DUI Defense

A DUI conviction in Florida comes with serious penalties compared to other states. However, a DUI is not always an easy offense for the prosecution to prove. In fact, there are many potential defenses inherent in any DUI case.

Having prosecuted countless DUIs for the State Attorney’s Office, Stephen M. Bernhardt has the knowledge and expertise to prepare the best defense for your case.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Pinellas, Hillsborough or Pasco Counties, your best defense is with Bernhardt Riley.

Your Driver License

You must demand a Formal Administrative Review Hearing within 10 days of your arrest to challenge your driver’s license suspension following a DUI.

If this is your first DUI arrest, you may be able to immediately apply for a hardship license.

Bernhardt Riley will act quickly to help get your license reinstated.

What State Must Prove

To prove the crime of Driving Under the Influence [DUI], the State must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The Defendant drove (or was in actual physical control of) a vehicle.
2. While driving the vehicle, The Defendant either:
3. Was under the influence of alcoholic beverages or a chemical/controlled substance to the extent that his/her normal faculties were impaired
4. Had a blood/breath-alcohol level of .08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood/210 liters of breath.

Bernhardt Riley will meet for a FREE consultation at the scene of the DUI arrest,or at one of our convenient locations around Tampa Bay.