Why “getting it over with” could be the worst mistake you make after a DUI arrest in Florida
If You’re Thinking About Pleading Guilty Just to Move On… Read This First.
You got arrested. You’re embarrassed. You’re stressed. You want it to be over. So maybe you’re thinking:
“I’ll just plead guilty and take the punishment. It’s my first DUI—how bad can it be?”
We get it. But as DUI defense attorneys in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey, we’ve seen what happens to people who make this decision without knowing the full consequences.
Spoiler alert: It’s a lot worse than you think.
The Harsh Reality of a First DUI Conviction in Florida
Even for a first offense, pleading guilty to DUI can result in:
- Criminal conviction on your permanent record
- Driver’s license suspension (6–12 months)
- Fines and court costs that add up fast
- Mandatory DUI school and community service
- Possible jail time (especially if there was an accident or high BAC)
- Huge increases in auto insurance premiums
- Problems with jobs, professional licenses, or travel
And once it’s on your record—it stays there. Florida does not allow expungement of DUI convictions.
Here’s What No One Tells You: You Might Have a Strong Defense
Most people arrested for DUI assume the evidence is solid.
But we’ve had hundreds of cases where things weren’t what they seemed.
Your case may be beatable if:
- The traffic stop was legally questionable
- The officer failed to properly administer field sobriety tests
- The breathalyzer wasn’t properly maintained or calibrated
- There’s no video evidence of actual impairment
- You have medical issues that affected your behavior or test results
- You were arrested for something other than alcohol (like prescription drugs or marijuana)
Pleading guilty shuts down every opportunity to explore those defenses.
A Real Example from Tampa
A first-time offender in Tampa called us the day before their arraignment. They were ready to plead guilty.
We reviewed the case and found:
- An illegal traffic stop (no probable cause)
- A breath test done without a proper observation period
- A possible health condition that mimicked impairment symptoms
We challenged the arrest—and the charges were reduced to reckless driving, avoiding a DUI conviction entirely.
But Won’t Pleading Guilty Just Get It Over With?
Maybe in the short term. But in the long run, it:
- Haunts job applications
- Can trigger commercial driver’s license (CDL) loss
- Blocks entry to some countries (like Canada)
- Follows you in any future legal trouble (a second DUI = mandatory jail)
It’s not just about “getting it over with.” It’s about protecting your future.
So What Should You Do After a First DUI Arrest?
- Don’t plead guilty without legal advice: You owe it to yourself to have your case reviewed—especially if this is your first offense.
- Request a DMV hearing within 10 days: This can help preserve your driving privileges while your case is pending.
- Call a local DUI attorney ASAP
At Carlson Meissner Hayslett, we know how to identify weaknesses in DUI cases across Tampa Bay—and how to use them to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Your First DUI Doesn’t Have to Define You
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, or New Port Richey, you still have options. You still have rights. And you still have time to fight.
Don’t Plead Guilty Yet—Talk to Us First.
Let our experienced DUI defense team review your case for free. We’ll help you understand your options—and fight for the best possible outcome.
Click here to schedule your free consultation now.
