If you were just arrested for DUI in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or anywhere in Okaloosa or Walton County, you are probably asking the same question every client asks me first: how much does a DUI cost in Florida? The short answer is more than the ticket suggests. A first offense carries a court fine … [Read more...] about How Much Does a DUI Cost in Florida? Fines, Fees, and Hidden Expenses
DUI
Arrested for DUI in Okaloosa County: Know Your Rights
Getting pulled over on Highway 98 or Beal Parkway with blue lights flashing behind you is stressful enough. Getting arrested for DUI in Okaloosa County adds fear, confusion, and questions you cannot easily answer at one in the morning from the back of a patrol car. Your rights after a DUI arrest … [Read more...] about Arrested for DUI in Okaloosa County: Know Your Rights
Refusing a Breathalyzer in Florida: What It Costs You and Whether It Was the Right Call
A traffic stop on Highway 98, the Mid-Bay Bridge, or anywhere along the Emerald Coast can change quickly. One moment, a driver is heading home from dinner in Destin. Next, an officer is asking for a breath sample. The decision that follows used to be straightforward for many people. Refuse the test, … [Read more...] about Refusing a Breathalyzer in Florida: What It Costs You and Whether It Was the Right Call
Understanding Florida’s 10-Day Rule After a DUI Arrest: What Fort Walton Beach & Okaloosa County Drivers Need to Know
A DUI arrest in Fort Walton Beach triggers an immediate crisis that most drivers don't see coming. While processing the shock of being arrested, Florida law starts a ten-day countdown that could determine whether you keep or lose your driving privileges for months. This time-sensitive window, known … [Read more...] about Understanding Florida’s 10-Day Rule After a DUI Arrest: What Fort Walton Beach & Okaloosa County Drivers Need to Know
First-Time DUI vs. Repeat DUI in Okaloosa County: What to Expect.
A DUI arrest in Okaloosa County is a serious matter whether it's your first offense or you've been charged before. However, the penalties, legal processes, and potential consequences differ significantly between a first-time DUI and a repeat offense. Understanding what you're facing is the first … [Read more...] about First-Time DUI vs. Repeat DUI in Okaloosa County: What to Expect.
First Offense DUI: Can You Avoid Conviction in Florida?
By Attorney Shawn Lupella, Managing Partner | Florida Bar Member Since 2004 | Former Okaloosa County Prosecutor | 10,000+ Court Appearances I've defended hundreds of first-time DUI cases in Northwest Florida over the past 20 years. A DUI arrest doesn't have to mean a DUI conviction. That teacher I … [Read more...] about First Offense DUI: Can You Avoid Conviction in Florida?