Below are examples of outcomes Rory Safir has obtained in DUI, felony, misdemeanor, and driver’s license matters across Tampa Bay and the surrounding Gulf Coast counties. They show the kind of work the firm does: early intervention, forensic and scientific challenges, and litigation when the facts call for it.
Notable Results
A few of the trial wins, dismissals, and settlements that show what is possible when the science and the procedure get challenged hard.
DUI jury acquittal that let an immigrant client avoid deportation.
Hillsborough County
DUI jury acquittal after a road rage accusation collapsed at trial.
Citrus County
DUI jury acquittal after the HGN eye test was challenged.
Pinellas County
Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon dropped on Stand Your Ground.
Pinellas County
Second-time DUI over .15 dropped after a 364-day jail offer.
Manatee County
Motion to suppress granted when the State could not produce its witness.
Manatee County
$300,000 for a driver rear-ended by a box truck in stopped interstate traffic.
Hillsborough County
$285,000 for a hotel guest who slipped on algae left to build up on a pool deck.
Pinellas County
$240,000 for a brain injury caused by a driver pulling out of a shopping center.
Pinellas County
DUI Case Results
Cannabis DUI Dropped After the State Reviewed the Science
Our client, a registered medical-cannabis patient, was charged with DUI of drugs after a speeding stop. Both breath samples read 0.000, the eye examination was negative in both eyes, and no drug recognition evaluation was ever performed. The State’s only positive finding was a urine test for the inactive cannabis metabolite, which its own laboratory reported does not correlate to a blood concentration. The defense declined the State’s diversion offer and sent the prosecutor a forensic and mitigation packet instead of litigating a motion. The State filed a nolle prosequi and the charge was dismissed in full.
Felony DUI and Resisting With Violence Case Ends With No Charges Filed
The client, in town visiting Walt Disney World, was arrested on four charges: driving under the influence with person or property damage, a threat to a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test. After the defense discussed the impairment, refusal, and excessive force issues with the prosecutor and submitted a mitigation package, the State announced a No Bill on all four counts and filed no formal charges, and the client was discharged.
Second DUI Over .15 Dropped After a 364-Day Jail Offer
The client faced a DUI with a breath level of .15 or higher and a prior conviction, and the opening offer was 364 days in jail. After the defense pressed the proof problems in the case, the State entered a nolle prosequi and dropped the charge entirely.
Motion to Suppress Granted When the State Could Not Produce Its Witness
The defense filed a detailed, legally sufficient motion to suppress. At the hearing the State asked to continue because it could not locate a necessary witness who had never been listed in discovery. The court denied the continuance, the burden shifted to the State, and with no witness present the court granted the motion to suppress.
DUI Jury Acquittal for an Immigrant Client Facing Deportation
The client was stopped for a minor equipment issue, not for the way he was driving. The officer claimed slurred speech, which the defense showed was inconsistent with the client’s Spanish dialect. The field sobriety exercises were challenged as abnormal and unreliable, and the client had refused breath testing. The jury returned a Not Guilty verdict, and the client avoided a conviction and the immigration consequences that would have followed.
DUI Jury Acquittal After Road Rage Allegations Collapsed
An elderly couple followed the client for miles and accused him of reckless driving. The defense reframed the incident as road rage and intimidation by the reporting parties, who eventually admitted the client’s driving was otherwise normal. The arresting officer had made the DUI arrest without a proper investigation during post-hurricane cleanup, when his attention was divided. The jury found the client Not Guilty.
DUI Jury Acquittal After Challenging the HGN Eye Test
The State’s case relied heavily on the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) eye test. The defense challenged how the test was administered and what it can and cannot establish about impairment, and drew out those limits on cross-examination. The jury returned a Not Guilty verdict.
DUI Reduced After a Constructive Possession Defense
The client was charged with DUI and cocaine possession after drugs were found in a vehicle occupied by several people. Early work focused on constructive possession. The cocaine charge was dropped, the client entered diversion, and the DUI resolved as reckless driving.
DUI and Drug Charges Dismissed After a Faulty Traffic Stop
The officer misapplied the statute governing stop sign and crosswalk markings. A motion to suppress was filed, the prosecutor did not oppose it, and the entire case was dismissed without a conviction.
Fourth DUI With Serious Injury Resolved Without Jail or Restitution
The client faced a fourth DUI involving a crash and serious injury. Refusal issues created evidentiary problems for the State. Through mitigation and coordination with the related civil case, restitution was eliminated and the client received probation with no jail or prison time.
