2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 18
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Gainesville DUI Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Featured Provider
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Edwards & Jones serve clients in Gainesville and its surrounding areas. It provides a broad range of legal services and client representation in several areas of the law, including DUI, assault and battery, college disciplinary hearings, and cases involving the Department of Children and Families. One of the firm's managing partners, Thomas L. Edwards, was chosen by the University of Florida to participate in its combined criminology and law program. Edwards graduated in 1986 and earned his master’s degree with honors and his Juris Doctor.
- Alcohol
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Thomas Edwards - Partner | Active | 36 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Hutson Law Firm is a general practice that serves clients in Gainesville. It assists individuals facing DUI charges in preserving their freedom and driving privileges. The firm handles various state criminal cases, including theft, fraud, domestic violence, and firearm offenses. Founding attorney Ben Hutson has been a board-certified criminal trial lawyer since 2006. He worked as a public defender for three years after graduating from law school in 1994. His private practice represents both individuals and businesses.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Bennett Hutson - Principal | Active | 30 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Koon Legal is a multi-practice firm that serves individuals and families in Gainesville. It assists those accused of various crimes, including DUI, traffic offenses, and boating under the influence. Its lawyers strive to have clients' cases dismissed or settled before trial or aggressively fight for their clients in court. Principal attorney Travis Koon has been in practice for over a decade, during which he was a public defender for several years. He has represented more than 1,500 accused clients.
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Travis Koon - Principal | Active | 15 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Kinsell Law Firm provides legal representation and defends the rights of clients in Gainesville and the surrounding areas. Miles Kinsell, the firm's attorney, carries almost 20 years of experience and has handled various cases, mostly involving DUI. He helps secure temporary permits for driving while the firm pursues the protection of a client's license. He also fights for the reduction or dismissal of charges against the client. Kinsell is a member of the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Steven Kinsell - Principal | Active | 24 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Galigani Law Firm offers legal representation for clients in Gainesville and its neighboring cities. The practice handles criminal defense cases for individuals charged with DUI offenses. The firm's attorneys hold around 30 years of combined industry experience and have handled almost all types of DUI cases. They determine the best course of action for clients' circ*mstances. Principal lawyer Dean Galigani is board-certified in criminal trial law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Dean Galigani - Principal | Active | 34 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 4.0 (13)
Why choose this provider?
Whittel & Melton is a law firm that offers clients the legal services of an experienced team of DUI attorneys near Gainesville. Its skilled attorneys help individuals fight against impaired driving charges due to being under the influence of prescription medication, illegal drugs, or alcohol. The firm files the necessary documents with DHSMV to prevent clients' driver's licenses from being suspended. Whittel & Melton also represents drivers accused of DUI manslaughter, DUI with personal injury, or DUI with property damage.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Jason Melton - Principal | Active | 22 yrs |
Jason Melton - Principal | Active | 22 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Adam Lee Law is a firm that serves clients in Gainesville. It provides legal representation to individuals arrested for DUI. The firm helps clients avoid penalties like jail time, license suspension, probation, and fines. It also deals with other criminal law cases and defends people accused of assault, battery, public intoxication, and underage drinking. The firm's primary lawyer, Adam Lee, served as an assistant state attorney in Gainesville. He has over 10 years of legal experience.
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Juan Carlos Calama assists individuals in dealing with DUI charges in Gainesville. Calama guides clients throughout the process, including acting fast during the 10 days after the arrest to avoid graver consequences. He builds a defense for the accused to invalidate charges or minimize the penalties. Calama also handles traffic violations, drug charges, and misdemeanors. He served at the 5th Judicial Circuit Marion County Office of the Public Defender, where he dealt with drink-related cases. He can provide his services in Spanish.
- DWI
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Rush & Frisco is a multi-practice law firm that has been serving the residents of Gainesville and the surrounding areas for more than three decades. It provides legal assistance with various kinds of DUI cases, including those involving property damage, serious injuries, and fatalities. It also handles traffic tickets, county misdemeanors, circuit felonies, and capital crimes. Founding attorney Robert A. Rush is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Trial Lawyers Association.
- DWI
- DUI Defense
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Steven Frisco - Partner | Active | 17 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Located near the Gainesville metro area, the Law Offices of Ronald E. Sholes PA represents clients in need of a DUI defense. Its attorneys understand constitutional defenses concerning reasonable suspicion of drunk driving, permissibility of stopping someone at a checkpoint, and probable cause to pull over a vehicle or make an arrest, before the blood alcohol level factors into a case. As a result, DUI charges may be reduced or dropped for clients, which include first-offense, juvenile, and repeat/felony defendants.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Gary Crews - Associate | Active | 22 yrs |
Ronald Sholes - Principal | Active | 23 yrs |
Rebecca Cozart - Managing Attorney | Active | 23 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.8 (47)
Why choose this provider?
