Lakewood Ranch DUI Lawyer
Lakewood Ranch sits in two counties, and that matters for a DUI. An arrest on the Manatee side — north of University Parkway, including Main Street, SR-70 and Lakewood Ranch Blvd — is usually handled by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and heard at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton. An arrest on the Sarasota side — south of University Parkway — goes to Sarasota County court. Daniel D. Nawara is a former Twelfth Judicial Circuit prosecutor and handles DUI cases in both counties.
Call or text (941) 920-5514 — I return calls and texts nights and weekends. Request a free consultation.
Your first 10 days after a Lakewood Ranch DUI arrest
You have 10 days from the arrest to protect your license under section 322.2615, Florida Statutes — either by requesting a formal review hearing or by applying for an eligibility review. If you do nothing, the administrative suspension takes effect. Read more about the Florida DUI 10-day rule and hardship licenses.
Which court will hear my case?
Manatee side: Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. See the Manatee criminal court guide.
Sarasota side: Sarasota County court, at the location printed on your notice. See the Sarasota criminal court guide.
How I defend Lakewood Ranch DUI cases
Was the stop lawful? I review the reason for the stop and the body-camera and dash-camera video.
Were the field sobriety exercises explained, performed and scored correctly?
Was the breath test valid? Observation period, instrument maintenance and operator permits. See breath test defense.
If you refused a breath test, what were you told about implied consent, and when?
Options short of trial, including a reduction to reckless driving where the evidence supports it.
Recent DUI result
DUI — charge declined · Manatee County · March 2026. The State declined the charge of driving under the influence / unlawful blood alcohol level, without prejudice. See all results. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Lakewood Ranch DUI questions
Is Lakewood Ranch in Manatee or Sarasota County? Both. Most of the area north of University Parkway is in Manatee County; the area south of it is in Sarasota County. Your citation and court notice will show which county is prosecuting the case.
Do you have an office in Lakewood Ranch? My office is in downtown Sarasota at 240 N. Washington Blvd., Suite 460. I represent clients throughout Lakewood Ranch and Manatee County, and many consultations can be handled by phone or video.
When can I reach you? Call or text (941) 920-5514. I return calls and texts nights and weekends, consultations are free, and payment plans are available.