Helping Drivers Across Orange County and Central Florida Protect Their Rights After a DUI Arrest
When most people think of Orlando, they picture theme parks, palm-lined highways, and busy nightlife. What many don’t realize is that the Orlando metropolitan area stretches beyond city limits, including nearby communities such as Winter Park, Maitland, Ocoee, and Apopka. Every day, law enforcement officers in Orange County and throughout Central Florida conduct DUI stops that can change a person’s life in an instant.
If you were arrested for DUI outside of the Orlando city limits—perhaps in Winter Garden, Sanford, Kissimmee, or another surrounding area—you may be wondering whether you can contact me for help. The answer is yes. As an Orlando DUI Defense Lawyer, I represent clients charged with DUI throughout Orange County and neighboring jurisdictions. Whether your arrest happened on I-4, the Florida Turnpike, or a local highway, I can review the details of your case and determine how to protect your rights under Florida law.
My name is Attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary, and for decades I’ve defended individuals accused of DUI and related criminal offenses across Florida. I know that the location of your arrest should never determine the strength of your defense. My law office handles DUI cases across the region—including clients arrested by city police departments, county deputies, or state troopers. You can contact me to discuss your case by calling 1-888-640-2999 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Why People Call an Orlando DUI Defense Lawyer Even for Arrests Outside City Limits
Many drivers are surprised to learn that a DUI arrest occurring outside Orlando can still fall under the jurisdiction of the Orange County Court system. For example, if you were stopped in an unincorporated area near Pine Hills or Bithlo, your case may still be prosecuted in the same courthouse where Orlando cases are heard. The same legal procedures apply under Florida Statutes Chapter 316, which governs traffic and motor vehicle offenses.
Even if your arrest occurred in another county—such as Seminole, Osceola, or Lake County—I regularly defend clients in those courts as well. DUI law in Florida is based on statewide statutes, not local ordinances, meaning that your rights and defense strategies remain consistent. Having a defense attorney who is familiar with prosecutors, judges, and court procedures throughout Central Florida can give you a valuable advantage.
Understanding DUI Under Florida Law
Florida’s definition of DUI is established in Florida Statute § 316.193, which states:
“A person is guilty of the offense of driving under the influence if the person is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within this state and is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any controlled substance under chapter 893, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired; or the person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.”
This means a DUI charge can result from either impairment or chemical testing. Police officers often rely on field sobriety exercises or breath tests, but both are subject to error. If you were arrested outside Orlando, the arresting agency might have used a different testing protocol or equipment, which is one of the first areas I investigate when defending your case.
Where Jurisdiction Matters—and Where It Doesn’t
Florida divides its court system by counties, not cities. So if your arrest occurred anywhere in Orange County, your case will likely be assigned to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court or the Orange County Court, depending on the severity of the charge.
If you were arrested just across the county line—say, in Sanford (Seminole County) or St. Cloud (Osceola County)—your case will be prosecuted in that county’s court. In either situation, I regularly appear before those courts and can handle your defense from start to finish.
Many people believe they need to hire an attorney who physically practices in the same small town where they were stopped. That is not the case. As a DUI Attorney in Orlando, I represent clients throughout the region, including visitors who were arrested while traveling. What matters most is experience, strategic defense, and a deep understanding of how DUI cases are investigated and prosecuted in Florida.
The Immediate Consequences After a DUI Arrest in Florida
Under Florida Statute § 322.2615, a driver’s license can be suspended immediately following a DUI arrest if the driver either fails or refuses a breath, blood, or urine test. You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Many people lose this opportunity simply because they did not realize how fast the clock starts ticking. If your arrest occurred outside Orlando but within Florida, I can still file the necessary paperwork and appear at your DHSMV hearing. This administrative process is separate from your criminal case, yet it has major implications for your driving privileges and insurance rates.
Criminal Penalties for DUI in Florida
DUI penalties are uniform throughout the state, regardless of where your arrest occurred. They are defined under § 316.193(2) and increase with each offense or aggravating factor.
