When a DUI threatens everything, you need a lawyer who understands the science and knows how to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Rory is Tampa Bay’s DUI defense attorney who drivers turn to when everything is on the line. He is one of only six Forensic Lawyer Scientists in Florida, a designation earned through the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law Division by attorneys who complete rigorous scientific training, including advanced forensic education through Axion Labs in toxicology, pharmacology, forensic chemistry, and analytical testing methods used in DUI and drug cases. He also holds NHTSA-recognized, instructor-level credentials in standardized field sobriety testing and is qualified to train law enforcement and other attorneys. His practice focuses on challenging the government’s evidence and requiring the prosecution to meet its burden to protect your license, livelihood, and freedom.
Kristen Bubis is the firm’s Paralegal and Office Manager and a steady, reassuring presence throughout your case. With over 17 years of experience in criminal law, she provides clear communication, patient guidance, and the comfort of knowing someone is always available to help you understand what’s happening and what comes next.
The ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation recognizes attorneys who have completed advanced scientific education, passed a demanding forensic science examination, and demonstrated the ability to critically analyze forensic evidence used in criminal and DUI cases. Fewer than six attorneys in Florida hold this credential through the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry and the Law Division. Rory completed the required scientific coursework and passed the Lawyer-Scientist examination through the Axion Labs program, equipping him to evaluate toxicology, laboratory procedures, and analytical testing methods that often form the foundation of DUI and drug prosecutions.
A DUI arrest starts a clock. License suspensions, court deadlines, and early decisions can have lasting consequences. Reaching out sooner gives you more options to protect your record, your driving privileges, and your future. If you’ve been arrested, the right experience and guidance early can make a meaningful difference.
The client was stopped for a minor equipment issue, not driving behavior.
An elderly couple followed the client for miles and accused him of reckless driving.
A client faced an 18-month suspension for refusal. At the formal review hearing, the defense established implied consent warnings were improperly given.
The client refused to accept a conviction on principle. Trial preparation was completed.
Attorneys are careful about who they refer their clients to. When DUI cases involve breath, urine, or blood testing, or standardized field sobriety procedures requiring deeper scientific analysis, lawyers refer those matters to Rory.
A DUI arrest moves fast. License hearings, court deadlines, and early charging decisions can start almost immediately. Our approach is straightforward and focused on protecting your options from day one.
Early action matters. Filing the right paperwork with the DHSMV on time can stop an automatic license suspension and preserve your driving privileges while your case is pending.
We carefully examine the evidence, including standardized field sobriety exercises, breath testing, and urine or blood analysis. Many DUI cases turn on scientific assumptions, and errors in how evidence is collected, tested, or interpreted can weaken the government’s case.
You deserve clarity and transparency. Fees are discussed upfront, your initial consultation is free, and communication is consistent so you understand what’s happening and what to expect at every stage.
The 10-day deadline starts at arrest. The sooner you call, the more options we have to protect your driving privileges and build your defense. Your first consultation is free.
One of only six attorneys in Florida holding the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation. We examine breath testing, blood and urine evidence, and standardized field sobriety procedures with the same level of scientific scrutiny the government relies on.
DUI defense is a core focus of our practice. That focus allows for deeper preparation, sharper cross-examination, and careful attention to the scientific details that often decide these cases.
Clear communication matters. We explain developments in plain language, and keep you informed so you understand what’s happening at every stage of your case.
Legal problems are stressful. We treat every client with respect, patience, and the human touch that makes a difficult time more bearable.
Florida law sets 0.08 as the legal threshold for DUI. You can be charged if your blood-alcohol level is 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of blood, or if your breath-alcohol level is 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of breath. At this level or higher, the law considers it prima facie evidence of impairment, meaning it is strong evidence that you were impaired.
Florida law also establishes legal presumptions at different levels. If your BAC is below 0.05, you are presumed not to be impaired. Between 0.05 and 0.08, there is no presumption either way, and this evidence can be considered with other factors. You can still be charged with DUI even below 0.08 if alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances impair your normal faculties. Normal faculties include the ability to see, hear, walk, talk, judge distances, drive, make judgments, act in emergencies, and perform the mental and physical tasks of daily life.
A first DUI conviction in Florida carries fines of $500 to $1,000 and potential jail time of up to 6 months. You may also face up to 1 year of probation, during which you must complete at least 50 hours of community service or pay $10 per hour instead. Your vehicle will be impounded or immobilized for 10 days, and you are required to complete a substance abuse course and evaluation.
If your BAC was 0.08 or higher, the court may require an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for 6 months. Penalties increase significantly if your BAC was 0.15 or higher or if a minor under 18 was in the vehicle. In these cases, fines rise to $1,000 to $2,000, jail time can extend to 9 months, and ignition interlock is mandatory for at least 6 months. These enhanced penalties apply even for first-time offenses.
Refusing a breathalyzer test in Florida triggers automatic administrative penalties. Your first refusal results in a 1-year driver’s license suspension. A second or subsequent refusal leads to an 18-month suspension. If you refuse after having a prior suspension for refusal, you face a separate misdemeanor criminal charge in addition to the license suspension.
By accepting a Florida driver’s license and operating a vehicle, you automatically consent to submit to approved chemical tests if lawfully arrested for DUI. Your refusal can also be used as evidence against you in criminal DUI proceedings. However, you do have the right to obtain an independent test at your own expense, administered by a physician, nurse, or qualified laboratory technician of your choosing. Law enforcement must provide you with timely telephone access to arrange this independent test, though you’re responsible for the cost.
Florida law requires vehicle impoundment or immobilization following DUI convictions: 10 days for a first conviction, 30 days for a second conviction within 5 years, and 90 days for a third or subsequent conviction within 10 years. You or the vehicle owner must pay all impoundment costs and fees unless the order is dismissed.
However, you have limited time to challenge the impoundment order, and it may be dismissed under specific circumstances. The order can be dismissed if the vehicle was stolen at the time of the offense, if you purchased the vehicle after the offense from someone other than the defendant, if your family has no other means of transportation, if the vehicle is operated solely by employees of the defendant or their business, or if a functioning ignition interlock device has been installed on all vehicles. Understanding these exceptions and acting quickly is critical to protecting your property rights.
A DUI becomes a third-degree felony in Florida under two main circumstances. First, if you are convicted of a third DUI within 10 years of prior convictions, it is automatically a felony carrying penalties under Florida’s felony sentencing statutes, including mandatory vehicle impoundment for 90 days, a minimum of 30 days imprisonment, and mandatory ignition interlock for at least 2 years. Second, any fourth or subsequent DUI conviction, regardless of when prior convictions occurred, is a third-degree felony with a minimum $2,000 fine.
DUI also becomes a felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. DUI with serious bodily injury, defined as an injury creating substantial risk of death, serious disfigurement, or prolonged loss or impairment of any body part or organ, is a third-degree felony. DUI manslaughter, which involves causing the death of any human being or unborn child while driving under the influence, is a second-degree felony with a mandatory minimum 4-year prison sentence. This escalates to a first-degree felony if you knew or should have known a crash occurred and failed to provide information and render aid as required by law.
Arrested for DUI? Time matters. Complete the form to schedule a free strategy session with attorney Rory Safir. Your information is confidential, and we will follow up promptly.
