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Best Orlando DUI Attorneys

DUI lawyers in Orlando work in one of the few Florida circuits with formal DUI diversion. Orange and Osceola counties sort eligible misdemeanor cases into tiers based on breath readings. Separately, you have only about ten days to challenge the license suspension. The attorneys listed below handle both tracks, criminal court and the DHSMV hearing.

We research each listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Leading Orlando DUI Defense Lawyers for Breath Test, Refusal & License Cases

Screenshot of the Leppard Law: Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyers in Orlando Website

Orlando DUI lawyer Joel Leppard founded this Broadway Avenue firm, which now counts more than 60 years of combined attorney experience.

Joe Easton has defended criminal cases for over 20 years and carries a Super Lawyers Rising Star nod. John Vallillo brings a quarter century of practice. Several attorneys previously worked as prosecutors.

Published results include a second-offense DUI amended to reckless driving and a boating-under-the-influence case dismissed after a motion to suppress. The team also takes drug defense, domestic violence, and federal charges.

Satellite offices reach Rockledge, Deltona, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami. Consultations cost nothing and staff speak Spanish.

Screenshot of the The Legal Office of Corey I. Cohen & Associates Website

Few defense teams in Orlando include a former judge. This one does, alongside former prosecutors, a former public defender, and a board-certified criminal trial specialist.

Corey Cohen holds an AV Preeminent peer-review rating and once served as president of the Seminole County Bar Association. News outlets including ABC News and Inside Edition have called on him to explain criminal cases.

The firm tries state and federal matters in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola County courts. Drunk driving, drug offenses, theft, sex crimes, and white collar charges all fall within its work.

Its downtown office sits beside the Orange County Courthouse. Payment plans are flexible, and staff speak Spanish and Arabic.

Screenshot of the Parikh Law, P.A. Website
200 E Robinson St, Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Rahul Parikh tried more than 15 jury and bench trials in his first year prosecuting cases for Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit. He opened Parikh Law, P.A. in 2019 and now defends the charges he once filed.

That background shapes how this Orlando DUI attorney works a case. He goes after the basis for the traffic stop, the handling of evidence, and the way breath testing was administered.

Wins include a not-guilty DUI verdict at trial in Osceola County, plus dismissals on domestic violence and drug counts. The initial case review is free. Parikh keeps a small caseload on purpose, so clients deal with him directly rather than a case manager.

Screenshot of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A. Website
320 N Magnolia Ave #B1, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Admitted to The Florida Bar in 1993, John P. Guidry II has spent 32 years on Central Florida criminal cases. He came to law with an accounting degree and a master's behind him, both earned with honors.

His method leans on sworn depositions and pretrial motions rather than a quick plea. That takes time, so he asks people to call early rather than months down the road.

Charges he takes include drunk driving, drug trafficking, battery, shoplifting, and probation violations. Roughly 150 five-star Google reviews back up the approach.

Screenshot of the Panella Law Firm Website
1238 E Concord St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

A client facing 26 years in prison walked out cleared of every charge. That case sits among the published results at Panella Law Firm, run by managing partner Michael Panella.

The Concord Street practice covers impaired driving, felony defense, homicide, and appellate work, and it keeps a separate family law side. Attorneys Huda Saleh and Todd Scholl round out the roster.

A UCF student defense practice and mugshot removal service set the firm apart from most Orlando shops.

Screenshot of the FL DUI Group Website
200 E Robinson St, Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Most criminal defense lawyers take drunk driving cases. Matt Olszewski takes almost nothing else.

Before founding FL DUI Group, he coordinated Florida's Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor program and trained thousands of officers and prosecutors in DUI investigation. He was one of six people picked to write the DUI curriculum taught at every law enforcement academy in the state. He was the only defense attorney on that team.

Olszewski wrote Strategies for Defending DUI Cases in Florida and has tried over 100 criminal cases. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers handed him its DUI Gladiator Award in 2018.

Results span not-guilty verdicts on a .272 breath reading and dismissals on third and fourth felony offenses.

Screenshot of the Florida Defense Team Website
605 E. Robinson St. Suite 250, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

"Here to serve, not to judge" is the working motto at this East Robinson Street practice, run by attorneys Lisa Figueroa and Angela E. Wiggins.

Criminal defense and family law sit side by side on the docket, and the roster includes a board-certified criminal trial lawyer. Cases range across impaired driving and traffic offenses, drug charges, firearms, theft, and federal counts.

The firm accepts matters throughout Florida and offers Spanish-language service.

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Screenshot of the Landers & Sternberg PLLC Website
100 E Pine St #110, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

M. Parker Landers put in two years at the Brevard County State Attorney's Office. He handled hundreds of cases and more than 20 jury trials there before crossing over to defense work.

He runs Landers & Sternberg PLLC with Joseph M. Sternberg from a College Park office. Both are University of Miami law graduates.

