Broward County DUI Lawyer Providing Skilled DUI Defense During the Holidays
(Fort Lauderdale, FL – December 2025) As the holiday season approaches, the Law Office of Matthew Glassman is issuing a public advisory regarding the significant increase in Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) arrests across Broward County, FL, and the greater South Florida area. Festive celebrations often lead to more drivers being on the road after consuming alcohol, prompting law enforcement agencies to dramatically ramp up patrols, roadside checks, and traffic stops, particularly in popular entertainment districts of Fort Lauderdale, FL. For anyone facing the immediate and potentially life-altering consequences of a holiday DUI charge, securing the skilled DUI lawyer from the Law Office of Matthew Glassman promptly is essential. The criminal defense law firm emphasizes that a DUI arrest is not a conviction, and every individual is entitled to a thorough and powerful defense.
Understanding a DUI Arrest in Broward County, FL, During the Holidays
The holiday season is historically a period of heightened vigilance for local police, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. This aggressive approach results in hundreds of South Florida residents and visitors being detained, often under circumstances that warrant meticulous review by an experienced DUI attorney. The consequences of a conviction in Florida are severe, impacting everything from employment and finances to personal liberty and driving privileges. Therefore, anyone pulled over or arrested for a DUI needs to understand their rights and the serious nature of the charges and immediately seek a dedicated Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer.
The mission of the DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman is to provide assertive and knowledgeable representation to protect the rights and futures of those accused. Understanding the local court system, the prosecution's tactics, and the established defense strategies in Broward County, FL, is fundamental to achieving the best possible outcome.
The Seasonal Surge: Why DUI Arrests Rise in Broward County, South Florida
Every year, as holiday parties, family gatherings, and social events fill the calendar, the statistics in South Florida tell a clear story: DUI arrests climb sharply. Law enforcement prepares for this period by dedicating extra resources and personnel solely to detecting and apprehending intoxicated drivers. This initiative is highly visible, particularly along major Fort Lauderdale roadways and near venues known for serving alcohol, such as Las Olas Boulevard.
The density of activity in Broward County, FL, coupled with the seasonal increase in traffic and celebratory drinking, creates a perfect storm for enforcement action. Police officers are trained to look for common signs of impairment—such as weaving, sudden braking, or delayed response to traffic signals—and use these observations to establish the probable cause necessary to initiate a traffic stop. Once stopped, the driver may be subjected to Field Sobriety Exercises (FSEs) and breath tests. While these procedures are meant to ensure public safety, they must be conducted according to strict legal guidelines. Errors or misinterpretations during these roadside tests often form the backbone of a strong defense mounted by the skilled DUI attorney at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman.
This heightened enforcement period extends well beyond nighttime hours, with arrests commonly occurring during morning commutes following late-night events, or even in the afternoon as people travel between holiday destinations. Facing a charge during this time requires timely action. The DUI attorney at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman is ready to provide immediate guidance and defense strategy, understanding that every moment following a DUI arrest is critical.
Increased Law Enforcement Presence and Proactive Tactics
In anticipation of the holiday spike, police departments deploy a variety of proactive measures. These often include concentrated patrols in areas surrounding popular shopping centers, nightlife hubs, and major highways like I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike. The primary focus is deterrence, but the reality is that aggressive patrolling leads to more stops.
The criteria officers use to establish impairment can sometimes be subjective. Factors like fatigue, allergies, or nervousness can mimic the signs of impairment during a traffic stop, leading to wrongful arrests. This is where the defense review process begins: meticulously examining the police report, in-car video footage, and officer testimony to identify any failure to adhere to proper procedure, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case. A dedicated Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney understands that securing and reviewing this evidence quickly is paramount.
Understanding the Role of DUI Checkpoints
While checkpoints are a less common tactic than roving patrols, they are sometimes used in South Florida, particularly around high-traffic holiday events. When they are implemented, they must comply with specific constitutional guidelines established by both state and federal courts to ensure they do not violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
A proper checkpoint requires adequate publicity, clearly marked signage, and a systematic method for stopping vehicles, rather than arbitrary selection. If a checkpoint is found to be improperly conducted or administered, any evidence gathered, including FSE results or breathalyzer readings, may be challenged by a capable DUI lawyer. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman investigates the legality and implementation of every traffic stop and checkpoint encounter to ensure the rights of its clients are fully respected.
