DUI Attorney in Brent

Legal Help When a DUI Arrest Turns Your Life Upside Down

If you were arrested for driving under the influence in or near Brent, you may be worried about jail, your license, and what this means for your future. In a matter of hours, you might have gone from a routine traffic stop to handcuffs, a breath test, and paperwork listing a court date you do not fully understand. 

At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we represent people in this situation, and we know how overwhelming it can feel. If you are looking for a DUI attorney in Brent who will take your concerns seriously and explain your options clearly, we are ready to talk with you.

Our firm has been advocating for individuals across the Florida Panhandle since 1990, and attorney Michael J. Griffith brings more than 40 years of experience in criminal, civil, and family law. We focus on protecting the rights of people who are facing the power of the government, not institutions or businesses.

Facing a DUI in Brent? Don't leave your future to chance. Speak with a Brent DUI defense lawyer with a proven track record. Call (850) 495-7977 or reach out online today to start your defense.

What is a DUI in Brent

In Florida, "DUI" stands for Driving Under the Influence. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be "drunk" to be arrested. Under Florida Statute § 316.193, a DUI is proven if a person is driving or in "actual physical control" of a vehicle while:

• Their normal faculties are impaired by alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances; OR
• They have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Different Types of DUI Charges in Brent

Not every DUI case is the same. Florida law differentiates between various types of impairment and situational factors, each carrying its own set of mandatory penalties.

• Underage DUI: Florida maintains a Zero Tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. If a minor is found with a BAC of 0.02% or higher (roughly one drink), their license is automatically suspended for 6 months (administrative).
• DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs): DUID involves impairment by controlled substances (illegal drugs) or chemical substances (prescription or over-the-counter medications). Because there is no "legal limit" for drugs like there is for alcohol, the state relies heavily on Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) and blood/urine tests. 
• Multiple DUI Offenses: Florida’s penalties escalate exponentially with each subsequent conviction.
• BUI (Boating Under the Influence): In Brent and the surrounding coastal areas of Escambia County, BUI is a major enforcement focus. The legal limit for operating a vessel is the same as a car (0.08%).
• Aggravated DUI: Certain "aggravating factors" can turn a standard DUI into a much more severe charge:
  • Having a High BAC (0.15% or higher)
  • Driving with a passenger under 18 while impaired
  • Committing a DUI with property damage
  • Causing a serious bodily injury

"Trenton’s Law"

Florida’s DUI landscape changed drastically on October 1, 2025, with the implementation of HB 687, commonly known as Trenton’s Law. These reforms closed several "loopholes" and significantly increased the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenders.

As your Brent DUI defense lawyer, we are fully prepared to navigate these new hurdles:

• Criminalized Refusal: For the first time in Florida history, refusing a breath, blood, or urine test during your first arrest is now a second-degree misdemeanor. You can now face up to 60 days in jail simply for refusing the test.
• Enhanced Manslaughter Penalties: A second conviction for DUI manslaughter has been elevated to a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison—a sentence equivalent to murder.
• Permanent License Revocation: Judges now have expanded authority to permanently strip a driver of their license if they are involved in a DUI-related fatality.

The Two Fronts of a Brent DUI Case

When you are arrested by the Escambia County Sheriff or the Florida Highway Patrol, you are immediately entered into two different systems:

1. The 10-Day Rule (The DMV Battle)

You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended. As your Brent DUI defense lawyer, we can help you file for a "Hardship" permit or contest the suspension to keep you on the road while your case is pending.

2. The Criminal Case (The Court Battle)

This is where you face potential jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. In Brent, first-time DUI penalties include:

• Fines: $500 to $1,000 (doubled if BAC is .15+).
• Jail: Up to 6 months (up to 9 months if BAC is .15+).
• Probation: Mandatory 12 months.
• Ignition Interlock: Required for at least 6 months if BAC is .15 or higher.

How an Experienced Brent DUI Defense Lawyer Challenges Evidence

Our work often begins with a detailed review of all available records. This can include police reports, video from the patrol car or body cameras when available, results from breath or blood tests, and any witness information.

We don't just "process" cases; we deconstruct them. There are dozens of ways to challenge a DUI charge in Florida:

• Illegal Traffic Stop: If the officer lacked a valid reason for the stop, all evidence gathered afterward (including the breath test) may be suppressed.
• Flawed Sobriety Exercises: Field sobriety tests are highly subjective. Medical conditions, uneven pavement, or even the wind in Brent can cause a sober person to "fail."
• Breathalyzer Inaccuracy: The Intoxilyzer 8000 is a machine, and machines fail. We look for calibration errors or "mouth alcohol" contamination that can cause a false high reading.
• Implied Consent Violations: Under Trenton’s Law, if an officer failed to properly warn you that refusal is now a crime, we can fight to have the refusal evidence excluded.

When the case calls for it, we may work with credible experts such as toxicology professionals or others who can help us evaluate the reliability of test results or explain medical conditions that might mimic impairment. 

Our goal is to prepare thoroughly so that we understand both the strengths and the weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. We then discuss these findings with you and explore possible paths, which can include negotiating with prosecutors or, in some cases, taking the case to trial.

Why Drivers Trust Our DUI Defense Team

When you are deciding who should represent you, you want more than slogans. You want to know that the lawyer you choose has handled serious criminal cases, knows the courts that serve Brent, and has earned respect in the legal community. 

At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we have represented individuals throughout the Florida Panhandle since 1990, and our criminal defense work is a central part of what we do. Attorney Michael J. Griffith has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, which is a distinction held by relatively few lawyers. 

He has also been named to the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida, recognition that reflects a long record of legal service and professional achievement. These credentials do not guarantee any particular outcome, but they do show the level of commitment and experience that we bring to each case.

Much of our work comes from referrals by former clients and other lawyers who have seen how we handle cases. People send their friends and family to us because they know we take time to review the facts carefully, listen to the client’s goals, and give honest, practical advice.

What To Do After a DUI Arrest in Brent

The hours and days after a DUI arrest are important. Certain steps can help protect your rights and give your lawyer more to work with as your case develops. Every situation is different, but there are common actions that are often helpful after a DUI or DWI arrest near Brent.

Consider taking these steps after a DUI arrest:

• Review your paperwork carefully. The documents you received at the jail or from the officer typically include your next court date and may include information about an administrative driver’s license suspension. Keep these papers together.
• Pay attention to driver’s license deadlines. These deadlines involve the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and can pass quickly if you do not act.
• Write down what you remember. As soon as you can, make notes about where you were pulled over, what the officer said, what tests you were asked to perform, and anything you told law enforcement.
• Be cautious about what you say and post. It is usually best not to discuss the facts of your case with anyone other than your lawyer, including on social media. Conversations with friends or coworkers are generally not protected and can sometimes be used in court.
• Contact a lawyer promptly. The sooner you speak with counsel, the sooner you can get clear answers about your situation.

You do not have to wait until your first court date to seek advice. A DUI lawyer in Brent can start helping you understand the process, the paperwork, and what choices lie ahead.

Talk With Our DUI Defense Team About Your Case

As a DUI defense attorney Brent residents can turn to for clear guidance, we focus on thorough preparation and transparent communication from start to finish. We explain each step in the process, from administrative license issues to court appearances, and we are mindful of how a DUI charge affects your work, your family, and your daily life. If you prefer to speak in Spanish or French, we can accommodate that as well.

To discuss your DUI case and learn how we can help, call (850) 495-7977 or contact Michael J. Griffith, P.A. online today.