DUI

DUI Legal Representation for Northeast, FL

At the law office of Epstein & Robbins, we defend many people who have never been in trouble with the law before. If you are facing a first-time drunk-driving charge, you may have many questions. We’ve got answers. Look below for some frequently asked questions about what will happen in the Florida DUI process.

Since 1975, our Jacksonville DUI defense attorneys have been protecting the rights and the driver’s licenses of people accused of drunk driving throughout North Florida. We provide aggressive, dedicated and skillful defense to minimize the harm of a DUI charge or drunk-driving conviction.

Contact our Jacksonville law office or call our office: 904-354-5645. We are available 24/7.

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The Administrative Hearing And The DUI Criminal Hearing

  • Will I be able to get my case dismissed because I was not read my rights?

    Not likely. The failure to advise you of your rights affects your statements, not physical evidence like breath or blood tests.

  • Does the DMV administrative formal review hearing have any bearing on the criminal hearing?

    No. They are two independent proceedings. However, having your lawyer attend the DMV hearing can help your attorney prepare for your criminal case.

  • I lost my Florida license. Can I get a license in another state?

    In most cases, no.

  • I have an international driver’s license. Can I drive in Florida even though my Florida license is revoked?

    No.

  • Why was my license taken away after my arrest? When will I get it back?

    Under Florida law, your license can be administratively suspended for refusal to take a breath, blood or urine test or for a breath test result of .08 or greater. The length of this suspension can be from six to 18 months.

If You Are Convicted

  • Will I be sentenced to jail?

    On a first offense, probably not. On second or later offenses, it becomes more probable. There are mandatory minimum jail sentences for some subsequent offenses.

  • If I’m sentenced to attend alcohol classes, how many hours of class will I have to attend?

    Plan on at least 12 to 21 hours total, you will likely be referred to additional counseling.

  • What will happen if I do not complete the classes or public service ordered by the court?

    You can be found in violation of probation, and you may go to jail.

  • If I’m convicted, how long will the DUI remain on my driving record? On my criminal record?

    A DUI conviction is on both your driving and criminal records for life.

Guilty Pleas, No-Contest Pleas And DUI Appeals

  • What if I pled guilty or no contest at my bond hearing?

    You can file a motion to have your plea withdrawn within 30 days of your conviction.

  • What if it has been more than 30 days since my drunk-driving conviction?

    There are some circumstances under which you may still be able to withdraw your plea. There are still time constraints, so you need to seek legal advice immediately.

  • What is the difference between a guilty plea and a plea of no contest?

    There is no difference in terms of your criminal record, your driving record or the penalties imposed. They will both result in a criminal conviction for DUI, and your case will be completed.

  • What if I plead guilty or no contest at my bond hearing?

    We never recommend that you plead guilty or no contest at a bond hearing. Both will result in you being convicted of the charge. However, if you do end up entering a plea, there are certain legal remedies where you can ask the court to allow you to withdraw your plea and get your sentence and conviction set aside.


    This is a very time-sensitive issue. You should consult an attorney immediately if you find yourself in this position.

When the odds seem to be against you, put experience on your side.

Call the Jacksonville DUI defense lawyers of Epstein & Robbins: 904-354-5645.

Aggressive Representation For CDL DUI Charges

Losing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a very serious matter. Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can cause the loss of your license, and it can lead to time in jail and other severe consequences. If you or a loved one was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving while operating a commercial or personal vehicle, you need proper legal representation.

Answers to All of Your Questions

At Epstein & Robbins, a service-focused law firm based in Jacksonville, we represent truck drivers and other drivers whose CDLs are in danger because of a drunk driving arrest. The firm’s founding attorney, David Robbins, has been handling Florida DUI and criminal cases since 1975. Put that 40 years of experience to work for you.

Our team of defense lawyers finds solutions to difficult legal problems. Our firm can help you answer critical questions like:

  • How much time do I have to contest the DUI?
  • Will I have to go to court to defend myself?
  • What’s the worst thing that could happen if I am found guilty of DUI?
  • Can I get my license back? Am I even eligible for a hardship license?
  • What if I was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being involved in an accident?
  • What if I have a previous DUI?

Together we will honestly assess your case and look at all of your options. Put your trust in a firm that has your best interests at heart. We are here to help when it matters most. Don’t face these charges alone.

