Florida DUI License Suspension Lawyer Protecting Your Driving Privileges After a Refusal

If you refuse a chemical DUI test in Florida, not only can you face criminal charges, but there are immediate impacts on your ability to drive. Under Florida’s implied consent law, refusal to take a breath, blood, or urine test can result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license before you can even be tried in court.

A car is a necessity for everyday life in Florida. The Kessler Law Firm will advocate fiercely to help you regain your driving privileges and freedom of movement. As an experienced Florida DUI license suspension lawyer, board-certified criminal trial lawyer Michael Kessler has fought for countless clients’ freedom and futures by fighting their DUI-related license suspensions.

How DUI Test Refusal Affects Your Driver’s License

DUI test refusal results in an automatic 1-year suspension of your driver’s license if this is your first offense. If you have prior DUI-related suspensions, or this is your second or subsequent refusal, your license is suspended for 18 months plus additional penalties that include fines, jail time, and community service.

A suspended license can drastically affect your social, professional, and home lives. Even if you do not also face criminal charges, the administrative penalties can affect your work prospects and ability to obtain auto insurance.

How We Defend Your Driving Privileges

The Kessler Law Firm strives to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Our proven defense strategies for saving your driver’s license after a DUI test refusal include:

Challenging the Traffic Stop

If law enforcement lacked probable cause to stop you in the first place, your suspension may be dismissed. If you did not feel inebriated and your driving wasn’t unsafe or erratic, biases and quotas can cause police officers to unlawfully stop drivers.

Lawfulness of the Officer’s Request

Not only must the reason for the traffic stop be lawful, but so should the DUI testing procedure. If you refuse a DUI chemical test and the police officer has a lawful reason for requesting it, then they need to inform you of the consequences of your refusal. Your refusal must be voluntary and clear. While your consent to a sobriety test is implied in Florida, the officer cannot literally force you to take a DUI chemical test.

DMV Hearing Representation

You can request an administrative hearing before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to contest your suspension. While you are allowed to represent yourself at this hearing, it’s best to have an experienced Florida DUI license suspension lawyer represent you to secure the best outcome. You also need to act quickly to request this hearing as soon as possible.

Pursuing a Hardship License

If you act quickly and request an administrative hearing, you may be eligible for a restricted hardship license that grants limited driving privileges. Hardship licenses only grant permission to drive to work, medical appointments, and other strictly essential trips. Depending on the facts of your case, a hardship license may be the best option while you are contesting your suspension.

Why Choose Kessler Law Firm?

A suspended driver’s license can feel like your entire life is on hold. The Kessler Law Firm understands the gravity of the situation and is here to advocate for you.

Florida DUI lawyer Michael Kessler is a proven attorney with over 40 years of criminal defense experience throughout the Treasure Coast. Michael’s reputation as a relentless advocate for his clients is demonstrated in the results. When the stakes are high, the Kessler Law Firm provides keen, comprehensive representation with defense strategies uniquely tailored to your case.

Whether it’s challenging faulty breathalyzer results or dismantling weak prosecutions, the Kessler Law Firm will fight for you when your future is on the line.