Beyond DUI and criminal charges, the firm takes consumer protection and tenant cases across Orange, Seminole, and Brevard counties.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A. Website
17410 Highway 50, Suite 220, Clermont, FL 34711, USA

Military police work in the U.S. Army came first, then Florida A&M law school, then a stint prosecuting cases and supervising probation. Jerry Jenkins draws on all of it at his Clermont office.

His firm splits time between injury claims and criminal defense. Impaired driving, drug, and theft charges come in from Lake County towns like Minneola, Groveland, Leesburg, and Mount Dora. Attorney Janelle Squire also practices here.

On the civil side, the office reports over $10 million recovered.

Screenshot of the McShane & McShane Law Firm, P.A. Website
836 North Highland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

An AV Preeminent rating and a year of combat command shape how Neal T. McShane handles a courtroom. The former U.S. Army captain built this firm with Meghan McShane-Davis, and together they hold over 40 years of practice.

The North Highland Avenue office takes clients by word of mouth only and sits a few blocks from the courthouse. Attorneys manage every case themselves, with no case managers in between.

The Central Florida Police Benevolent Association named the firm to its referral panel. First visits are free and se habla espanol.

Screenshot of the Lindsey, Ferry & Parker, P.A. Website

Building relationships in Central Florida courtrooms since 1980 has given this Maitland firm a long reach. Warren Lindsey and Ashley Parker are both board-certified criminal trial lawyers, a credential few attorneys in the state hold.

Matthew Ferry rounds out a bench with over 60 years of combined experience. The practice takes nothing but criminal work.

Alongside drunk driving, the firm handles boating under the influence, Fish and Wildlife violations, federal counts, and professional licensure defense. Clients have included CDL drivers, college students, and military members. Calls are answered any hour, and emergency bond hearings can be arranged.

Screenshot of the Joshi Law Firm, PA - Orlando Criminal Lawyer Website
5750 Major Blvd Suite 530, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Joshi Law Firm, PA is anchored by founding partner Rajan Joshi, once an assistant state attorney in Jacksonville. The National Trial Lawyers later named him to its Top 100 list. Beside him is Deborah Barra, who supervised 165 prosecutors across Orange and Osceola counties and has tried over 150 jury trials.

Free consultations are offered.

The Major Boulevard team has taken not-guilty verdicts on second and third impaired driving charges. Joshi has appeared on CNN and Dr. Phil to discuss his cases.

Screenshot of the The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys Website

Eight Central Florida offices give this practice unusual reach for a defense firm. Its attorneys hold more than 100 years of combined experience, several of them earned on the prosecution side, under founder William D. Umansky.

Criminal charges and injury claims run in parallel here, covering DUI, drug counts, gun charges, and professional license defense.

The firm also represents international visitors and tourists arrested while traveling through Florida.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of David P. Hill Website

Within walking distance of both the Orange County and federal courthouses, David P. Hill runs a practice devoted entirely to defending people accused of crimes.

The AV-rated attorney takes impaired driving, suspended license, drug, theft, and white collar matters in Orange, Seminole, Polk, Osceola, and Lake counties. Charges against visiting tourists are a regular part of the caseload.

Screenshot of the The Ladan Law Firm, P.A. Website
1211 North Orange Avenue suite 200, Winter Park, Florida 32789, USA

The Ladan Law Firm, P.A. is a boutique defense and injury practice built around Amir Ladan, a former prosecutor with 25 years of courtroom work behind him.

Impaired driving, drug counts, theft, and expungements make up much of the docket, with attorney Edward Lopez also on the team. Phones are staffed around the clock, and payment plans are accepted.

Screenshot of the The Ticket Clinic Website
1333 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804

Fighting Florida traffic charges since 1987, The Ticket Clinic has grown into one of the state's largest firms of its kind, with dozens of offices.

Its West Colonial Drive attorneys handle impaired driving, reckless driving, and suspended license cases in Orange, Lake, and Brevard courts. Published wins include a charge reduced to disorderly intoxication with no license suspension attached.

Screenshot of the Sercombe Law: DUI and Criminal Defense Website
200 E Robinson St Suite 1150, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Dan Sercombe prosecuted criminal cases in Orlando before opening his own defense practice, and he still works downtown on East Robinson Street.

Felony DUI, DUI manslaughter, boating under the influence, and hit-and-run charges anchor the practice. He also files pleas in absentia so out-of-state tourists can avoid a return trip. Winter Park and Vero Beach offices are open as well.

Screenshot of the Office of Anton J. Nace, P.A. Website
605 E Robinson St # 250, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Criminal law has been the only practice area at this East Robinson Street office for 19 years, and Anton J. Nace has worked both sides of it, as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.

He takes drunk driving, drug crimes, bond motions, and probation violations in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Lake, and Brevard counties.

Screenshot of the Seth Hyman Law Website
200 E. Robinson St., Suite 1120, Orlando, FL 32801

An Orlando native and former Orange County assistant state attorney, Seth Hyman keeps his practice to criminal law and nothing else.

