Venice, Florida DUI Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Rights After a DUI Arrest in Sarasota County
Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Florida is a serious matter with potentially life-changing consequences. If you’ve been charged with DUI in Venice, FL, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney who knows the local courts, understands Florida DUI laws, and can build a strong defense on your behalf.
At the Casella Law Group, we have successfully represented clients facing DUI charges across Venice and Sarasota County. Whether it’s your first offense or you’re facing enhanced penalties due to prior convictions or aggravating factors, we’re here to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the best possible outcome.
Understanding DUI Charges in Florida
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 316.193), a person can be charged with DUI if they are driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while:
Their normal faculties are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, or
They have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
However, DUI cases can be far more complex than they first appear. Arresting officers may not follow proper procedures, breath or blood test results may be inaccurate, and every case has its own unique set of facts. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Venice Florida DUI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
DUI Penalties in Florida
The penalties for a DUI conviction in Florida vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including prior offenses, BAC level, and whether any aggravating factors were involved (such as an accident or minor in the vehicle).
First DUI Offense
Up to 6 months in jail (9 months if BAC is .15+ or minor in the vehicle)
License suspension for 6–12 months
Fines of $500–$1,000
Mandatory DUI school
Probation (up to 1 year)
Community service (50 hours)
Vehicle impoundment (10 days)
Possible ignition interlock device
Second DUI Offense
Up to 9 months in jail (12 months with aggravating factors)
Fines of $1,000–$2,000
License suspension up to 5 years (if second offense within 5 years)
Vehicle impoundment (30 days)
Ignition interlock device (mandatory for at least 1 year)
Third DUI Offense
Up to 12 months in jail (felony charges apply if third DUI is within 10 years)
Fines up to $5,000
Minimum 10-year license revocation (if within 10 years)
Long-term ignition interlock
Felony conviction (if applicable)
Felony DUI
Felony DUI charges may arise if:
It's your third DUI within 10 years
It’s your fourth or subsequent DUI
The DUI caused serious bodily injury or death (DUI Manslaughter)
Penalties can include years in prison, permanent license revocation, and a felony criminal record.
DUI with Property Damage or Injury
If a DUI results in property damage or bodily injury, even a first offense can be charged more severely. This may lead to enhanced jail time, larger fines, and civil liability.
Venice, FL DUI Cases We Handle
Our experienced Venice DUI defense lawyers handle all types of DUI-related charges, including:
First-time DUI
Multiple DUI offenses
Underage DUI
DUI involving drugs (prescription or illicit)
DUI accidents with injuries
DUI refusal (refusing a breath, blood, or urine test)
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Commercial driver DUI
We represent clients in both criminal court and administrative hearings with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Administrative License Suspension and DHSMV Hearings
In addition to criminal DUI charges, a DUI arrest in Florida triggers an automatic administrative license suspension. If you fail a breath test, on a first offense, your license is suspended for 6 months. If you refuse the test, the suspension is 12 months for a first offense and 18 months for a second refusal within five years.
You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV. This hearing gives you a chance to challenge the suspension and potentially regain driving privileges.
We represent clients at DHSMV hearings and can also help you apply for a hardship (business purposes only) license if you qualify.
Venice, fl DUI and Out-of-State Drivers
Venice attracts many tourists and seasonal residents. If you were arrested for DUI while visiting Florida, you still face serious consequences. Florida will likely report the offense to your home state under the Driver License Compact. We handle DUI cases for out-of-state and Canadian drivers and can often appear on your behalf in court.
Underage DUI in Venice, Florida
Florida has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If you're under 21 and have a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you can face administrative license suspension—even if you're not legally intoxicated. A BAC of 0.08% or more can result in adult DUI charges.
Underage DUI convictions can impact scholarships, college admissions, and future employment. We work with young drivers and their families to protect their future and minimize long-term harm.
DUI and Drug Impairment
You can be charged with DUI even if you haven’t consumed alcohol. Driving under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter substances can still lead to DUI charges if they impair your ability to drive.
These cases often rely on subjective officer observations and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) testimony, which can be challenged in court.
DUI Expungement and Record Sealing
A DUI conviction cannot be expunged or sealed in Florida. However, if your charges are dropped or you are acquitted, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged. This can help protect your reputation and future employment opportunities.
We can assist eligible clients with the expungement and sealing process after their DUI case is resolved.
Why Choose the Casella Law Group for Your Venice DUI Defense?
When your future is on the line, you need a defense attorney who is local, experienced, and aggressive. Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep local experience: We have decades of experience representing those charged with DUI in Venice and Sarasota County.
DUI-specific knowledge: Our attorneys have extensive training in DUI defense, including breathalyzer protocols and field sobriety test procedures.
Client-focused service: We keep you informed, involved, and prepared at every step of the process.
Proven results: We have helped hundreds of clients charged with DUI in Venice, Florida.
We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves and fight for your freedom and reputation.
Serving Venice and the Surrounding Gulf Coast
Our DUI attorneys are proud to serve clients across the greater Venice area and beyond, including:
Nokomis
Osprey
North Port
Englewood
Port Charlotte
Sarasota
Siesta Key
Bradenton
Whether you were arrested on I-75, U.S. 41, Jacaranda Blvd, or downtown Venice, we’re here to defend your rights.
Contact a Venice DUI Defense Lawyer Today
A DUI arrest can be frightening and overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Casella Law Group, we’re committed to providing skilled, compassionate, and aggressive legal defense to those accused of DUI in Venice, FL.
Call us today at (941) 234-1432 or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you fight for your freedom, your license, and your future.
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