Tampa DUI Lawyer
Request Free Consultation10-Day License Hearing • RIDR Diversion • Local Court Defense
Act fast to protect your license and keep all defense options open.
After a DUI arrest in Tampa, officers typically serve a notice of suspension and issue a 10-day temporary permit (non-commercial). You (or your attorney) have 10 calendar days to request a formal or informal review with Florida’s Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR); if you do nothing, the temporary permit expires at midnight on day 10.
(Florida Statute §322.2615; FLHSMV DUI/Admin Suspension page) — §322.2615 text (Florida Legislature) • FLHSMV: DUI & Administrative Suspension Laws
Why Choose Franchi Law
We act quickly to protect your license, evaluate the legality of the stop, and assess all sobriety and chemical testing before mapping your courtroom and diversion strategy.
- Rapid action: We file your BAR review inside the 10-day window. (§322.2615)
- Local process knowledge: Tampa BAR office at 2814 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 (hours/contacts: FLHSMV BAR Hillsborough page).
- Two tracks, one team: We manage the administrative (license) case and the criminal case under §316.193 in parallel so you don’t miss deadlines. (§316.193 text)
What To Do in the First 10 Days (Step-by-Step)
- Call us early. We prepare and submit your formal/informal review request to the Tampa BAR and confirm scheduling. (Form refs: HSMV 78065 – Review Request (PDF) • HSMV 78306 – Application for Administrative Hearing (PDF))
- Ask about a permit. If eligible, you may drive on a temporary/hardship permit while the review is pending (non-CMV). (FLHSMV)
- Enroll where needed. DUI school/monitoring can be prerequisites for certain options.
- Preserve evidence. Save receipts, texts, and witness info; avoid posting about your case.
Learn the process in detail → Florida’s DUI 10-Day Rule & BAR Formal Review: /dui-administrative-license-suspension/
Florida DUI Law & Your Case
Florida’s DUI statute (§316.193) defines the offense and penalties (e.g., per-se .08). Enhancements depend on facts (priors, BAC, crash). Our defense targets facts, procedure, and proof.
Statute: §316.193 (Florida Legislature)
New 2025 change (Refusal = crime)
For arrests on or after Oct. 1, 2025, a first refusal of a lawful DUI breath or urine test is a second-degree misdemeanor under §316.1939 (in addition to the administrative suspension). A second or later refusal is a first-degree misdemeanor; admin suspensions under §322.2615 still apply.
The Administrative License Case (BAR Review)
- Deadline: 10 calendar days from the notice to request a review. (§322.2615)
- Permit & expiry: A 10-day temporary permit (non-CMV) may be issued; it expires at midnight on day 10. (FLHSMV overview • Statute text)
- Where: BAR – Tampa, 2814 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 (FLHSMV Hillsborough locations).
- Outcomes: Sustain, amend, or invalidate the suspension. (§322.2615)
Need help filing today? → /dui-administrative-license-suspension/
Hillsborough’s RIDR Diversion (Criminal Track)
RIDR (Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism) is a Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office initiative using enhanced sanctions (alcohol monitoring, DUI education, treatment, community service). For many first-time, non-aggravated DUIs, successful completion can lead to a reduction to reckless driving (eligibility/outcomes determined by the SAO).
Program overview: RIDR Info Sheet (SAO13) • SAO Programs page: Programs – SAO13
Explore details → Hillsborough RIDR DUI Diversion: /hillsborough-ridr-diversion/
Common DUI Defenses We Use
- Stop & detention: Lack of reasonable suspicion/probable cause
- Field sobriety tests: Improper instructions, unsuitable conditions, medical limitations
- Breath/blood/urine testing: Maintenance/calibration, observation periods, chain of custody
- Video vs. narrative conflicts: Dash/body-cam vs. reports
- Refusal cases: Implied consent warnings, language clarity, coercion
(Defense strategy aligns with the elements and procedures under §316.193 and §322.2615.)
The DUI Process in Hillsborough County (What to Expect)
Stop & Arrest → Booking & Citation → 10-Day BAR Deadline → Arraignment → Discovery & Motions → Diversion/Negotiations → Trial or Resolution.
We run the BAR review and criminal case in parallel so you don’t miss time-sensitive permit options.
Admin process & permit rules: FLHSMV overview
Tampa DUI FAQs
Is a first DUI breath test refusal now a crime?
Yes. For arrests on or after Oct. 1, 2025, a first refusal is a second-degree misdemeanor under §316.1939; later refusals are first-degree misdemeanors. Administrative suspensions under §322.2615 still apply.
How long do I have to act after a DUI arrest?
10 days to request a BAR review of the administrative suspension. (§322.2615)
Where is the BAR office for Hillsborough?
2814 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 (contact & hours: FLHSMV Hillsborough page).
Can I drive to work while my case is pending?
If eligible, a temporary/hardship permit may be available while the review is pending (non-CMV). (FLHSMV overview)
What is RIDR?
Hillsborough’s diversion program emphasizing enhanced sanctions; eligibility and outcomes are determined by the State Attorney’s Office. (RIDR Info Sheet)
Speak With a Tampa DUI Lawyer Today
Call (813) 800-4529 or request a free consultation. We can file your BAR review today and evaluate RIDR options.
Quick links:
Official Resources
- Florida Statute §322.2615 — 10-day review right; temporary permit expires at midnight on day 10.
leg.state.fl.us statute text - FLHSMV – DUI & Administrative Suspension Laws — Temporary permit valid 10 days from arrest; non-CMV; process overview.
flhsmv.gov DUI/Admin Suspension - BAR – Tampa (FLHSMV) — Address, hours, contact.
flhsmv.gov/locations/hillsborough - Florida Statute §316.193 — DUI definition & penalties.
leg.state.fl.us statute text - HSMV 78065 / 78306 — Review request & administrative hearing forms.
78065 (PDF) • 78306 (PDF) - RIDR — Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office program materials.
RIDR Info Sheet (PDF) • SAO Programs