Call Today for A Free Consultation

If your job depends on your CDL, get advice about how you may be able to protect your license. Don’t wait any longer. Call our office at 904-354-5645 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Charged With Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs?

Drinking and Driving Concept – Jacksonville, FL – Epstein & Robbins

In Florida, a driver can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) if he or she is impaired by alcohol or drugs. A person need not be under the influence of alcohol to be charged with a crime.

While alcohol-related impairment can be measured by a blood alcohol concentration (BAC), with the legal limit being .08 percent, demonstrating that a person is impaired by drugs is not as simple. This subjectivity may or may not work in your favor, because a police officer does not need hard evidence to arrest you on suspicion of being impaired by a controlled substance.

You can even be charged with DUI for driving safely while taking medicine from your doctor. A conviction — even an arrest — can cause long-term loss of your driver’s license, so it is important to have defense representation.

Talk to An Experienced DUI Attorney Before You Talk to The Police or State Troopers

If you or a family member has been charged with a drug-related DUI in the Jacksonville area, talk to the DUI defense lawyers of Epstein & Robbins; do not talk to law enforcement about the case until you have consulted an attorney. Our firm can represent you in any traffic or DUI matter related to:

  • Marijuana
  • Prescription drugs such as opioid painkillers
  • An underage driver accused of DUI
  • Separate drug possession charges resulting from a traffic stop

Every DUI case is different, but all DUI cases are serious. Epstein & Robbins can help you understand and protect your legal rights.

Contact Us for A Free Case Evaluation

Talk to Epstein & Robbins about your DUI or drug case. We offer a free, confidential consultation.

Handling DUI Felony Cases Since 1975

Under Florida law, any drunk driving conviction will go on your criminal record, but some forms of DUI are felonies. If you were charged with a criminal offense, you need proper legal advice as soon as possible. The law firm of Epstein & Robbins, based in Jacksonville, has provided strong, effective representation in Florida DUI cases since 1975. Our extensive track record is very reassuring to clients of the firm, and it often spells difficulty for prosecutors.

How Does a DUI Become a Felony?

A felony is a serious crime that can lead to significant jail or prison time, not just a driver’s license suspension and fines. As a driver, you can be charged with felony DUI for several reasons:

  • Multiple DUIs: If you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after one or more previous DUI convictions, you may be charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
  • An accident: You can be charged with a felony for causing a DUI-related accident that resulted in bodily injury.
  • Driving with a suspended license: It is a crime to drive with a suspended or revoked license. Your DUI case can be greatly complicated if there are issues with your license at the time of the alleged infraction.

Call Today for A Free Consultation

As our client, you will receive the many benefits of working with a team, not just an individual lawyer. If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, contact our offices for a free case evaluation. Call us at 904-354-5645 today.

Sobriety Tests: What You Need To Know

Law enforcement officers have different types of sobriety tests at their disposal, including field tests, roadside breath tests and blood tests. At Epstein & Robbins in Jacksonville, our attorneys have more than 40 years of Florida DUI defense experience.

When a police officer, deputy or state trooper has suspicion to believe a driver may be drunk, he or she may order a driver to:

  • Walk a straight line, recite the alphabet or request another task to check for impairment
  • Submit to a Breathalyzer test following a traffic stop
  • Submit to a blood draw at a hospital if a roadside test indicates blood alcohol concentration (BAC) past the legal limit of .08
  • Be placed under arrest for breath test refusal, which carries an automatic 12-month license suspension

In many cases, sobriety tests can be legally administered by law enforcement personnel. In some cases, a sobriety test can be shown to be inadmissible as evidence because of an illegal traffic stop or a problem with the administration of the test itself. In other situations, a driver can dispute test results.

General Guidelines After an Arrest

If you or a loved one was arrested following a sobriety test, it is important to understand and safeguard your legal rights. First of all, do not talk to law enforcement about the case until you have talked to a lawyer. Police officers, deputies and state troopers will always be looking for evidence against drivers suspected of DUI. It’s also important to not make decisions about your case until you understand all of your options. This is where we can help.

Get the Advice of An Experienced DUI Defense Attorney

If you have questions about a sobriety test and its validity in court, contact our office today. We can help. Call us at 904-354-5645 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Did You Refuse A Breathalyzer Test? Know Your Rights.