Torres Law Firm PA is a practice providing legal counsel and representation in Gainesville and the surrounding areas. It handles state and federal criminal cases involving DUI charges and offenses concerning driver's licenses. It also represents clients in plea negotiations and court trials and guides them through the legal process. Prior to establishing the law firm, founder Cary Torres practiced civil litigation and criminal defense. She has more than 24 years of legal practice.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Cary Torres - Principal / Owner | Active | 28 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 4.6 (25)
- 5.0 (15)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Silverman, Mack & Associates is a criminal defense law firm that offers comprehensive legal services to clients in the Gainesville area. With over 40 years of combined litigation experience, its attorneys defend individuals accused of DUI/DWI offenses. They also advocate on behalf of clients charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license as well as willful, wanton, and reckless driving. Other services include representation in underage possession of alcohol and disorderly intoxication. Founding partner Joshua Silverman is a member of The Florida Bar.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Joshua Silverman - Founding Partner | Active | 23 yrs |
Stephanie Mack - Partner | Active | 21 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (15)
Why choose this provider?
The AP Law Group is a compassionate team of DUI lawyers near Gainesville who have over 50 years of combined legal experience in criminal law. The firm builds a strong defense for those accused of operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. It helps clients avoid serious penalties, including jail time, fines, license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device. The AP Law Group also represents individuals charged with DUI manslaughter.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Tania Alavi - Partner | Active | 32 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.2 (19)
Why choose this provider?
Bobi K. Frank, Attorney At Law offers legal representation for DUI offenders in Gainesville. Frank helps the accused understand their situation and guides them in navigating the legal system to secure reduced or invalidated charges. She handles a variety of criminal cases in addition to drunk driving, such as drug offenses, forgery, robbery, burglary, criminal mischief, and kidnapping. Her legal practice also covers personal injury, elder abuse, and contract law. Frank is a member of James C. Adkins Jr. Inn of Court.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Bobi Frank - Principal | Active | 10 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Stout Defense, P.A., is a criminal defense firm that serves the residents of Gainesville and the surrounding areas. It provides legal assistance to clients who have been charged with drunk driving, including first, second, and third offenses. It helps minimize or dismiss penalties such as court-ordered license suspensions, vehicle impoundments, fines, and community service. Principal attorney Adam Stout has been practicing law for more than a decade. He was a former prosecutor for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
- Alcohol
- DUI Defense
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (17)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of David Mengers helps clients needing a DWI lawyer near Gainesville. With over 20 years of DUI defense experience, Mr. Mengers handles cases involving breathalyzer test refusal, underage drinking and driving, DUI on suspended/revoked license, vehicular manslaughter, a blood alcohol level of .20 or higher, and a second/third DUI offense. He has achieved alternate sentences for some cases, while getting reduced charges in others. He is a criminal trial lawyer certified by the Florida Bar Association.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
David Mengers - Principal | Active | 38 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (5)
- Avvo
- 5.0 (4)
- Yelp
- 3.0 (2)
Why choose this provider?
Douglas Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm based in Gainesville. Attorneys at the firm represent clients facing DUI charges and driving offenses. The firm has successfully defended against citations and fines with boating and sailing BUIs. They have also represented numerous cases in DMV hearings and negotiated hardship licenses. Other practice areas include family law, real estate, guardianship, personal injury, and probate. Managing partner Charles T. Douglas Jr. obtained his law degree from the University of Florida.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Charles Douglas - Managing Partner | Active | 18 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (10)
Why choose this provider?