He publishes his case resolutions publicly every year, going back to 2018. Impaired driving, suspended license, cannabis, and domestic violence matters make up the bulk, with additional offices in Tampa and Daytona Beach.

Screenshot of the Private Counsel, LLC Website
1238 East Concord Street, Orlando, FL 32803

Over 4,000 people have hired Shon Douctre across 22 years in practice. He is also a trained breath test operator and maintenance technician. That is rare for a defense attorney, and it matters when a machine's reading is in question.

Colleagues call him the "Duke of DUI." His firm takes DMV hardship license hearings, Disney trespass charges, and cases for clients living out of state. Payment plans and Spanish-language help are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a DUI lawyer in Orlando cost?

Usually a flat fee. Criminal defense is not contingency work, so you pay up front or on a schedule. Rates climb with breath refusals, prior offenses, and felony exposure. Several Orlando firms accept cards and installment plans.

How long do I have to save my driver's license after an Orlando DUI arrest?

About ten days. Your arrest paperwork acts as a temporary permit, and that window closes fast. Requesting a formal review hearing with the DHSMV preserves your right to fight the suspension. Miss it and the administrative suspension takes effect on its own.

Does Orange County offer a DUI diversion program?

Yes, and most counties do not. The Ninth Judicial Circuit runs a two-tier pretrial diversion track for selected first-time misdemeanor cases. Tier placement turns on your breath result, and readings above .22 are excluded. Completion can end with the charge dismissed.

When does a Florida DUI become a felony?

On the third or fourth offense. A third conviction within ten years of a prior is a third-degree felony. So is any fourth offense, no matter how much time has passed. Crashes causing serious injury or death also raise the charge.

Can I refuse the breath test in Florida?

You can, but it costs you. Refusal triggers a longer administrative suspension and a second refusal is a separate misdemeanor. Prosecutors may also argue the refusal shows consciousness of guilt. Even so, a refusal leaves the state without a number to show a jury.

Can a DUI be sealed or expunged in Florida?

Not once you are convicted. Florida bars sealing and expungement for DUI, which is why the outcome of the case matters so much. A court may withhold adjudication only on a first offense. Reductions to reckless driving are the more common path to a cleaner record.

Types of DUI Cases Orlando Attorneys Handle

First-offense DUI. Most Orlando arrests fall here, often on I-4, SR-408, or near International Drive. Penalties include fines, probation, and vehicle impoundment. Diversion or a reckless driving reduction is frequently the goal.

Repeat and felony DUI. Prior convictions drive mandatory jail time and long revocations. Defense work shifts toward attacking the validity of the earlier pleas. Ignition interlock becomes mandatory at this level.

Breath test cases. Intoxilyzer maintenance records, operator certification, and the twenty-minute observation period all get examined. A machine out of compliance can put the reading in doubt.

Refusal cases. These turn on whether the stop was lawful and whether implied consent warnings were read correctly. The state has to prove impairment through observations instead.

Field sobriety exercise disputes. Roadside tests are graded by a human under bad conditions. Medical issues, footwear, uneven pavement, and traffic noise all give defense attorneys room to work.

DUI with property damage or injury. A crash raises the charge to a first-degree misdemeanor or, with serious injury, a felony. Accident report privilege becomes a live issue when a deputy switches from crash investigation to criminal questioning.

Boating under the influence. Lake Monroe, the Butler Chain, and the St. Johns draw enforcement patrols. BUI follows its own procedures, and roadside exercises translate poorly onto a boat.

Underage and commercial driver cases. Drivers under 21 face suspension at a .02 reading. CDL holders risk their livelihood at .04, so these cases need attention beyond the criminal court file.

How to Choose a DUI Attorney in Orlando

Ask how many DUI trials they have actually tried. Many lawyers list DUI among a dozen practice areas. A few Orlando firms take almost nothing else.

Confirm they will file the DHSMV hearing immediately. The license track runs on its own clock and its own hearing officer. An attorney who treats it as an afterthought costs you months of driving.

Check their familiarity with the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Diversion eligibility, plea practices, and judges vary by circuit. Someone who works Orange and Osceola courtrooms weekly reads the room better.

Look for technical breath and blood knowledge. Some Orlando attorneys are certified breath test operators or have trained police on DUI procedure. That background matters when the reading is the case.

Get the fee terms in writing. Ask what happens if the case goes to trial, and whether expert witness costs are separate.

What Affects the Outcome of an Orlando DUI Case

Breath reading is the single biggest factor. A .09 and a .24 lead to very different offers, and .15 roughly doubles the statutory fines. Prior record matters next, since Florida counts prior offenses on five- and ten-year clocks. Whether a crash occurred, and whether anyone was hurt, can move the case from county court to felony division. Procedural errors help too, including a weak basis for the stop or missing implied consent warnings. An Orlando DUI attorney can review the arrest video and reports and give you a realistic picture.