up to one year.
• 1st offense with refusal of a BAC test: Automatic one-year suspension.
• 2nd offense: Minimum five-year revocation if the second offense occurs within five years of the first. Eligibility for a hardship license may be available after one year.
• 3rd offense: Minimum 10-year revocation if the third offense occurs within 10 years of a prior conviction. A hardship license may be available after two years.
• 4th, or any subsequent offenses: Permanent license revocation with no opportunity for hardship reinstatement.
• DUI cases involving serious bodily injury: Minimum three-year license revocation.

Ignition Interlock Device and DUI Conviction

In more severe cases, individuals convicted of a DUI may be required to install an ignition interlock device (also known as an IID) on their vehicles. An IID requires the driver to provide a breath sample before starting the car, and periodically while driving. The device will prevent the car from operating if any alcohol is detected.

• First-time offenders with a BAC of 0.15% or higher must install an IID for at least six months.
• Second-time offenders must have an IID for at least one year.
• Third-time offenders require an IID for at least two years.

Defenses for DUI Conviction

If you are facing a DUI charge, working with the best DUI lawyer in Clearwater may help you avoid or mitigate the consequences through a variety of potential strategies, which can include:

Seeking a reduction or an Amendment of the Charge

In many cases, seeking a reduction or an amendment of the charge of DUI to a Reckless Driving will allow our clients to avoid the stiff penalties associated with a DUI conviction including the mandatory loss of license.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

If law enforcement lacked the reasonable suspicion to stop you, the evidence obtained during the stop may be considered inadmissible.

Questioning Field Sobriety and Breath Tests

Improperly administered sobriety tests, faulty breathalyzer devices, or medical conditions that can affect test results can be used to challenge the charges.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If law enforcement chose not to follow proper procedures, such as failing to inform you of your rights, your Clearwater DUI attorney with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan may argue for the evidence to be excluded.

Work With Timothy Sullivan for a Chance at a Better Outcome for Your DUI Case

Understanding your rights and potential defenses can drastically minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life and driving privileges. If you are facing DUI charges, consulting with an experienced attorney should be the first step you take.

Do not face a DUI charge alone. Get represented by the best Clearwater DUI attorneys. For a complimentary DUI case consultation call our office at (727) 291-9717.