Venice DUI Lawyer

A DUI arrest in Venice starts two separate processes at once. One is a criminal case in Sarasota County Court. The other is an administrative driver license suspension handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Each has its own deadlines. Former prosecutor Daniel D. Nawara represents people charged with DUI in Venice, Nokomis, Osprey and the rest of south Sarasota County.

Which courthouse hears a Venice DUI case?

Most first and second DUI charges are misdemeanors, so they are filed in county court. Under Twelfth Judicial Circuit Administrative Order 2026-12.2, the clerk dockets traffic and misdemeanor cases arising in the "South County Judicial District" at the South County Courthouse, 4004 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293. The order defines that district as Sarasota County land south of Blackburn Point Road, and Venice falls inside it. South County county-court criminal matters are assigned to County Criminal Divisions E and F.

Some DUI cases are felonies. Examples include a third DUI within 10 years, a DUI involving serious bodily injury, and DUI manslaughter (s. 316.193(2)(b), (3)). Felony cases are heard at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, even when the arrest happened in Venice. A defendant who stays in jail on a south-county misdemeanor is moved to the downtown Sarasota courthouse. Always confirm the courthouse, courtroom and time on your own notice and in Sarasota ClerkNet. The Sarasota criminal court guide explains parking and arrival at both buildings.

Who makes DUI arrests in Venice?

The arresting agency matters because it holds the reports, video and breath-test records. In and around Venice, DUI arrests are commonly made by:

• Venice Police Department, inside the city limits.

• Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, in unincorporated areas such as South Venice, Nokomis and Osprey. The Sheriff's Office also has a South County office at 4531 Annex Road, Venice.

• Florida Highway Patrol, Troop F, which covers Sarasota County and lists a Venice station at 680 US Highway 41 Bypass North. FHP often handles stops on I-75 and state highways.

Venice does not have its own jail. People arrested in Sarasota County are generally booked at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility, 2020 Main Street, Sarasota. The Sheriff's Office describes its pre-booking area as set up for arresting agencies to do paperwork and Intoxilyzer breath tests in DUI cases. That means the breath test may happen in Sarasota even when the stop happened in Venice.

The 10-day license deadline

If you blew 0.08 or higher, or refused a lawful breath, blood or urine test, the officer usually takes your license and issues a notice of suspension that also works as a 10-day temporary permit. Under section 322.2615(1)(b), you have 10 days from the notice to request a formal or informal review, or to ask about eligibility for a restricted license. The suspension periods are:

• 6 months for a first suspension based on a breath or blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.

• 1 year for a first refusal.

• 18 months if your license was previously suspended for a refusal.

See the 10-day rule, formal review hearings and hardship licenses.

Possible penalties

Under section 316.193(2)(a), a first DUI conviction carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail. If the BAC was 0.15 or higher, or a minor was in the vehicle, the fine rises to $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 9 months in jail (s. 316.193(4)). A first conviction also requires:

• Up to 1 year of probation.

• At least 50 hours of community service.

• A DUI program course and evaluation.

• Vehicle impoundment or immobilization for 10 days, unless an exception applies.

• License revocation of 180 days to 1 year (s. 322.28(2)(a)).

Section 316.656 bars a withhold of adjudication for DUI. Read first DUI penalties, high BAC DUI and second DUI.

Building a defense in a Venice DUI case

Every DUI case comes down to the evidence. Counsel can review:

• The reason for the stop, from the dash and body camera video.

• How the field sobriety exercises were given.

• The 20-minute observation period and the two-sample requirement under FDLE rules.

• Instrument maintenance records.

• Any blood draw procedures.

A Venice case can also involve visitors and seasonal residents who live out of state part of the year. That raises scheduling and license questions. See our guide for out-of-state drivers. Related reading: breath test defense, blew over 0.08, field sobriety tests and DUI vs. reckless driving.

Some first-time, non-aggravated cases may be reviewed for the State Attorney's DETER initiative. Eligibility is decided by the prosecutor, and it is not a dismissal. See the Sarasota DUI page for details.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Venice DUI case be heard in Venice?

A misdemeanor DUI arising in Venice is normally docketed at the South County Courthouse at 4004 South Tamiami Trail. Felony DUI cases are heard at the Silvertooth Judicial Center in downtown Sarasota. Your court notice controls.

Why was I taken to Sarasota after a Venice arrest?

Sarasota County's jail is at 2020 Main Street in Sarasota, and the Sheriff's Office says its pre-booking area is used for DUI breath testing. Arrests from Venice and other south-county areas are generally booked there.

Does the arresting agency matter?

It can. Venice Police, the Sheriff's Office and FHP each keep their own reports, video and records, and requests go to the agency that made the arrest.

Can I drive to my Venice court date?

Only if you hold a valid license or permit that allows it. A temporary permit expires at midnight on the 10th day after the notice of suspension unless something else is put in place. Plan lawful transportation.

I live up north part of the year. Do I have to come back for court?

Appearance requirements depend on the hearing and the court's orders. Some appearances can be handled by counsel, and others cannot. Do not assume. Confirm each date with your attorney.

Talk with a Venice DUI lawyer

Call (941) 920-5514 or request a free consultation. Have your citation, notice of suspension and court date ready. Ask about the scope of representation, DUI fees and payment plans. The firm's office is in downtown Sarasota.

Updated October 1, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Court assignments and procedures can change; your notice and court orders control. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources: Fla. Stat. § 316.193, § 322.2615, § 322.28, § 316.656; AO 2026-12.2; South County Courthouse; FHP Troop F; Sarasota County Sheriff locations; FDLE rule 11D-8.

• 10-day rule →

Possible Penalties

Learn more:

• First DUI →

• High BAC DUI →

Defense Options

Learn more:

• Blew over 0.08 →

• Breath test defense →

DUI vs reckless driving →

Get help with a Venice DUI

Arrested in Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, Englewood or North Port? Call or text (941) 920-5514, available 24/7. Free consultation; payment plans available.

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