The consequences of refusing a Breathalyzer test are serious. In general, your driver’s license will be suspended for a year for a first refusal. A second refusal will result in an 18-month license suspension. If your license is suspended, you have only 10 days to contest the suspension, so time is of the essence if you wish to try to regain your driving privileges.

Refusing a breath test is not just a way to avoid a Florida DUI conviction; it is a crime that will send you to jail right away. If you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, it is important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities under the law. If you were already arrested for refusing a sobriety test, make sure you talk to an experienced attorney about your options for reaching the best possible outcome. Do not talk to law enforcement about the case until you have talked to a lawyer.

What Can I Do Now?

If you refused a breath test and you need legal advice, talk to Epstein & Robbins in Jacksonville. We understand Florida DUI law in depth, and we know exactly how law enforcement officers and courts deal with breath test refusal.

As your lawyers, we will fight hard to protect your rights and work strategically toward the best possible outcome in your case. Depending on your circumstances, this may include one or more of the following:

  • Evaluating your case carefully and explaining your rights clearly
  • Helping you request a waiver hearing and representing you at that administrative hearing
  • Getting you registered for “DUI school,” which can help you obtain a hardship license
  • Contesting the license suspension in court, if appropriate
  • Negotiating with the prosecution

What if I refuse a Breathalyzer test? How will I get to work? Will I be incarcerated? Will this affect my job? These are normal questions that should be answered promptly — not by well-meaning friends or family members, but by a knowledgeable attorney.

Protect Your Legal Rights | Get the Advice You Need | Free Consultation

Contact the law firm of Epstein & Robbins for advice about your case. We offer a free, confidential consultation.

Assertive Defense Against Underage Drunk Driving Charges

Each year in north Florida, many college-age drivers and high school students are arrested on suspicion of DUI. Like an adult drunk driving conviction, an underage DUI is an offense with undesirable criminal and administrative dimensions.

The Impact on A Young Person

A drunk driving conviction can be damaging to a young person for several reasons:

  • It leaves the convicted person with a criminal record.
  • It brings license suspension, which can affect many areas of a person’s life.
  • It can have an impact on job prospects and graduate school applications, even long into the future.
  • It can lead to fines and other unwanted consequences.
  • It can adversely affect student financial aid and other academic matters.

If your son or daughter was accused of drunk driving, get the legal advice you need. Talk to a knowledgeable defense lawyer who understands DUI law as it relates to drivers under age 21.

Advising Parents and Representing Young People

The lawyers at Epstein & Robbins, a service-focused firm based in Jacksonville, have decades of experience with Florida DUI cases, including countless cases in which underage drivers were charged. Since 1975, attorneys with the firm have been representing drivers accused of DUI, protecting their legal rights and leaving police and prosecutors responsible for proving the case against our clients. Our long history of success is well-known and well-documented.

We understand the stress that a DUI arrest can cause for a family. Our firm can help right away.

Questions About Underage Drinking and Driving? We Can Answer Them.

Every case is different. Get your questions answered by an attorney before your son or daughter talks to the police about the case. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.

We Represent Veterans Against DUI Charges In Veterans Court

Military veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for their country, their communities and their families. Like other citizens, vets can find themselves arrested on suspicion of DUI — and worried about what will happen next.

In general, there are two main things to be concerned about if you have been charged with drunk driving: the loss of your license and the criminal charges associated with the arrest. The attorneys of Epstein & Robbins, a full-service law firm based in Jacksonville, can help you address both aspects of your case.

Practical Guidance and Effective Legal Representation for Veterans and Their Families

We provide practical guidance and effective legal representation to military veterans and their families, concentrating on DUI defense and criminal defense matters. The firm can help you understand your options for minimizing the impact of a drunk driving arrest. Veterans court may be one of these options.

Veterans court in Jacksonville provides special programs to veterans accused of DUI and other offenses. Veterans court is administered by the state attorney’s office, encompassing Clay, Nassau and Duval counties. In addition to possessing 40 years of experience with Florida DUI matters, our firm is highly experienced in handling DUI cases in veterans court.

Talk to Us | the Consultation Is Free and Confidential

Seeking a knowledgeable DUI lawyer for veterans? Contact Epstein & Robbins for a free, confidential consultation. We can describe what the law says about your case, explain your rights and help you develop a strategy for protecting those rights.

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