First-Time DUI Attorney

20+ Years of Experience Handling DUI and Criminal Cases

With more than 20 years of experience defending DUI cases in St. Petersburg, FL, and across Pinellas County, FL, The Denson Firm knows what it takes to fight a first-time DUI charge. From protecting your license and challenging the evidence to pursuing reduced penalties or diversion programs, we provide the focused defense you need to safeguard your future.

Call The Denson Firm today for a free consultation and start building your defense with an experienced St. Petersburg DUI attorney.

First-Time DUI Conviction in Pinellas County, FL

Being arrested for a first-time DUI in St. Petersburg or anywhere in Pinellas County can be overwhelming and life-changing. Beyond the stress of an arrest, Florida statutes outline strict penalties for a first conviction—making it crucial to understand what you’re facing and the importance of a strong legal defense.

Florida First-Time DUI Penalties

• Jail Time: up to 6 months; if BAC is .15 or higher, up to 9 months max
• Fines: up to $1,000; if BAC is .15 or higher, up to $2,000 max
• Community Service: 50 hours; “buy-outs” can be made at $10/hour, with a typical max of one-half of the hours
• Probation: up to 12 months; probation of 12 months may be ordered instead of jail time, with an option of early termination after 6 months if all conditions are met
• Vehicle Impoundment or Immobilization: required for 10 days; not concurrent with incarceration; may be dismissed if the vehicle is driven only by employees of the defendant’s business

In addition, DUI school, substance abuse counseling, victim impact panels, and investigative fees are often required. If your BAC was .15 or higher, an ignition interlock device must also be installed for at least 6 months.

Why Hire an Attorney for My First DUI

A DUI conviction not only has immediate effects but also can have long-lasting effects. It impacts your freedom and your future, and it can affect your personal and family life, as well as your career.

Do not simply plead without an attorney. A DUI attorney will thoroughly review the details of your case to develop the most appropriate strategy for your particular situation, working hard for the best outcome possible, such as:

• Get the charges dismissed
• Reduce charges to reckless driving
• Reduce charges to careless driving (which amounts to a civil infraction)

It’s important to contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest in Pinellas County, FL. A strategy can be implemented quickly and can make a huge difference in multiple factors of your case, including whether you can drive, have to face jail time, and more.

At The Denson Firm, we have the skills and experience to strongly advocate for you when facing prosecutors and judges. We work diligently through each aspect of the process, communicating with you regarding each step.

About Bruce Denson

If you’ve been arrested for a first-time DUI in St. Petersburg or Pinellas County, you need an attorney who knows the local courts and has the experience to fight for your future. Bruce Denson has been defending clients in the Tampa Bay area for more than 25 years, bringing insight as both a former prosecutor and a seasoned defense attorney.

Benefits of Hiring Bruce Denson

• Consult with you to understand your case and your particular needs for resolution
• Thoroughly investigate the prosecutor’s case against you
• Speak with any witnesses
• Present motions that need to be heard by the judge
• Investigate your defense
• Represent you at trial

Need legal representation for your first-time DUI? Contact The Denson Firm Today!

Contact The Denson Firm Today

If you’re facing first-time DUI charges in Pinellas County, turn to an attorney you can trust. Bruce Denson of The Denson Firm has over 20 years of DUI and criminal defense experience in St. Petersburg and Pinellas. A Florida native, he understands the local courts, the process, and how to protect your future. Schedule a consultation today.