Bradenton DUI Lawyer
A DUI arrest in Bradenton starts two separate cases: a criminal case heard at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., and an administrative license suspension handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). You have 10 days from the date on the notice of suspension to request review of that suspension, and the deadline does not wait for your court date.
Daniel D. Nawara is a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which includes Manatee County. His firm, The Law Offices of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A., handles only criminal defense and represents people charged with DUI in Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Parrish, Anna Maria Island and the rest of Manatee County. Call or text (941) 920-5514, 24/7.
Daniel has practiced criminal law in Florida since 2016. He spent three years at the State Attorney’s Office in Sarasota, where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. He has tried numerous jury and non-jury trials and is not afraid to take a case to trial. Since opening his defense firm he has handled hundreds of DUI cases of every type. His flat fee for a DUI includes the administrative license hearing.
What happens after a DUI arrest in Bradenton
Booking. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says people arrested in the county are first taken to the Manatee County Central Jail, 14470 Harlee Road, Palmetto. Intake includes property, medical screening, fingerprints, photographs and a warrants check.
First appearance. According to the Sheriff's Office, anyone who does not bond out routinely appears before a judge within 24 hours. The judge explains the charges and may set bond. In misdemeanor cases, the judge may accept a guilty plea at that hearing. Because a DUI conviction cannot be withheld or sealed in Florida, think carefully before entering a plea at first appearance (s. 316.656).
License paperwork. If you tested 0.08 or higher or refused a test, the officer usually takes your license and issues a notice of suspension and a 10-day temporary permit if you are otherwise eligible (s. 322.2615).
Arraignment and pretrial. The Clerk sets the case in county court for a misdemeanor or circuit court for a felony. Confirm dates on the Manatee Clerk's court records search.
For a step-by-step checklist, see what to do after a DUI arrest in Manatee County.
The 10-day license deadline
Section 322.2615 gives you 10 days from the issue date of the notice of suspension to do one of two things:
Request a formal or informal review of the suspension, or
Request a review of eligibility for a restricted (business-purposes) license under section 322.271(7). This is generally limited to drivers with no prior DUI-related suspension or conviction, and accepting it waives formal and informal review.
A review request does not pause the suspension. First-time administrative suspensions are 6 months at 0.08 or higher and 1 year for a first refusal. Compare the options in the 10-day rule, formal review hearing and hardship license guides.
Who makes DUI arrests in Manatee County
The arresting agency holds the reports, body-camera and dash-camera video, and breath-test records. A Bradenton mailing address does not necessarily mean the city police made the arrest.
Bradenton Police Department: inside Bradenton city limits.
Manatee County Sheriff's Office: unincorporated Manatee County, including the Manatee side of Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Parrish and Myakka City. The Sheriff's Office posts calibration certificates and inspection reports for its Intoxilyzer 8000 breath instruments.
Palmetto Police Department: inside Palmetto.
Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach Police Departments: on Anna Maria Island.
Longboat Key Police Department: on Longboat Key. See Longboat Key DUI.
Florida Highway Patrol, Troop F: covers Manatee County, with a Bradenton station at 5023 53rd Ave. E. FHP often handles stops on I-75, I-275 and state highways.
What determines the possible penalties
The charge and the offense date matter. So do the alleged alcohol level, any prior DUI convictions, a minor in the vehicle, and any crash or injury. For a first DUI conviction under section 316.193:
A fine of $500 to $1,000, or $1,000 to $2,000 if the level was 0.15 or higher or a minor was in the vehicle.
Up to 6 months in jail (up to 9 months at 0.15 or higher or with a minor in the vehicle).
Probation (jail and probation together may not exceed 1 year), at least 50 hours of community service, DUI school and a 10-day vehicle impoundment or immobilization.
License revocation of at least 180 days and up to 1 year (s. 322.28).
An ignition interlock for at least 6 months is mandatory at 0.15 or higher or with a minor in the vehicle, and the court may order one in other cases at 0.08 or higher.
For a second or later conviction:
Second DUI: a fine of $1,000 to $2,000, up to 9 months in jail and an ignition interlock for at least 1 year. If it is within 5 years of a prior conviction: at least 10 days in jail, a 30-day vehicle impoundment and license revocation of at least 5 years.
Second DUI at 0.15 or higher, or with a minor in the vehicle: a fine of $2,000 to $4,000, up to 12 months in jail and an ignition interlock for at least 2 years.
Third DUI within 10 years: a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison, at least 30 days in jail, a 90-day vehicle impoundment, license revocation of at least 10 years and an ignition interlock for at least 2 years.
Fourth or later DUI: a third-degree felony with a fine of at least $2,000 and permanent license revocation.
A crash with property damage or injury, a third DUI within 10 years, or a serious bodily injury can make the charge more serious or a felony. These are statutory limits, not predictions. See first DUI in Bradenton, high BAC DUI, second DUI and felony DUI. For specific situations in Manatee County, see Bradenton felony DUI, second DUI in Bradenton, prescription drug DUI, boating under the influence in Manatee County and the Manatee County DUI arrest process.
