Challenge the Evidence and Protect Your License

Cost-effective DUI defense in Clearwater focused on minimizing penalties and preserving your driving privileges.

A DUI arrest in Clearwater can lead to immediate license suspension, court dates, fines, and the possibility of jail time, even for a first offense. You are also facing administrative proceedings with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which operate separately from the criminal case. The pressure to resolve the situation quickly can be overwhelming, but accepting the charges without reviewing the evidence often leads to unnecessary consequences that affect your ability to work, support your family, and maintain your independence.

Joshua Bethea Attorney at Law provides cost-effective DUI defense focused on challenging the evidence and protecting your driving privileges. We review traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing procedures, and law enforcement conduct to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Our goal is to reduce penalties, avoid convictions when possible, and help you move forward with minimal disruption to your daily life.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Clearwater, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your charges and defense options.

How We Build a Defense From the Traffic Stop Forward

We start by requesting the arrest report, dashboard or body camera footage, breath test maintenance records, and any other documentation related to your stop in Clearwater. We look for issues such as lack of reasonable suspicion for the stop, improper administration of field sobriety tests, and violations of testing protocols that could render breath or blood results inadmissible. We also file a motion for a formal review hearing with the DMV within ten days of your arrest to challenge the administrative suspension of your license.

Once we identify problems with the evidence, you will notice that the strength of the prosecution's case weakens, which often leads to reduced charges, lighter penalties, or dismissal if the stop or testing procedures violated your rights.

We represent clients in both criminal court and DMV hearings, and we work to secure hardship licenses that allow you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during the suspension period. DUI cases often hinge on technical details, and we use expert testimony, calibration records, and officer training documentation to challenge the reliability of the evidence. We do not handle cases involving serious bodily injury or death, which require specialized resources.

DUI cases involve both criminal and administrative consequences, and most clients in Clearwater want to understand the process before making decisions. These are the questions we hear most often.

You probably have concerns about what comes next

What happens to my license after a DUI arrest?
Your license is automatically suspended ten days after your arrest unless you request a formal review hearing with the DMV within that timeframe. We file that request and represent you at the hearing to challenge the suspension based on the evidence.
How accurate are breathalyzer tests?
Breathalyzer results can be inaccurate due to improper calibration, operator error, or medical conditions such as acid reflux or diabetes. We review maintenance logs and testing procedures to identify errors that could invalidate the results.
What are the penalties for a first DUI conviction?
A first DUI conviction in Florida carries up to six months in jail, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, a license suspension of six months to one year, and mandatory DUI school. If your blood alcohol level was over 0.15, penalties increase significantly.
When can I get a hardship license?
You can apply for a hardship license after completing DUI school and meeting other requirements set by the DMV. This license allows you to drive for work, school, medical appointments, and other essential activities during your suspension period.
What is the difference between a DUI and reckless driving?
Reckless driving is a reduced charge that does not carry the same mandatory penalties as a DUI, including no mandatory license suspension or DUI school. Prosecutors may offer this as a plea deal if there are weaknesses in the DUI evidence.

Joshua Bethea Attorney at Law represents clients throughout Clearwater who are facing DUI charges and need a defense that focuses on the facts, the procedures, and the weaknesses in the prosecution's case. We offer free consultations to review your arrest, explain what the evidence shows, and discuss realistic outcomes based on the circumstances. If you are ready to start your defense, get in touch today.