It’s late. You’re driving home after a night out in Gainesville, thinking you’re fine to drive. Then you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Before you know it, you’re blowing into a breathalyzer, hearing the words “you’re under arrest,” and sitting in the back of a patrol car.
For many people, a DUI arrest is the first time they’ve ever been in serious trouble with the law. It’s scary, confusing, and, let’s be honest, embarrassing. But one bad night doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. The key is knowing what happens next and how to protect yourself.
Step 1: The Arrest and Booking
If you’re arrested for a first-time DUI in Florida, here’s what you can expect right away:
- Transport to jail – In Alachua County, that usually means the Alachua County Jail.
- Booking – Fingerprints, photographs, and paperwork.
- Holding period – Florida law requires at least 8 hours in custody or until you’re sober enough to be released safely.
It’s not fun. It’s not glamorous. And no, you won’t be allowed to make a TikTok from the holding cell.
Step 2: Administrative License Suspension
A DUI arrest in Florida triggers two cases:
- The criminal case – handled in court.
- The administrative case – handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
If you blew over the legal limit, which is a 0.08 blood alcohol limit, or refused testing, your license will be automatically suspended, even before your court date.
Important: You have 10 days from your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV. This is your only chance to fight the administrative suspension. It is also one of the primary ways to get a hardship license so you can drive to work or school.
Miss this deadline, and you could be walking, biking, or begging for rides for months.
Step 3: First Court Appearance
Your first court date is usually an arraignment, where you’re formally told the charges and enter a plea. If you hire a lawyer early, they can often attend this on your behalf, so you don’t have to appear in person.
Step 4: Understanding the Possible Penalties
A first-time DUI in Florida is still serious. If convicted, you’re looking at:
- Fines – $500 to $1,000 or more if your BAC was 0.15 or higher or you had a minor in the car
- License suspension – 6 months to 1 year
- Probation – Up to 1 year
- Community service – Minimum of 50 hours
- DUI school – Mandatory
- Possible jail time – Up to 6 months
You’ll also have to pay for things like vehicle impoundment and ignition interlock devices if required. And yes, your insurance premiums will skyrocket.
Step 5: Why a Lawyer Is Critical
Some people think, “It’s my first DUI, maybe I can just plead guilty and get it over with.” That’s a risky move.
A DUI conviction stays on your record for 75 years in Florida. There’s no expungement. That means employers, landlords, and insurance companies can see it forever.
An experienced DUI lawyer can:
- Challenge the stop – Was there legal probable cause to pull you over?
- Review the evidence – Were field sobriety tests and breathalyzers administered properly?
- Negotiate with prosecutors – Sometimes charges can be reduced to reckless driving (called a “wet reckless”) or penalties minimized.
- Protect your license – Handling both the court and DHSMV processes.
In short: a lawyer can mean the difference between a manageable outcome and a life-altering one.
Step 6: What Happens If You Aren’t Prepared
If you go into the process without legal guidance or preparation:
- You could lose your license for longer than necessary – simply by missing the 10-day DHSMV hearing window.
- You might accept harsher penalties – not realizing you had grounds to challenge the case.
- You risk unintended consequences – like losing professional licenses, immigration issues, or losing out on jobs that require a clean driving record.
One of the most common mistakes first-time DUI defendants make is underestimating the long-term impact. A conviction is not “over” once you pay the fine—it can follow you for decades.
Step 7: Life After a First-Time DUI
If handled well, a first-time DUI doesn’t have to define your future. With legal help, many people are able to:
- Get reduced charges
- Secure a hardship license
- Complete probation and community service without additional trouble
- Move forward with lessons learned
The important thing is to take action quickly. Time is your enemy in these cases; deadlines come fast, and the earlier your lawyer gets involved, the more options you have.
The Bottom Line
A first-time DUI in Florida is serious business. But you don’t have to face it alone or unprepared.
Here’s your quick survival guide:
- Stay calm during the arrest.
- Mark the 10-day DHSMV hearing deadline on your calendar.
- Call a DUI lawyer immediately—preferably one familiar with Alachua County courts.
- Follow all court orders and legal advice to the letter.
One bad night doesn’t have to ruin the rest of your life—but only if you take the right steps now.
The flashing blue lights in your rearview may have been a wake-up call, but what you do after matters even more. Get informed, get help, and give yourself the best chance at a future where your DUI is just a chapter, not the whole story.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.
