Lewis Defense Law
A Criminal Defense Law Firm
Protecting Your Rights
(352) 833 - 1234
Driving under the Influence (DUI) Defense In Lake County
In Florida, a DUI is more than a traffic ticket—it is a criminal offense that triggers two separate legal battles: one against the court system and another against the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
At Lewis Defense Law, we understand that a single mistake shouldn’t cost you your livelihood. As a former felony prosecutor, Attorney Christopher J. Lewis uses his experience to find the technicalities, forensic errors, and constitutional violations that can save your license and your record.
DUI Defense
In 2026, Florida law moves fast. From the moment the blue lights appear in your rearview mirror, a clock starts ticking. If you do not act within 10 days, you could lose your right to drive before you even see a judge.
The “Trenton’s Law” Update
The most significant change in decades, Trenton’s Law, has introduced a major shift for all Florida drivers:
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Criminalized Refusal: For the first time, refusing a breath, urine, or blood test is now a criminal offense (2nd Degree Misdemeanor) even for a first-time offender. You now face potential jail time just for refusing to provide a sample.
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Repeat Offender Enhancements: Penalties for DUI Manslaughter have been doubled for repeat offenders, signaling a “Zero Tolerance” era in the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
The Two-Track Battle: Administrative Vs Criminal
1. The 10-Day Rule (DHSMV)
Your driver’s license is likely suspended the moment you are arrested. Your citation serves as a 10-day temporary permit.
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Formal Review Hearing: Within 10 days, you can challenge the suspension. If you win, your license is reinstated immediately.
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The “Waiver” Option: For many first-time offenders, you can waive the hearing to secure an immediate Business Purposes Only (BPO) license, ensuring you can still drive to work, school, and church without a “hard” suspension.
2. The Criminal Case (Court)
Even if you get your license back from the DMV, the State Attorney in Tavares will still prosecute the criminal charge.
| Offense | Jail Time (Max) | Fine Range | License Revocation |
| 1st DUI (BAC <.15) | 6 Months | $500 – $1,000 | 180 Days – 1 Year |
| 1st DUI (BAC >.15) | 9 Months | $1,000 – $2,000 | 180 Days – 1 Year |
| 2nd DUI (Within 5 yrs) | 9 Months (10 Days Min) | $1,000 – $2,000 | 5 Years (Mandatory) |
| 3rd DUI (Within 10 yrs) | 5 Years (Felony) | $2,000 – $5,000 | 10 Years (Mandatory) |
Note: Any DUI conviction in Florida results in a permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged.
Strategic Defenses: Fighting Back
Lewis Defense Law doesn’t just “manage” your case; Attorney Lewis will look to attack the State’s evidence using insight gained as a prosecutor:
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Challenging the Initial Stop: If the officer lacked “reasonable suspicion” to pull you over (e.g., your “swerving” was actually avoiding a pothole), all evidence gathered afterward—including breath tests—can be suppressed.
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Field Sobriety Test (FST) Reliability: FSTs are subjective and physically demanding. Medical records and video evidence may show that “failing” a test was due to nerves, fatigue, or a physical condition, not impairment.
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Breathalyzer Inaccuracy: The Intoxilyzer 8000 is a machine, not an oracle. The machine can be scrutinized using maintenance logs, calibration records, and the “20-minute observation period” for any technical failure.
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The “Rising BAC” Defense: Alcohol takes time to absorb. In some cases you may have been over the limit at the police station, you were legally sober while actually operating the vehicle.
Why Lewis Defense Law?
As a former Lake County prosecutor, Attorney Lewis is a local attorney who knows the judges and the specific tendencies of Lake County law enforcement.
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Prosecutorial Insight: I know the “Standard Operating Procedures” for DUI investigations. When an officer skips a step, I find it.
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Trial Ready: Most DUI lawyers avoid trial. If the State’s case is flawed, Lewis Defense Law will be prepared to take it to a jury.
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Diversion Programs: For many first-time offenders, in some counties we can pursue DUI Diversion Programs that can result in your charges being reduced to Reckless Driving or even dismissed entirely.
Contact Lewis defense Law
Don’t Lose Your License. Don’t Lose Your Future.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Clermont, Tavares, Leesburg, Eustis, Groveland, or Mount Dora, you have 10 days to save your driving privilege. Contact Lewis Defense Law today for an immediate, confidential strategy session.
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Lewis Defense Law
Contact Info
1230 Oakley Seaver Drive, Suite 101
Clermont, FL 34711
(By Appointment Only)
(352) 833-1234
Available 24/7