Understanding Florida DUI Convictions and Their Consequences
A DUI conviction in Florida carries some of the most stringent penalties in the nation. It is not merely a traffic citation; it is a serious criminal offense that can result in incarceration, lengthy loss of driving privileges, exorbitant fines, and a criminal record that can affect future opportunities in employment, housing, and education. Recognizing the gravity of these penalties underscores why retaining a proactive defense is non-negotiable. If you are searching for a reliable “DUI lawyer near me,” the time to act is now, immediately following the arrest.
Florida law establishes specific penalties based on the driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), the presence of a minor in the vehicle, and, most significantly, the number of prior convictions. Penalties escalate dramatically with subsequent offenses.
Initial Penalties for a First DUI Offense
Even a first-time DUI conviction, often treated as a second-degree misdemeanor, results in harsh consequences:
Fines: The penalty amount ranges from $500 to $1,000. If the BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if a minor was in the vehicle, the fine increases to a range of $1,000 to $2,000.
Imprisonment: Up to six months in county jail. This increases to nine months for a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or if a minor was present.
Probation: Up to one year of supervised probation, which includes mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.
DUI School: Mandatory completion of a 12-hour (Level I) or 21-hour (Level II) state-approved DUI substance abuse course.
Vehicle Impoundment: A 10-day impoundment or immobilization of the vehicle, which must not occur concurrently with any period of incarceration.
License Revocation: A minimum of 180 days up to one year. A driver may seek a hardship license after a waiting period, but only after enrolling in DUI school and meeting specific requirements.
The administrative license suspension process, which is separate from the criminal case, begins immediately upon arrest. A driver has only ten days from the date of the arrest to request a formal review hearing with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to challenge the administrative suspension. Missing this ten-day window results in an automatic suspension, making the involvement of a timely Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney absolutely necessary to preserve driving privileges.
The Severe Implications for Repeat Offenders
The consequences for second and subsequent DUI offenses are profoundly more severe and often involve mandatory jail or prison time, underscoring the necessity of having a prepared DUI attorney to handle the complexities of repeat charges.
Second Conviction (Within 5 years): Mandatory jail sentence of at least 10 days, with the possibility of up to nine months. If the second offense is within five years of the first, a mandatory five-year license revocation is imposed, and an ignition interlock device (IID) must be installed for at least one year.
Third Conviction (Within 10 years): This is categorized as a third-degree felony if committed within 10 years of a prior offense. Penalties include up to five years in state prison and a mandatory 30-day jail sentence. The mandatory license revocation period is 10 years, and the IID requirement is extended.
Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: This is a third-degree felony regardless of the time lapse between prior offenses, carrying up to five years in state prison.
Beyond these statutory penalties, a conviction often results in dramatically higher insurance premiums (or cancellation), employment difficulties, professional licensing sanctions (for doctors, nurses, pilots, etc.), and social stigma. The goal of the DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman is always to avoid a conviction or mitigate the penalties to the greatest extent possible.
Developing a Rigorous Defense Strategy with a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer
A DUI defense is rarely simple; it involves attacking the evidence at every possible stage, from the moment of the initial traffic stop to the reliability of the chemical test results. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman employs a defense methodology that systematically challenges the State’s case to find weaknesses and protect the client’s rights.
A Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer understands that many DUI cases are won not by proving innocence, but by establishing reasonable doubt about the prosecution's evidence. The process involves comprehensive discovery, evidence suppression motions, and, when necessary, aggressive trial advocacy.
DUI Lawyer Attacking the Legality of the Initial Traffic Stop
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. In the context of a DUI, this means the officer must have reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle. A traffic stop based merely on a hunch or suspicion without articulable facts is illegal.
Defense review focuses on:
Was the Stop Justified? Reviewing dashcam footage and police reports to determine if the officer observed a legitimate traffic infraction (like speeding or improper lane change) or an adequate indicator of impairment before initiating the stop.