Scruggs, Carmichael & Wershow, P.A., has been providing its legal services to Gainesville and nearby areas since 1944. It represents clients who are facing DUI and DWI charges and other criminal allegations, such as assault and battery, murder and manslaughter, and stalking. Also included in the firm's practice areas are business law, creditor bankruptcy, estate planning, family law, and real estate. Stan Cushman, one of the firm's attorneys, is a member of the American Inns of Court and the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Jonathan Wershow - Partner | Active | 52 yrs |
Compare our Top DUI Lawyers
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
Law Offices of Edwards & Jones | 4545 NW 8th Ave., Suite B, Gainesville, FL32605 | View More | ||
Hutson Law Firm | 2750 NW. 43rd St. Ste. 102, Gainesville, FL32606 | View More | ||
Koon Legal | 703 N. Main St. Suite C, Gainesville, FL32601 | View More | ||
Kinsell Law Firm | 106 NW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL32601 | View More | ||
Galigani Law Firm | 317 NE 1st St., Gainesville, FL32601 | View More | ||
Whittel & Melton | 118 SW Fort King St, Ocala, FL 34471, Ocala, FL34471 | View More | ||
Adam Lee Law | 4735 NW 53rd Ave. Suite A., Gainesville, FL32653 | View More | ||
The Law Office of Juan Carlos Calama | PO Box 358451, Gainesville, FL32635 | View More | ||
The Law Offices of Rush & Frisco | 11 SE 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL32601 | View More | ||
Law Offices of Ronald E. Sholes, P.A. | 486 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL32091 | View More | ||
Torres Law Firm PA | 4210 NW 37th Place, Suite 300, Gainesville, FL32606 | View More | ||
The Law Office of Silverman, Mack & Associates | 4001 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL32607 | View More | ||
The AP Law Group | 108 North Magnolia Avenue, Ocala, FL34475 | View More | ||
Bobi K. Frank Attorney At Law | 18 NW 33rd Ct, Gainesville, FL32607 | View More | ||
Stout Defense, P.A. | 5215 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL32608 | View More | ||
Law Offices of David Mengers | 500 Northeast 8th Avenue, Ocala, FL34470 | View More | ||
Douglas Law Firm | Palatka Office 1301 St. Johns Ave Palatka FL 32177, Palatka, FL32177 | View More | ||
Scruggs, Carmichael & Wershow, P.A. | 1 SE First Avenue, Gainesville, FL32601 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gainesville, Florida?
The local police station in Gainesville can be reached for non-emergency matters at the contact number 352-955-1818.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gainesville, Florida?
To acquire police reports in Gainesville, you have three options: phone, online, or in-person visit. You can place a phone request by dialing 352-393-7565. For online requests, fill out and submit the form found at http://www.gainesvillepd.org. If you prefer to request in person, head to the Gainesville Police Department at 413 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601.
Can a DUI conviction in Gainesville result in deportation for an immigrant?
Deportation of an immigrant may not necessarily result from a DUI conviction in Gainesville. However, non-citizens may face immigration consequences due to a DUI conviction, depending on the circ*mstances. Factors that may increase the likelihood of immigration consequences include a DUI involving serious injury or death to another party, a first-offense DUI following a prior marijuana-related conviction, and a first-offense DUI in conjunction with multiple other criminal convictions.
How can a person facing DUI charges in Gainesville avoid a court conviction?
In Gainesville, an individual facing DUI charges may take a plea bargain to avoid a court conviction. A plea bargain is an agreement where the defendant pleads guilty in return for a lighter punishment. The decision to accept a plea bargain can significantly impact one's life, and having a skilled DUI lawyer is essential to understand the potential consequences and make an informed decision.
Can a DUI conviction in Gainesville be erased from an individual's criminal record?
Typically, a DUI conviction in Gainesville will remain a permanent aspect of an individual's criminal record and cannot be removed. However, the possibility exists to clear the record based on the case's specific circ*mstances. In some instances, the DUI conviction may be downgraded to a less severe charge or dismissed entirely.
Are there any alternative sentences for a DUI conviction in Gainesville?
Yes. Alternative sentences may be available for a DUI conviction in Gainesville. According to Florida Statutes § 316.193(6)(k), judges in DUI court hearings have the authority to order alternative sentences as credit towards jail time. Instead of serving jail time, the individual may be required to complete alternative forms of punishment, such as community service and substance abuse treatment.
What can happen to individuals in Gainesville who are found guilty of DUI while operating a commercial vehicle?
In Gainesville, individuals found guilty of DUI while operating a commercial vehicle may face strict punishment, including a minimum one-year suspension of the commercial driver's license (CDL). Should the offender have been carrying hazardous materials during the DUI incident, the suspension may extend to no less than three years. Moreover, first-time offenders can expect to incur a financial penalty of up to $1,000.
What does a DUI charge involve?
DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).
How long does a DUI stay on your record?
In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.
How do I choose a DUI attorney?
Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:
- Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
- Ask for referrals from family and friends
- Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
- Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
- Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
- Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable
What happens when you get a DUI?
Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.
Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.
Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?
While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.
How much does a DUI cost?
DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.
When does a DUI become a felony?
Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:
- It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
- The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
- The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.
How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?
Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.
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