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The Denson Firm
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorneys

First-Time DUI Attorney in Pinellas County, FL

Protect your record, your license, and your future. Speak directly with an experienced DUI attorney today.
First-time DUI attorney St Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorneys

20+ Years of Experience Defending First-Time DUI Cases in Pinellas County

Our firm has extensive experience handling DUI cases throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Pinellas Park, providing trusted legal defense for clients across the county.

Being arrested for a DUI in Pinellas County can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With more than 20 years of DUI defense experience, The Denson Firm has helped countless first-time offenders protect their licenses, avoid jail, and move forward with their lives.

What Our Clients Say

Hiring the best criminal defense attorney in Pinellas County for your case matters. That’s why it’s important to see what our clients have to say.
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  • "Mr. Denson took my case literally a handful of days before my case was to be heard in court. He did a great job and was very thorough. He even followed up to ensure the court updated their records to note my ticket was dismissed. Great demeanor and very easy to work with."
    Anonymous
    Avvo Review
  • "Bruce was on task every step of the way. From the very beginning, he was able to stand out from other lawyers by communicating my options clearly and with certainty. He then executed everything that was discussed successfully. In my case, I was charged with a 2nd degree felony. Bruce was able to lower it to a 3rd degree, give me a withhold of adjudication, and keep me to 16 months of probation–which I did in 8 for good conduct…"
    Anonymous
    Avvo Review
  • "Mr. Denson and his assistant Betty are top notch. Both of them had great professional yet personal demeanors and were easy to work with. Mr. Denson did a great job of handling my case. He saw it all the way through, even ensuring that the court updated their records and annotated my ticket as dismissed. I would definitely hire him again, but hoping I don’t need to."
    Jessica Antonio
    Google Review
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorneys

What You’re Facing After a First-Time DUI in Florida

A first-time DUI conviction in Florida carries severe penalties, even without prior offenses:

  • Jail Time: Up to 6 months (or up to 9 months with a BAC of .15+)
  • Fines: Up to $1,000 (or up to $2,000 with a BAC of .15+)
  • Community Service: 50 hours (may be partially “bought out” at $10/hour)
  • Probation: Up to 12 months
  • Vehicle Impoundment: 10 days minimum
  • Additional Requirements: DUI school, substance abuse counseling, victim impact panels, and investigative fees
  • Ignition Interlock Device: Required for at least 6 months if BAC was .15+

These penalties can disrupt your life, career, and finances. That’s why hiring a Pinellas County DUI attorney early can make all the difference.

At The Denson Firm, we work to minimize the impact of a DUI arrest by reviewing the evidence, identifying errors in testing or procedure, and negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options such as diversion programs. Our goal is to protect your record, your license, and your future.

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Pinellas Criminal Defense Attorney

When you’re facing a case that could affect the rest of your life, it’s important to have an attorney in your corner who will fight for your future. That’s exactly what you’ll get at The Denson Firm. With over 20 years of experience handling DUI and Criminal Defense cases, we’ve centered our strategy around one principle.

Don’t put your case up to chance. Hire the services of Bruce Denson and team and take a look at all options in front of you. Our team has the resources to give you the best chance possible in court. Any court case can put you in a stressful situation, but with the Denson Firm you can be confident knowing that your attorney is ready to fight for your rights. Your case is in good hands.
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorneys

How The Denson Firm Can Help You

The Denson Firm offers focused, hands-on representation for individuals facing DUI charges across Pinellas County. As a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience, Bruce Denson understands how the state builds its case and how to dismantle it.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

  • A personalized consultation to review your case and your goals
  • A thorough investigation of the evidence and police conduct
  • Strategic motions and negotiations to improve your outcome
  • Experienced trial representation when necessary
  • Consistent communication so you always know where your case stands

If you’ve been arrested for a first-time DUI in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, or anywhere in Pinellas County, contact us today.

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FAQs

You’ll face potential jail time, fines, community service, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school. However, a Pinellas County, FL DUI attorney can often help you pursue reduced charges or a diversion program.
Most first-time DUI offenders in Pinellas County, FL, receive probation, fines, community service, and mandatory DUI school. However, the penalties can vary based on your BAC level and the circumstances of your arrest.
For a first DUI offense in Pinellas County, FL, your driver’s license may be suspended for 6 months to 1 year. If you act quickly, you may qualify for a hardship license to drive for work or essential needs.
Contact an attorney before making any statements. You have only 10 days to challenge your license suspension, so it’s critical to act fast to protect your rights.

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The Denson Firm

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