For a first-offense DUI, penalties may include:
- Up to 6 months in jail (or 9 months if a minor was in the vehicle or BAC ≥ 0.15)
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- License suspension from 6 months to 1 year
- Mandatory DUI school and substance-abuse evaluation
- Probation and community service
For second and subsequent offenses, jail time and fines increase sharply, and mandatory ignition interlock devices may apply.
If your DUI involved a crash or injuries, you could face felony DUI charges under § 316.193(3), carrying potential prison terms and permanent license revocation.
Even if the offense occurred outside Orlando, the consequences will follow you anywhere in Florida—and even out of state, due to national driver-record sharing. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced Orlando DUI Defense Lawyer handle your case properly from the start.
Defenses I Use in DUI Cases—Inside and Outside Orlando
Every DUI arrest involves unique circumstances. Some of the common defenses I explore include:
- Improper Traffic Stop – Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop. A stop without a valid basis can lead to the exclusion of evidence.
- Faulty Field Sobriety Tests – Environmental factors, medical conditions, or uneven surfaces can cause poor performance unrelated to intoxication.
- Invalid Breath Test Results – Machines must be properly maintained and calibrated according to Florida Administrative Code 11D-8. Any deviation can render the results unreliable.
- Unlawful Arrest – An officer must have probable cause before making an arrest. If not, all evidence obtained afterward can be challenged.
- Chain of Custody Errors – When blood samples or records are mishandled, the accuracy of chemical testing comes into question.
Because I’ve handled hundreds of DUI cases across multiple Florida jurisdictions, I understand how each local agency conducts its investigations and how to expose procedural flaws.
Real Case Example (Name Withheld for Privacy)
A client visiting from Georgia was stopped near Winter Garden after an officer claimed he crossed the lane divider. The officer performed roadside tests and recorded a breath result of 0.09. However, through discovery, we obtained maintenance logs showing the breathalyzer was overdue for inspection. We filed a motion to suppress the test results, and the court dismissed the DUI, reducing the charge to reckless driving.
This case illustrates that the key to winning isn’t where the arrest occurred—but how carefully the evidence is examined.
Why Choose Attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary
When you are arrested for DUI, you are not just facing a court date—you are confronting the possibility of jail time, loss of license, and damage to your reputation. I have dedicated my career to protecting clients in Orlando and surrounding communities from unfair prosecution.
What sets my representation apart is my hands-on approach. I personally review every police report, video, and lab record, and I communicate directly with my clients about strategy and next steps. Whether your arrest occurred in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, or Clermont, I will provide the same aggressive defense and detailed attention to your case.
When you call 1-888-640-2999, you will speak with a law firm that understands how DUI charges are prosecuted in every courthouse across Central Florida.
How I Handle DUI Cases Throughout Central Florida
Although my primary office is in Orlando, I represent clients across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, and Volusia Counties. Modern technology allows me to access court filings electronically, appear at hearings, and communicate with prosecutors across county lines.
Florida’s statewide rules of criminal procedure mean that your rights are identical whether your arrest was by the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol. My representation includes:
- Contesting administrative license suspensions
- Filing suppression motions
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges
- Preparing cases for trial when necessary
If you live outside Florida but were arrested here while visiting, I can often appear in court on your behalf, minimizing the need for repeated travel.
Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction
Beyond fines and jail, a DUI conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, insurance premiums, and background checks. Florida law allows certain DUI records to remain public indefinitely. Unlike some misdemeanors, DUI convictions cannot be expunged under Florida Statute § 943.0584.
However, if your DUI was dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, you may qualify for sealing or expungement. I routinely assist clients in evaluating whether they can pursue record relief once their case concludes.
The Importance of a Private DUI Defense Attorney
Some people rely on public defenders, but when your future and reputation are on the line, a private attorney can often dedicate more time and resources to your defense. I work with forensic experts, toxicologists, and investigators to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Every decision in your case—from whether to request a formal review hearing to how to handle plea negotiations—can have lasting consequences. Having an experienced Orlando DUI Defense Lawyer ensures that every option is considered strategically.