Testing and refusal
A breath result is evidence to examine, not the end of the analysis. A defense review looks at the reason for the stop, the 20-minute observation period, the instrument's maintenance records and the operator's permit. Since October 1, 2025, a first refusal of a lawful breath or urine test after a DUI arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor under section 316.1939 (ch. 2025-121). That is in addition to the 1-year administrative suspension. Read refusing a breath test, breath test defense and blew over 0.08.
What evidence should a defense examine?
The reason for the stop and the basis for the arrest.
Body-camera and dash-camera recordings, reports and witness accounts.
How field sobriety exercises were explained and scored, and any medical or physical factors.
Breath or blood testing records, implied-consent warnings and any alleged refusal.
Evidence of driving or actual physical control.
Preserve what you have, such as receipts, texts and names of witnesses. Do not delete messages or contact witnesses to coordinate accounts. Whether a reduction, dismissal or trial makes sense depends on the evidence; no outcome is automatic. See DUI vs. reckless driving.
The Manatee County courthouse and Clerk
Manatee County Judicial Center: 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205. Court Administration: (941) 749-3600. The court lists free two-hour street parking nearby, a city garage on 12th Street West and a county garage on 10th Street West.
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller: 1115 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. General information: (941) 749-1800.
The Twelfth Circuit lists Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court and Comprehensive Treatment Court among its Manatee programs. Its DUI Court is listed as a Sarasota County program. Read the Manatee criminal court guide before your first hearing. For other charges, see Bradenton criminal defense and Manatee County criminal defense.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a Bradenton DUI case heard?
At the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Check your notice for the courtroom and time.
Where will I be taken after a DUI arrest in Manatee County?
To the Manatee County Central Jail, 14470 Harlee Road, Palmetto, according to the Sheriff's Office. People who do not bond out routinely see a judge within 24 hours.
My DUI happened on Anna Maria Island. Where is court?
It is still a Manatee County case heard in Bradenton. The arresting agency may be Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach police, or the Sheriff's Office. See Anna Maria Island DUI lawyer.
Is refusing a breath test a crime in Bradenton?
A first refusal after a lawful DUI arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor since October 1, 2025, and it also brings a 1-year administrative suspension. A later refusal by someone previously suspended for refusal is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Do I need to drive to Sarasota to meet with you?
The office is in downtown Sarasota at 240 N. Washington Blvd., Suite 460. Many consultations can be handled by phone or video.
Will I go to jail for a first DUI in Manatee County?
Not necessarily. For an ordinary first conviction the statute sets a maximum of six months, not a required jail term. The maximum is nine months if the alcohol level was 0.15 or higher or a minor was in the vehicle. Probation, community service and DUI school are required. See first DUI in Bradenton.
How long will my license be suspended after a DUI arrest?
There are two separate actions. The administrative suspension that starts at arrest is six months for a breath or blood result of 0.08 or higher (one year if you have a prior), and one year for a first refusal. A conviction brings a separate court-ordered revocation of 180 days to one year for a first DUI.
Can I drive after a DUI arrest in Bradenton?
If you are otherwise eligible, the suspension notice works as a 10-day temporary permit. After that you need a restricted or hardship license, or a successful review of the suspension. Confirm your status before you drive. See hardship license.
Do I have to go to court for my Manatee County DUI?
Follow your court notice unless your lawyer tells you otherwise. In many misdemeanor DUI cases an attorney can file a waiver and appear for you at routine hearings. Some hearings require you in person.
Can a DUI be reduced to reckless driving in Manatee County?
In some cases. It depends on the evidence, the breath or blood result and your record. Some first-time, non-aggravated DUI cases in Manatee County may be reviewed for DETER, the State Attorney's DUI diversion program. Eligibility is decided by the prosecutor, and it is not a dismissal. See the DETER program. See DUI vs. reckless driving.
Can a DUI be sealed or expunged in Florida?
A DUI conviction cannot be sealed or expunged, and Florida law does not allow a judge to withhold adjudication on a DUI. If the charge is dropped, dismissed or ends in an acquittal, the arrest record may qualify. See sealing and expungement.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Bradenton?
It depends on the charge and whether the case goes to trial. The consultation is free, the fee is flat and includes the administrative license hearing, and payment plans are available. See the cost of a DUI lawyer.
Speak with a DUI lawyer serving Bradenton
Call or text (941) 920-5514, available 24/7, or request a free consultation. Bring your citation, notice of suspension, bond paperwork and any court notices. Ask about fees and payment plans. For Sarasota County cases, see Sarasota DUI defense.
Reviewed by Daniel D. Nawara, Florida Bar No. 123626. Updated October 4, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Court procedures and assignments can change; your notice and orders control. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.
Sources: Fla. Stat. (2026) § 316.193, § 322.2615, § 322.271, § 322.28, § 316.1939, § 316.656; Ch. 2025-121; Manatee County Judicial Center; Manatee Sheriff jail information; Manatee Sheriff first appearance; Manatee Sheriff Intoxilyzer 8000 records; Manatee Clerk; Twelfth Circuit DUI Court; FHP Troop F; FDLE rule 11D-8.