Pinellas County DUI Lawyer
Daniel D. Nawara represents people charged with DUI in Pinellas County, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg. He is a former prosecutor in Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The firm's office is in Sarasota; consultations about Pinellas cases are available by arrangement.
A DUI arrest can create two separate matters: the criminal charge and an administrative driver-license suspension. Bring the citation, suspension notice and release paperwork to your consultation so both processes can be addressed.
What to do after a Pinellas DUI arrest
Read every notice. Record your court date, case number, release conditions and any license-review deadline separately.
Preserve the evidence. Keep documents, photographs and witness contact information. Write down the stop, testing and arrest details while you remember them.
Confirm your driving status. A court date, school enrollment or pending application does not itself authorize driving.
Discuss representation promptly. Ask what work is included for the criminal case, administrative hearing and any other related matter.
Where do I check my Pinellas court date?
The Pinellas County Justice Center, 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762, is the county's main criminal court facility. Confirm your actual courthouse, courtroom, hearing time and appearance requirement from your notice and case record. Allow time for security screening.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit's official court-calendar page links to the Clerk's case records. A general courthouse address is not a substitute for checking your own hearing notice. Do not assume that hiring an attorney excuses an appearance.
The separate 10-day license deadline
Under section 322.2615, a driver generally has 10 days after issuance of the administrative suspension notice to request formal or informal review. A temporary permit is available only when the driver is otherwise eligible, and a review request does not automatically stay the suspension.
Formal review challenges the suspension; restricted-license eligibility is a different question. Compare the choices before signing a waiver. Read the 10-day deadline and document checklist, formal review guide and hardship-license guide.
For an overview of the criminal process:
10-day rule →
What can affect a Pinellas DUI case?
The charge and potential consequences depend on the actual allegations and history. Prior DUI convictions, alcohol level, a passenger under 18, an alleged crash or injury, and the facts supporting the stop and arrest may matter. A first arrest is not necessarily the same as a first conviction.
Review the applicable version of Florida's DUI statute, section 316.193, with counsel. The guides below explain common first-offense and high-alcohol-level issues.
High BAC DUI →
Evidence to discuss with your DUI attorney
A defense review can examine the reason for the stop, the officer's observations, body-camera and dash-camera recordings, roadside-exercise instructions and conditions, and the timing and reliability of chemical testing. Medical or physical limitations should be documented, not assumed.
Tell counsel which agency made the arrest and provide the report or citation number. That helps identify where records and recordings must be requested. Keep original documents and do not edit or delete potential evidence.
A reported alcohol result does not answer every legal question. Likewise, a reduction to reckless driving is not automatic. The available defense, negotiation or trial strategy depends on the evidence and applicable law.
Breath test defense →
DUI vs reckless driving →
Pinellas DUI consultation questions
Can you help with both the court case and license issue?
The firm handles DUI defense and administrative license matters. Ask which proceedings are included in the proposed representation and who will submit any time-sensitive request. The two processes have separate deadlines and decisions.
Do I have to attend every court date?
Appearance requirements depend on the hearing, court orders and your case. Follow the notice and your attorney's instructions. Do not skip court based only on a general website answer.
Do you have a Clearwater or St. Petersburg office?
The firm's office is at 240 N Washington Blvd #460, Sarasota, FL 34236. Daniel D. Nawara represents clients with Pinellas County cases. Contact the firm to arrange a consultation and discuss how meetings and court appearances will be handled.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring your citation, suspension notice, any temporary permit, release conditions, court notices, prior driving history and available test paperwork. Note any urgent work or transportation needs.
Discuss your Pinellas DUI charge
Request a free consultation or call (941) 920-5514. Payment plans are available; discuss the fee and scope before deciding to hire the firm. Learn about Daniel's background and experience.
Updated September 25, 2026. Published by The Law Offices of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A. General information, not legal advice. No outcome is guaranteed.