DUI With Crash Reduced Using Blood and Consent Issues
The client consented to a blood draw while highly impaired. The defense challenged the validity of that consent and emphasized the client’s veteran status in negotiations. The charge was reduced to reckless driving.
DUI With Crash Reduced to Protect a Non-Citizen Client
The client faced a DUI with property damage and immigration exposure. The defense identified breath test contamination from regurgitation and a failure to follow the observation protocol. The case resolved as reckless driving.
DUI With Crash Reduced After a Breath Test Reliability Attack
The client was chewing gum throughout the field sobriety exercises and right before the breath test, which made the high breath result vulnerable to suppression. The client was also an immigrant and the primary financial support for family abroad. The case was reduced to reckless driving.
DUI Reduced Where Impairment Was Due to a Mental Health Crisis
The client was experiencing a documented mental health crisis and was Baker Acted. The defense argued the impairment was not caused by alcohol or drugs. The charge was reduced to reckless driving.
Second DUI With Injury Resolved Through Treatment Instead of Jail
The client faced a second DUI with injuries and significant jail exposure. A motion to suppress statements under the crash report privilege limited the State’s proof of driving. The case resolved with a DUI conviction but no jail, replaced by residential treatment.
Felony Fleeing Dropped Using a DUI Impairment Theory
The client was charged with felony fleeing to elude and DUI. In deposition, the arresting officer, a designated Drug Recognition Expert, admitted the client was extremely impaired and incoherent. The defense showed that level of impairment negated the intent required for felony fleeing. The felony was dropped, the client pled to misdemeanor DUI probation, avoided jail, and avoided a mandatory felony conviction.
Second DUI Resolved After Exposing Observation Period Failures
The State sought 180 days in jail. At the driver’s license hearing, inconsistent testimony showed officers could not establish the required observation period. The case resolved with a DUI conviction and the minimum mandatory 10 days in jail instead of extended incarceration.
DUI Above .15 Reduced After Breath Instrument Errors
The breath instrument showed radio frequency interference at extreme levels and the officer failed to take corrective action, which left the breath results vulnerable to exclusion. The case was reduced to reckless driving.
Second DUI Reduced After Refusal Weakness and Strong Mitigation
The State’s refusal case was weak, and mitigation showed the client had addressed the underlying causes of his drinking and was living out of state. The charge was reduced to reckless driving.
DUI and Marijuana Charge Reduced After a Science-Based Defense
The defense argued that a rising blood alcohol level undermined the breath results and that the urine test showed only the presence, not the impairment, of marijuana. After aggressive litigation, the prosecutor made a diversion exception and the case resolved as reckless driving.
DUI Not Filed After Early Prosecutorial Review
After early engagement with the State and a careful review of the evidence, the prosecutor declined to file DUI charges, and the case ended before court proceedings began.
Driver’s License and DHSMV Results
Driver’s License and DHSMV Results
CDL Protected After the Department Never Produced Its Evidence
A commercial driver faced an administrative suspension for driving with an unlawful breath alcohol level, which for a CDL holder also carries a one year disqualification of the commercial driving privilege under section 322.64 of the Florida Statutes. The defense demanded a formal review hearing inside the ten day window, filed the driver’s prehearing statement on time, and appeared on the scheduled date ready to proceed. The Department did not produce its evidentiary packet and the hearing did not go forward. The defense objected and moved to invalidate. The hearing officer set the suspension aside for insufficient evidence, and he kept both his driving privilege and the commercial license he drives for a living.
Breath Suspension Set Aside After Radio Interference Voided the Test
An officer from an outside agency walked into the breath testing room still wearing his electronic gear, and the instrument returned an “RFI Detect” on the first attempt. Radio frequency interference is exactly what that alert exists to catch. Under rule 11D-8.007 of the Florida Administrative Code the operator then had to restart the twenty minute observation period before testing again, and did not. The defense argued the test was therefore not conducted in substantial compliance with the rule. The hearing officer agreed, set the suspension aside, and she kept her driving privilege.
Refusal Suspension Invalidated at Formal Review
A client faced an 18-month suspension for refusal. At the formal review hearing, the defense established that the implied consent warnings were given improperly. The suspension was invalidated and the license fully reinstated.
Ten-Year Revocation Overturned Due to Breath Testing Errors
A client faced a ten-year revocation. The defense showed that only one breath sample was obtained and that the required tolerances were not met. The suspension was invalidated and the license reinstated.
Permanent Revocation Invalidated After the Officer Failed to Appear
The arresting officer failed to appear despite a proper subpoena. Without competent testimony, the suspension was invalidated and the client’s license was fully restored.
