License Suspension After a DUI in Sarasota

A DUI arrest in Sarasota not only threatens your freedom and finances but also puts your driver’s license at risk. For many people, losing the ability to drive is one of the harshest consequences of a DUI arrest. At Pallegar Law, we understand how critical your license is for work, family, and daily life. We help clients fight both the criminal and administrative sides of DUI cases to protect their driving privileges.

Immediate License Suspension After a DUI Arrest

In Florida, if you are arrested for DUI and either blow over the legal limit of 0.08% or refuse a breath or blood test, your driver’s license will be immediately confiscated. Instead, the officer will issue a temporary driving permit valid for 10 days. This is why it is often called the “10-day rule.”

During those 10 days, you must act quickly to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). If you fail to request this hearing, your license will automatically be suspended.

Administrative vs. Criminal License Suspensions

There are two separate types of license suspensions in a Sarasota DUI case:

1. Administrative Suspension (DMV): This happens immediately after arrest if your BAC is .08% or higher or if you refuse testing.
  Length of suspension:

• First offense: 6 months for a failed test, 1 year for refusal.
• Second offense: 1 year for failed test, 18 months for refusal.

2. Criminal Suspension (Court): If you are convicted of DUI in court, the judge will impose additional suspension penalties regardless of what happened with the DMV hearing.

This means it is possible to lose your license twice—once through the DMV and again through the court.

Hardship Licenses in Sarasota

In some cases, you may qualify for a hardship license that allows you to drive for essential purposes such as
work, school, or medical appointments. To qualify, you must usually:

• Enroll in DUI school.
• Show proof of need for driving privileges.
• Pay reinstatement fees.

The process can be complicated, and having a Sarasota DUI attorney assist you can increase your chances of approval.

Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License

If your license is suspended and you continue to drive, you risk new criminal charges. Driving while license suspended (DWLS) is taken seriously in Sarasota County and can lead to fines, extended suspensions, and even jail time. Repeat offenses can result in being labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender, which carries a five-year license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Suspensions

Defenses Against License Suspension

Just because your license is suspended does not mean the case is hopeless. There are defenses, including:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or arrest.
• Contesting the accuracy of the breath or blood test.
• Arguing the officer did not properly inform you of implied consent rights.
• Presenting mitigating evidence at the DMV hearing.

Even if the administrative suspension is upheld, a strong defense in criminal court can minimize or avoid additional suspension time.

Why Hire Pallegar Law for DUI License Suspension Cases?

At Pallegar Law, we know how important your driver’s license is to your life. We aggressively represent clients in both DMV hearings and criminal court to fight suspensions on every front. Our team has extensive experience with Sarasota judges, prosecutors, and DMV hearing officers, and we use that knowledge to protect your rights.

Contact a Sarasota DUI Attorney Today

If you have been arrested for DUI and face license suspension in Sarasota, time is not on your side. You have only 10 days to take action. Contact Pallegar Law immediately for a confidential consultation. We will guide you through the process, fight for your driving privileges, and work to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.