Nawara Law
Law Offices Of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A.

Palmetto DUI Lawyer

 

Palmetto DUI Lawyer

After a DUI arrest in Palmetto you have 10 days to act before your license suspension becomes final, and that deadline starts the day of the arrest. Daniel D. Nawara is a former prosecutor in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit who now defends DUI cases in Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, Bradenton and the rest of Manatee County. Call or text (941) 920-5514, day or night, for a free consultation.

Where a Palmetto DUI case is handled

DUI arrests in Palmetto are made by the Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office or the Florida Highway Patrol. Whoever makes the arrest, the criminal case is prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office and heard at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

Two cases start at once

  1. The criminal case in Manatee County court, which decides guilt and penalties.
  2. The license case with the state driver license agency, which suspends your license automatically unless you act within 10 days.

Within those 10 days you can either request a formal review hearing to fight the suspension or, for a first DUI, apply for a hardship license right away. See the Florida DUI 10-Day Rule and Hardship License.

Penalties for a first DUI in Florida

For a first DUI with no aggravating factors:

  • Fine of $500 to $1,000
  • Up to 6 months in jail
  • License revocation of 180 days to 1 year
  • Ignition interlock at the judge's discretion
  • Probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school and a 10-day vehicle impound

If your breath result was 0.15 or higher, or a minor was in the car:

  • Fine of $1,000 to $2,000
  • Up to 9 months in jail
  • License revocation of 180 days to 1 year
  • Ignition interlock for at least 6 months
  • The same probation, community service, DUI school and impound

Defenses in a Palmetto DUI case

  • The stop. The officer needed a lawful reason to pull you over.
  • Field sobriety exercises. Poor instructions, bad lighting, uneven ground or a medical condition can explain the results.
  • The breath test. The machine must be properly maintained and the test run by the rules, including the 20-minute observation period.
  • Not driving or in actual physical control. Being near or asleep in a parked car is not always enough.
  • Video. Body camera and patrol car video often tell a different story from the police report.

Questions people ask

How long do I have to save my license after a DUI arrest in Palmetto?

Ten days from the arrest. Within that time you must request a formal review hearing or apply for a hardship license, or the suspension takes effect.

Will I go to jail for a first DUI in Manatee County?

Jail is possible but uncommon for a first DUI with no crash and no injuries. Most first cases end with probation, a fine, DUI school and community service, or with the charge reduced to reckless driving.

Is it a crime to refuse the breath test in Florida?

Yes. Since October 1, 2025, a first refusal is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, on top of a one-year license suspension. The State must prove the arrest was lawful and that the officer warned you of both the suspension and the criminal penalty before you refused. See Refusing a Breath Test in Florida.

Can a DUI be reduced to reckless driving in Manatee County?

Sometimes. It depends on the breath result, the driving, any crash and the strength of the State's evidence. See DUI vs Reckless Driving.

Where do I go to court for a Palmetto DUI?

The Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. In many misdemeanor DUI cases your lawyer can appear for you at the early court dates.

Arrested for DUI in Palmetto? Call or text Daniel D. Nawara at (941) 920-5514 before your 10 days run out. Free consultations and payment plans are available.

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