Fighting DUI Charges with Aggressive Legal Strategies and Proven Results
A DUI arrest can impact every part of your life—but with the right defense, you can protect your future, freedom, and license.
An arrest doesn’t have to become a conviction. Get aggressive, experienced legal help to fight DUI charges and protect your future.
Strategic DUI Defense for Individuals Facing Alcohol or Drug-Related Driving Charges
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can disrupt every part of your life—your license, your job, your reputation, and your freedom. But being arrested for DUI is not the same as being guilty. The law provides opportunities to fight the charges, challenge the evidence, and avoid harsh penalties. You just need the right criminal defense attorney by your side.
At Pedro L. Salim Law Firm, we defend individuals charged with first-time DUI, repeat DUI offenses, felony DUI with injury, and DUI involving drugs. We investigate every aspect of your arrest—from the validity of the stop to the reliability of the breathalyzer—and we develop personalized defense strategies that aim to reduce or dismiss charges entirely.
If you’re an immigrant, a commercial driver, or someone with prior convictions, we understand the stakes are even higher. We coordinate your defense with our experienced immigration lawyers and explore every available form of legal protection.
Understanding DUI Charges and Penalties
We Challenge Every Detail—from the Stop to the Science
In most DUI cases, prosecutors rely on a combination of officer testimony, breath or blood test results, and field sobriety performance. But this evidence is often flawed. We challenge it all.
Our team defends clients against:
- First-time DUI and multiple DUI offenses
- DUI with a BAC of 0.08% or higher
- DUI involving prescription drugs or controlled substances
- DUI resulting in bodily injury or property damage
- Commercial driver DUI
- Underage DUI and zero tolerance violations
- DUI with prior felony convictions
- Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test

We also represent clients in related
administrative license hearings and aggressively pursue license reinstatement, hardship licenses, and pretrial diversion programs when appropriate.
First-Offense DUI
Don’t assume a conviction is inevitable. First-time offenders may qualify for reduced charges, dismissal, or diversion programs that protect your record.
Repeat DUI Offenses
Second and third DUI convictions carry mandatory jail time, ignition interlock requirements, and multi-year license suspensions. We work to avoid harsh penalties.
Driving under the influence of drugs—even with a valid prescription—can result in DUI charges. We challenge field sobriety evidence and officer assumptions.
A DUI conviction can impact your green card or visa. We build immigration-conscious defenses to prevent removal and explore
waiver options if needed.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest
Act Fast to Protect Your Rights and Your Driver’s License
Our firm provides strategic, compassionate defense in Florida.
Time is critical after a DUI arrest. In many cases, your license is automatically suspended unless you request a formal hearing within 10 days. The clock starts ticking immediately.
At Pedro L. Salim Law Firm, we take urgent action to:
- Request and represent you at your DMV administrative hearing
- Fight for temporary driving privileges
- Examine police reports, video evidence, and chemical test results
- File motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally
- Seek reductions from DUI to reckless driving or other non-alcohol-related offenses
- Pursue pretrial diversion or plea bargains that avoid criminal convictions
- Connect clients with court-approved treatment or counseling when appropriate
If your arrest involved domestic violence, theft, or alleged resisting arrest, we develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses all charges in one unified defense.
DUI Defense FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Under the Influence
How long will my license be suspended for a DUI?
For a first offense, up to 6–12 months. Repeat offenses may lead to longer suspensions. We work to reinstate your license as soon as possible.
Can I avoid jail time for a DUI?
Yes. Many clients qualify for diversion programs, probation, or alcohol education instead of jail—especially on a first offense.
What happens if I refused a breath test?
Refusing a test can lead to license suspension—but it may also limit the state’s evidence against you. We use this to your advantage in court.
Can I expunge a DUI from my record?
In most cases, DUI convictions cannot be expunged. However, if we get your charges dismissed or reduced, we may be able to clear your record.
Will a DUI impact my visa or green card?
Potentially, yes—especially if it involves drugs or repeat offenses. We coordinate closely with our immigration attorneys to protect your legal status.