Was the Detention Prolonged? Once stopped for a minor infraction, did the officer immediately switch to a DUI investigation? The officer must establish probable cause to transition the stop from a minor traffic ticket to a full DUI investigation.
Proper Administration of Field Sobriety Exercises (FSEs): These physical tests—such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand—are often subjective. A DUI lawyer will investigate whether the officer gave correct instructions, demonstrated the exercises properly, and accurately scored the performance, taking into account the driver’s physical limitations, footwear, and the testing surface. FSEs are frequently a source of error that can be exploited in the defense.
DUI Lawyer Scrutinizing Chemical Test Results and Calibration
Chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine) are often presented as irrefutable proof, but they are subject to equipment failure, operator error, and scientific limitations. A skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney knows how to challenge the scientific validity of the BAC reading.
Challenging the Breathalyzer:
Maintenance and Calibration: The defense must obtain the official maintenance logs for the specific Intoxilyzer 8000 (the standard machine in Florida) to ensure it was regularly calibrated and inspected as required by Florida law. Failures in maintenance can render the results inadmissible.
Operator Certification: The officer administering the test must be currently certified.
Observation Period: Florida law requires a continuous 20-minute observation period prior to the test to ensure the subject does not ingest or regurgitate anything, which could falsely inflate the BAC reading. Violation of this rule can lead to suppression of the breath results.
Challenging Blood Tests:
Chain of Custody: If a blood test was performed, a DUI defense lawyer reviews the chain of custody to ensure the sample was properly labeled, stored, and transported to prevent contamination or tampering.
Medical Environment: Blood draws must be performed in a medical environment by qualified personnel.
Furthermore, a defense may rely on the principle of retrograde extrapolation, arguing that the BAC reading taken at the station does not accurately reflect the BAC level at the time of driving, as alcohol absorption rates can vary widely.
Why Local Knowledge Matters: Choosing Your Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney
When facing a DUI charge in Broward County, FL, hiring a DUI lawyer with deep roots and a strong reputation in the local system is of utmost importance. The criminal justice system in Broward County—from the State Attorney’s Office to the local judges and courthouse staff—operates on specific procedures and relationships. A local Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer who regularly practices throughout Broward County, FL, is uniquely positioned to navigate these complex waters effectively.
The Law Office of Matthew Glassman provides criminal defense representation throughout South Florida, giving the firm an intimate understanding of the particular ways that cases are prosecuted in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County. This local knowledge is invaluable for predicting the likely response of the State Attorney’s Office to specific defense arguments and for developing a case strategy tailored to the specific court.
The Proactive DUI Defense Advantage
The key to a successful defense often lies in preparation and the ability to act swiftly. By retaining their Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney immediately after an arrest, the Law Office of Matthew Glassman can begin the essential task of securing key evidence, such as 911 calls, police video, and witness statements, before they are lost or degraded.
This proactive approach is what distinguishes a committed defense practice. From the administrative DHSMV hearing to the criminal case in court, the DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman provides comprehensive representation at every step. While no DUI lawyer can guarantee an outcome, the most aggressive defense is always built on a foundation of local knowledge, detailed investigation, and a determined challenge to every piece of the prosecution's evidence.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI during the holiday season in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, do not wait. If you are searching for a skilled “DUI attorney near me,” the Law Office of Matthew Glassman stands ready to review your case, protect your rights, and pursue every available defense to secure your freedom and your future.
About the Law Office of Matthew Glassman
The Law Office of Matthew Glassman is a trusted criminal defense law firm dedicated to providing resolute criminal defense representation to individuals in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and throughout South Florida. Focused on protecting the rights and interests of its clients, the firm handles a range of defense matters, including domestic violence accusations, weapons charges, drug charges, DUI defense, assault and battery, burglary, homicide, and more. Their Broward County criminal defense attorney offers personalized attention and an unwavering commitment to achieving justice. For a free consultation with their experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact the Law Office of Matthew Glassman today.
Media Contact:
Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A.
600 SW 4th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 908-3399
URL: Broward County criminal defense attorney | www.matthewglassmanlaw.com