Eighteen-Month Refusal Suspension Set Aside After an Invalid Stop
The client faced an 18-month suspension for a breath test refusal, and the stop rested on an uncorroborated anonymous tip with no driving violation the deputy could corroborate. The defense submitted a written argument at the formal review hearing showing the stop lacked legal justification. The hearing officer agreed and set the suspension aside.
Suspension Set Aside Because the Hearing Was Not Held in Time
The Department failed to schedule and hold the formal review hearing within the time the rules require. On that procedural ground, the suspension was set aside and the client kept a clean license.
Breath-Test Suspension Invalidated After the Breath Operator Failed to Appear
The client faced an administrative suspension for a breath result of .08 or higher. The breath test operator was subpoenaed to the formal review hearing and failed to appear, and under section 322.2615 the hearing officer invalidated the suspension.
Felony and Serious Criminal Defense Results
Felony Fleeing Dropped After Evidence Preservation Failures
Dash and body camera footage from a high-speed motorcycle pursuit was never properly preserved. Depositions revealed systemic failures in evidence handling, the defense raised Brady issues, and the felony charge was dropped.
Criminal Mischief Case Dropped on the Eve of Trial
The client refused to accept a conviction on principle. Trial preparation was completed, and on the eve of trial the State dismissed the case.
Grand Theft Case Dismissed After Mistaken Identity Was Proven
The client was charged because he shared an unusual name with the actual suspect. Despite being held without bond and extradited, the defense established a complete alibi and identified the real perpetrator. The case was nolle prossed.
Burglary Reduced and Dismissed Through Diversion
A second-degree burglary charge was reduced to a third-degree felony after restitution and an affidavit of non-prosecution. The reduction allowed entry into diversion, the case was dismissed, and it became eligible for expunction.
Aggravated Battery With a Deadly Weapon Dropped on Self-Defense
A client was charged after defending himself from an attacker at his workplace. Early investigation, self-defense evidence, and Stand Your Ground considerations led the State to dismiss the charge entirely.
Felony Reduced Through Addiction-Based Mitigation
A client faced mandatory felony exposure and lengthy prison time for a fraud offense connected to a documented addiction. Expert evaluation and mitigation persuaded the State to reduce the case, allowing a resolution without a felony conviction and minimal county time.
Domestic Battery Declined After Pre-File Mitigation
In a domestic battery matter, the defense interviewed the alleged victim, prepared and filed an affidavit of non-prosecution, and submitted a pre-filing mitigation package to the prosecutor, and the client completed an anger management course. The State declined to file charges.
Felony Domestic Battery Declined Before Filing
After taking testimony under oath at a State Attorney investigation, the State concluded the facts and circumstances did not warrant prosecution and filed a No Information, so the felony was never formally charged.
Leaving the Scene of a Crash With Injury Declined Before Filing
A charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving injury was presented to the State Attorney’s office. After a sworn investigation, the State concluded the facts did not warrant prosecution and filed a No Information.
Two Counts of Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon Dropped
The client faced two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon along with a battery count. Video of the event undercut the State’s ability to win convictions in front of a jury, and the State entered a nolle prosequi, dropping all three counts.
Two Counts of Resisting an Officer Declined Before Filing
Facing two counts of resisting an officer without violence, the defense engaged the State early. The State Attorney announced it would file no information on either count.
Cocaine Possession Charge Declined Before Filing
A felony cocaine possession charge was presented to the State Attorney. After a sworn investigation, the State concluded the facts did not warrant prosecution and filed a No Information.
Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon Reduced to Simple Assault at Trial
The client faced up to five years in prison on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. At a jury trial, the defense impeached the State’s star witness, and the charge was reduced from the felony to a simple assault.
Injunction Violation Dismissed After a Mistrial
At a jury trial on a charge of violating an injunction for protection, the State’s primary witness violated a motion in limine by referring to the client’s criminal history. The defense moved for a mistrial, the court granted it, and the State then declined to pursue the case, so it was dismissed.
Aggressive Home Arrest Leads to Dropped Charges
A young man was arrested on a warrant at home after answering his door, and the officer’s approach was aggressive. After the defense reviewed the body camera footage, provided context, and submitted mitigation, the prosecutor agreed the matter did not warrant prosecution and dropped the charges.
Serious Felony Charges Dropped on the Eve of Trial
The client faced multiple serious felony charges. After thorough depositions, full trial preparation, and discussions with the assigned prosecutor, and just weeks before jury selection, the State filed a nolle prosequi and dropped every charge. The case ended with no plea, no conviction, and no jail or probation.
Drug Case Dismissed After an Unlawful Jail Search
The charge rested on contraband recovered during an invasive search of the client at the jail. The defense moved to suppress the search as unlawful, the court granted the motion, and the case was dismissed.
