Miami DUI Attorney Brian Kirlew is a former public defender who was specially trained in DUI cases after spending 13 months in the DUI jail division of the Miami-Dade Courthouse. Brian’s extensive training and experience trying dozens of DUI trials over the course of his assignment in the jail division gives him a unique understanding of how DUI cases are investigated and prosecuted.
Brian’s extensive training and experience trying dozens of DUI trials over the course of his assignment in the jail division gives him a unique understanding of how DUI cases are investigated and prosecuted. Brian knows how to win DUI cases and also get breakdowns of DUI charges to reckless driving.
Driving under the influence, commonly known as DUI, is among the most common criminal offenses. Regardless of background, ethnicity, or financial status, DUIs affect people from all walks of life. In Florida, DUIs, even though a misdemeanor, are treated very seriously by the prosecution and the courts. If convicted of a DUI or BUI in Florida you could face; steep fines, mandatory jail time, required the installation of an ignition interlock device, community service, costly education classes, immobilization of your vehicle, and suspension of your driver’s license.
DUIs come in all shapes and sizes. On the misdemeanor level, a person can be charged with a simple DUI. A simple DUI is the most common form of the offense and usually involves a circumstance where someone has no prior record and the evidence is an erratic driving pattern, coupled with either the suspect failing the roadside exercises and/or failing a breath test.
These DUIs do not involve property damage, injury to the Defendant or another, or any other related behavior like leaving the scene of the accident or fleeing and eluding. Those offenses have minimum mandatory sentences that increase if the suspect blood is over a .15 threshold or if the suspect has been convicted of DUI prior.
If a person has been convicted of three prior DUI offenses within 10 years, the State can elect to charge the offender with a felony. If someone was injured in the accident or there was a fatality, the offender will also be charged with a felony DUI. DUI Manslaughter, in particular, is a very serious offense in the State of Florida. A person suspect of DUI Manslaughter faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 4.15 years up to 30 years.
The potential consequences for DUI cases are as follows:
First DUI
$500 – $1,000 fine
Up to 6 months in jail; 9 months if blood/breath alcohol level .15 or higher, or minor children were in the car
Up to 1-year probation
Mandatory 50 hours of community service
Six-month license revocation for blood/breath alcohol level of .08 and above
One-year license revocation for refusal to submit to breath, blood, or urine test
10-day vehicle impoundment
Second DUI
$1,000 – $2,000 fine
Up to 9 months in jail; 1 year with BAL of .15 or higher, or minor children in the vehicle
If second convicted within 5 years of the first, mandatory 10 days jail
30-day vehicle impoundment
Minimum license revocation of 6 months
5-year license revocation if convicted within 5 years of your first DUI offense
Third DUI
$1,000 – $2,000 fine; or fine of $2,000 – $5,000 if convicted within 10 years
Up to 12-months jail if the conviction is more than 10 years
Minimum jail sentence of 30 days if convicted within 10 years
Felony DUI if within 10 years of a prior conviction
10-year license revocation if convicted within 10 years of second DUI offense; may apply for hardship reinstatement after two years
90-day vehicle impoundment if within 10 years of the first conviction
Fourth DUI
$2,000 fine (minimum)
Up to 5 years in prison, or as provided in § 775.084, Florida Statutes as a habitual/violent offender
Mandatory permanent license revocation; no hardship reinstatement
Third DUI within 10 Years or DUI with Injury
Third-degree felony
Fine of up to $5,000
Prison sentence of up to 5 years
Third DUI within 10 Years or DUI with Injury
Third-degree felony
Fine of up to $5,000
Prison sentence of up to 5 years
DUI Manslaughter
Second-degree felony
Fine of up to $10,000
Prison sentence of up to 15 years
DUI Manslaughter & Leaving the Scene of the Accident
First-degree felony
Fine of up to $10,000
Prison sentence of up to 30 years
Got a DUI while on vacation?
The fact is, there’s always something going on in a thriving metropolis like Miami. That means it’s easier than you might imagine to find yourself facing criminal charges. Given the dynamic nature of our city, it only makes sense for Brian Kirlew and his defense team to be flexible and responsive to the needs of his clients.
Our firm represents clients charged with any and all types of offenses in Miami and the greater South Florida area. The skills of an intelligent and experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer translate to all areas of criminal law. Therefore, we do not like to be bound by one or two particular areas as our “specialty.” We find defending against a broad spectrum of crimes to be more interesting and enjoyable to our practice.
Brian Kirlew, Esq. is experienced in defending all kinds of criminal felony and misdemeanor charges in the greater Miami area, including:
When you’re facing criminal charges in Miami, time is of the essence. It’s important that you have the proper legal representation to ensure that you get the best outcome possible from your trial. At the Kirlew Law Firm, you, your family, and your business are what matter most to us. We want to ensure that you enjoy every advantage that our thorough and collaborative approach to criminal defense has to offer.
Brian Kirlew is here to represent you. You can schedule your free phone consultation with our criminal defense lawyers today to begin building a sound defense strategy.