What To Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest Outside Orlando
If your DUI arrest occurred outside Orlando but within Florida, take these steps immediately:
- Preserve All Paperwork – Keep your citation, notice of suspension, and any receipts or documents given by law enforcement.
- Request a Hearing Within 10 Days – Failure to do so may result in automatic suspension.
- Avoid Discussing the Case Online – Social media posts can be used as evidence.
- Consult a DUI Attorney Immediately – The earlier I can review your case, the better we can protect your rights.
Time is critical in every DUI case. Even if your case is being handled in a county outside Orlando, I can represent you effectively.
Orlando DUI Defense FAQs
Can you represent me if my DUI arrest happened outside Orlando?
Yes. I represent clients throughout Central Florida, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties. Florida’s DUI laws apply statewide, so the defense strategies remain consistent. Even if your arrest was handled by another county’s sheriff’s office or police department, I can appear in court for you and handle your case from Orlando.
Does it matter which law enforcement agency arrested me?
No. Whether it was the Florida Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, or another agency, all officers must comply with the same constitutional and statutory requirements. What matters most is whether those officers followed proper procedure. I review every report and video to ensure your rights were not violated.
What if I refused the breath test?
Refusing a breath test can trigger an automatic one-year license suspension for a first refusal under Florida Statute § 322.2615(1)(b). However, refusals are often defensible. I examine whether the officer properly informed you of the implied-consent warnings and whether the request for testing was lawful. An unlawful stop or arrest can invalidate the refusal.
Can I still drive after a DUI arrest?
Yes, but only temporarily. The citation you received acts as a 10-day permit to drive for business purposes. During that time, you can request a formal review hearing with the DHSMV. I can file this request and petition for a hardship license, which may allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your case is pending.
What if my DUI happened while visiting Florida?
Out-of-state visitors frequently face DUI charges while vacationing in Central Florida. I can often appear on your behalf, preventing multiple court trips. I also help ensure your home-state license and driving record are properly addressed, since most states share DUI information through the Interstate Driver License Compact.
Can a DUI be reduced to reckless driving?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a DUI to “wet reckless” when evidence problems exist, such as questionable breath results or lack of probable cause. This reduction can significantly limit fines, penalties, and long-term consequences. I evaluate each case to determine whether a reduction or dismissal is achievable.
How long will a DUI stay on my record in Florida?
A DUI conviction remains on your Florida driving record for 75 years and on your criminal record permanently. However, if your case is dismissed or reduced, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record under § 943.0585.
Do I have to appear in court if I hire you?
For many misdemeanor DUI cases, I can appear on your behalf under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.180(a)(3), allowing you to continue working or living out of state. Felony cases typically require at least one personal appearance, but I handle scheduling and ensure minimal disruption to your life.
Will hiring a private attorney really make a difference?
Absolutely. DUI law is complex, and outcomes depend heavily on the quality of investigation and preparation. A private attorney can dedicate the time, research, and expert resources necessary to challenge the state’s evidence. My firm works one-on-one with each client, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Can I contact you even if I haven’t been formally charged yet?
Yes—and it’s often the best time to do so. Early intervention allows me to preserve evidence, obtain video footage, and contact witnesses before memories fade. The sooner we act, the stronger your defense will be.
Do you handle cases involving prescription or controlled substances?
Yes. DUI in Florida covers not just alcohol but also drugs and prescription medications. Chemical impairment must be proven, and many drug-related DUI arrests rely on unreliable field tests. I scrutinize lab results and arrest procedures in these cases carefully.
What is your fee structure?
My firm does not offer free consultations, but I provide transparent, case-specific pricing. Fees depend on whether your case involves administrative hearings, trial preparation, or felony enhancements. During our consultation, I explain all anticipated costs before representation begins.
Contact Orlando DUI Defense Attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary at 1-888-640-2999 For A Consultation
If your DUI arrest occurred outside Orlando—or anywhere in Orange County or the surrounding region—you still have the right to skilled, determined legal representation. I’m ready to analyze your case, protect your driving privileges, and fight for the best possible outcome. Call 1-888-640-2999 today to schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary, your Orlando DUI Defense Lawyer serving clients across Central Florida.