Felony Suspended-License Case Dismissed After an Improper Stop
The client was stopped for speeding and charged with felony driving while license suspended. The defense showed the stop did not meet the requirements of the speeding statute, the court granted the motion to suppress, and the case was dismissed.
Narcotics Charge Dismissed After an Unlawful Trespass Arrest
The client was arrested for trespass at a gas station while seated near a bag of narcotics. Because the required notice was never given before the trespass arrest, the arrest was unlawful, the court granted the motion to suppress, and the case was dismissed.
Vehicle Search Suppressed and Case Dismissed Over a Misapplied Ordinance
Officers searched a couple’s vehicle at a public park based on a misreading of the local ordinance. The defense challenged the search, the court granted the motion to suppress, and the case was dismissed.
Auto Negligence Settlements
| Amount | County | Case Type | Facts | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | Lake | Stop-Sign Collision | defendant ran a stop sign and struck plaintiff’s vehicle in the intersection | cervical and lumbar disc injuries and a left knee ACL tear treated with injections and a recommended knee surgery |
| $100,000 | Marion | Failure-to-Yield Collision | defendant pulled out of a parking lot and failed to yield, striking plaintiff’s vehicle | traumatic brain injury with cervical disc injuries and ongoing neurological treatment |
| $100,000 | Pinellas | Highway Rear-End Collision | distracted driver struck plaintiff at highway speed in slowed interstate traffic | lumbar disc herniation treated with injections and rehabilitation |
| $150,000 | Pinellas | Red-Light Collision | defendant entered the intersection after the light turned red causing a serious side-impact crash | mild traumatic brain injury with post-concussive headaches and neck injuries |
| $180,000 | Hillsborough | Rideshare Rear-End Collision | rideshare driver looking for a passenger rear-ended plaintiff while traffic was stopped | cervical disc injuries requiring injections and a mild traumatic brain injury |
| $240,000 | Pinellas | Failure-to-Yield Collision | defendant exited a shopping center directly into plaintiff’s path causing a severe T-bone collision | mild traumatic brain injury, lumbar disc injuries, and ongoing vestibular therapy |
| $300,000 | Hillsborough | Commercial Truck Collision | box truck failed to stop for backed-up interstate traffic and struck plaintiff from behind | mild traumatic brain injury, multiple cervical and lumbar disc injuries, chronic pain, and permanent work restrictions |
Premises Liability Settlements
| Amount | County | Case Type | Facts | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | Pinellas | Grocery Store Slip & Fall | customer slipped on water leaking from a refrigerated produce display that had not been cleaned or marked | knee sprain and lumbar strain requiring physical therapy |
| $90,000 | Hillsborough | Sidewalk Trip & Fall | visitor tripped on a raised sidewalk slab outside a medical office after prior maintenance complaints went unaddressed | rotator cuff injury treated with injections and rehabilitation |
| $140,000 | Pinellas | Restaurant Slip & Fall | restaurant employees mopped a tile walkway but failed to place warning signs before reopening the area | mild traumatic brain injury after striking head and cervical strain |
| $150,000 | Hillsborough | Hotel Entryway Slip & Fall | guest slipped on a dirty wet substance on the hotel’s roundabout entryway walkway | left knee injury requiring arthroscopic surgery and ongoing treatment |
| $215,000 | Hillsborough | Apartment Stair Fall | resident fell when a deteriorated exterior stair tread gave way while descending to the parking lot | wrist fracture requiring surgery, shoulder injury, and extensive rehabilitation |
| $285,000 | Pinellas | Hotel Pool Deck Slip & Fall | guest slipped on algae that had accumulated on a poolside walkway despite repeated reports of the hazardous condition | ankle fracture requiring surgery, mild traumatic brain injury, and lasting balance issues |
How We Approach a Case
A DUI or criminal arrest moves fast, with license deadlines, court dates, and prosecutor meetings that start almost immediately. Our approach comes down to three things: act within the first ten days to protect your license, challenge the science behind field sobriety exercises and breath, blood, and urine testing, and keep you informed with flat fees discussed up front and no surprises.
Explore Our Practice
Interviewing lawyers? I wrote down the questions worth asking any DUI lawyer, including me: who actually handles the case, whether they will pull the breath instrument records by serial number, what the fee really covers, and the red flags. Ask them of everyone you talk to.
The case results described on this page are not intended to create unjustified expectations or guarantees. Every case is unique, and past results do not predict or guarantee future outcomes. Results depend on the specific facts, the evidence, and the law that applies to each matter. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements or these results. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
