DUI Attorney in Manatee County

Count On Supportive Guidance After a DUI Arrest in Florida

If you have been arrested for DUI in Manatee County, every choice you make now can impact your outcome. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our experienced DUI defense attorneys help you make smart decisions following an arrest. We use years of criminal law experience in Manatee County to protect your rights and your future.

Many clients feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar procedures and potential consequences. We break down each stage so you know what to expect, including steps at the Manatee County Judicial Center and required documentation. 

Our familiarity with the local process allows us to guide you smoothly from that first conversation. We know the people and priorities in the area courts and law enforcement agencies, and we use those insights to support you with confidence from the start.

Protect your future and your driving privileges. Contact Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to start building your defense. Call (941) 541-5335 or reach out online today.

Understanding Florida DUI Laws (Statute §316.193)

Florida defines DUI in two ways, meaning the prosecution can secure a conviction if they prove either impairment or an unlawful alcohol level occurred while you were driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle:

• Impairment: That your normal faculties were impaired by alcohol, a controlled substance, or chemical substance to the extent that your ability to drive was compromised.
• Per Se Violation: That your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) was 0.08 or higher. This "per se" standard applies regardless of whether the officer observed impaired driving.

A successful DUI defense attorney in Manatee County must be prepared to challenge both the subjective evidence (Field Sobriety Tests) and the objective evidence (chemical tests) presented by the State.

The Critical 10-Day Deadline: Saving Your License

The most time-sensitive component of a DUI case is the administrative suspension of your driving privilege by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

• Automatic Suspension: If you took a breath test and blew a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or if you refused to submit to testing, your license is automatically suspended after 10 days.
• The 10-Day Rule: You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a Formal Review Hearing with the DHSMV. If this deadline is missed, your temporary permit expires, and a mandatory "hard" suspension begins, leaving you unable to drive for a period.

Our firm views this administrative hearing as a crucial opportunity. We immediately file the necessary paperwork to challenge the suspension and, as former prosecutors, we utilize this hearing to subpoena and cross-examine the arresting officer under oath, securing valuable testimony that aids our criminal defense strategy.

Penalties and Aggravating Factors for DUI in Manatee County

A first DUI conviction is a misdemeanor, but Florida imposes heavy statutory requirements that increase significantly with aggravating factors or prior offenses.

First DUI Penalties

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months.
• Fines: $500 to $1,000.
• License Revocation: Minimum 180 days up to 1 year.
• Community Service: Mandatory 50 hours.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Mandatory 10 days.
• DUI School: Mandatory completion before hardship license eligibility.

Enhanced Penalties (Aggravated DUI)

The penalties become much more severe if aggravating factors are present, triggering mandatory minimums and greater maximum sentences:

• High BAC (≥0.15): Maximum jail time increases to 9 months, and fines double to $1,000 to $2,000. Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least 6 months.
• Minor Passenger: If a minor (under 18) was in the vehicle, the penalties match those for a high BAC.
• Repeat Offenses: A second DUI within five years triggers a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail and a minimum 5-year license revocation.

Our Comprehensive Approach to DUI Defense in Manatee County

Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA uses our courtroom experience as former prosecutors to challenge every facet of the State's evidence, often identifying legal grounds for dismissal that other lawyers miss.

Key defense strategies we employ:

• Unlawful Stop and Detention: We challenge the initial traffic stop, arguing the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the arrest. If the initial stop was unconstitutional, all evidence (FSTs, breath tests) can be suppressed.
• Challenging Chemical Tests: We scrutinize the breathalyzer evidence by reviewing the machine's maintenance logs and the officer's certification. Errors in calibration, the 20-minute observation period, or test administration can render the BAC results inadmissible.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Defense: We argue that your BAC was still rising at the time of the breath or blood test and that your BAC was actually below the legal limit of 0.08 when we were driving.
• Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): We challenge the subjective and unreliable nature of FSTs, showing that physical conditions (like injury, inner ear issues, or unlevel ground) and improper instruction can skew the results.
• Alternative Sentencing/Diversion: We aggressively pursue the best available diversion programs for first-time offenders, which can lead to the DUI charge being reduced to Reckless Driving (a "wet reckless") or ultimately dismissed, allowing for record sealing.

Why Choose Our DUI Defense Attorneys in Manatee County?

Clients rely on us for more than just legal defense. We examine every aspect of your case, from how law enforcement conducted the traffic stop to the evidence offered by local prosecutors. Our understanding of the Manatee County legal system—including local judicial trends—guides the defense strategies we build. 

Attorney Reisinger’s prior service as a prosecutor offers valuable perspective on the arguments you might face in court, helping us address challenges directly. Throughout the entire process, we emphasize open communication so you stay informed and involved.

Our approach reflects a deep awareness of how law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office handle DUI accusations. We adapt to evolving enforcement patterns and courtroom expectations across Manatee County, whether for first-time offenses or more serious charges.

Our Manatee County DUI Defense Approach

We do not use a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, we develop a personalized strategy built on the details of your case. Here is what you can expect from our DUI defense attorneys:

• Thorough review of the details: We examine every aspect of your case — from vehicle stop to field sobriety and chemical tests.
• Identification of procedural and rights issues: We check if law enforcement protected your rights and inspect for errors that could affect the evidence against you.
• Use of local legal experience: Our deep knowledge of Manatee County’s courts and agencies lets us customize your defense to match the realities you will face.
• Clear and regular communication: We explain your options in straightforward language, guiding you through negotiation choices, pre-trial conferences, or court hearings.
• Commitment through every phase: Whether your DUI case involves a misdemeanor or felony charge, we remain active partners during your legal journey.

We also recognize what makes DUI charges unique in Manatee County, including frequent DUI checkpoints, local law enforcement tactics, and the specific testing equipment used in the area. Our experience prepares us to contest or clarify the evidence that matters most in these cases. 

By working closely with you, we ensure your defense addresses all relevant facts and every legal option open to you. This approach means you always understand your case status and available next steps.

Clear Guidance & Local Resources

Many people worry about missing important dates or not understanding which forms to submit. We provide checklists and step-by-step instructions linked to Manatee County’s key administrative and court deadlines, so you track important events without confusion. 

Our ongoing support includes fast answers and tips to prepare for every appointment. By the time you appear in court or meet with the DMV, you will approach the process feeling ready and informed. Our local experience helps you avoid surprises and stay focused on getting your life back on track.

Connect With a DUI Defense Attorney in Manatee County Today

A DUI arrest brings stress, but you do not need to face it alone. If you want clear advice and practical support from a local DUI attorney in Manatee County, contact Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA. Our team reviews your situation, explains all your legal options, and stands beside you throughout each choice and court appearance. 

Call (941) 541-5335 or reach out online to start with a conversation that brings clarity and peace of mind. Take your first step toward regaining control of your life and protecting your future.