The Law Office of Douglas J. Rudman, P.A.

Boca Raton DUI Defense Lawyer

Last updated on May 26, 2026

Many people underestimate the severity of a drunk driving conviction. You could face not only heavy fines and driver’s license suspension but also jail time – even for a first driving under the influence (DUI) offense.

As a former prosecutor, attorney Douglas Rudman has handled first-time and multiple DUI charges and other traffic violations from both sides of the courtroom. At The Rudman Law Group in Boca Raton, he knows how to put cases together and take them apart.  With his experience as a Boca Raton DUI attorney, he works zealously to defend your rights, your freedom and your reputation.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach Counties, The Rudman Law Group provides legal representation to individuals arrested in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and the communities nearby.

What Are The Penalties For A DUI Conviction In Broward County?

Upon conviction for driving under the influence, you could be subject to any or all of the following criminal and administrative penalties:

• First DUI:
  • License suspension of at least 180 days up to one year
  • Jail time of up to six months
  • A minimum fine of $500 and up to $1,000
  • Mandatory 50 hours of community service
  • Probation for up to one year
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
  • Ignition interlock (at your expense)
• Second DUI:
  • License suspension of 180 days to one year (or five-year revocation if within five years of the first DUI)
  • Jail time of up to nine months (minimum 10 days if within five years)
  • A minimum fine of $1,000 and up to $2,000
  • Vehicle impoundment for 30 days
  • Ignition interlock
• Third DUI:
  • License revocation of 10 years (or 180 days to one year if it has been more than 10 years since the last DUI)
  • Mandatory jail time of 30 days and up to 12 months
  • A minimum fine of $2,000 and up to $5,000
  • Vehicle impoundment for 90 days
  • Ignition interlock
  • Hardship license available after two years
• Fourth DUI:
  • Habitual offender imprisonment of up to five years
  • Permanent license revocation (hardship license possible after five years)
  • Fines of $2,000 up to $5,000

Enhanced DUI penalties apply when there are aggravating factors that harm others or put others at grave risk. These include:

• BAC of .15% or greater
• Impaired driving with a child in the vehicle
• Causing an accident resulting in serious injury or death

It is very common to have to take DUI driving classes. However, before you agree to do so, consult a DUI attorney. Aggravating factors can trigger years in prison, bigger fines, longer license revocation and other punishments.

However, the impact of a DUI conviction ranges much further than criminal sentencing. With a DUI on your criminal record, employers might be reluctant to hire you. Landlords might not want to approve your application for an apartment or house. Colleges and universities often have academic consequences for students who drive drunk. Anyone who runs an internet search on your name could see your conviction and attach to you the negative stigma associated with drunk driving.

You have only 10 days to request a hearing to challenge your DUI license suspension. Never waive your rights with the DHSM Talk to an experienced DUI lawyer in Boca Raton without delay. The Rudman Law Group represents anyone accused of drunk driving: college students and young adults, business owners and professionals, and ordinary people pulled over after happy hour at the bar or wine with friends.

Our DUI Case Results

Attorney Douglas Rudman has successfully defended numerous clients in challenging DUI cases, leveraging his extensive experience as a former prosecutor. The following are just a few examples of The Rudman Law Group‘s notable DUI defense results:

• Result: Charges Dropped Client arrested for 2nd DUI, Leaving the Scene, Refusal to Submit, and Careless Driving. Negotiated resolution: completed in-patient treatment program and probation, with 2 DUI charges dropped and no jail time.
• Result: Charges Reduced Client arrested for 2nd DUI and felony Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer. Convinced State Attorney to drop felony charge and resolve DUI to standard 1st-time sanctions with no jail time.
• Result: Charges Reduced Client arrested for 2nd DUI with nearly 4 times legal limit of alcohol in system. Advocated for minimum 1st-time DUI sanctions with no jail time.

What Are The Possible Defense Strategies For A DUI In Boca Raton?

Mr. Rudman investigates the circumstances of your arrest thoroughly to determine whether:

• The police had probable cause to pull you over.
• The police administered any field sobriety tests appropriately.
• The police calibrated the breath test machine properly, and it received regular maintenance.
• Other factors, such as prescription medications or other health problems, contributed to your driving behavior.

He knows how to analyze the facts of your traffic stop and arrest for opportunities to challenge the evidence. He understands the complexities of DUI and felony DUI defense, including how to present a compelling case in court or work out the best plea deal possible, given your unique circumstances. He has won DUI cases in court and are effective negotiators who have worked with local prosecutors and judges to secure favorable outcomes.

What Should I Do If I Get Pulled Over In Florida?

It is always nerve-wracking if a police officer pulls you over. Although it might feel difficult to keep your wits in this moment, try to remember these tips:

1. Remain polite and cooperative, even if you do not think the cop is treating you fairly.
2. Produce your driver’s license and registration if asked.
3. Invoke your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent; do not give any information that is not on your driver’s license.
4. Do not submit to a field sobriety test. However, if you choose to refuse the breath test, be aware that the state has the right to revoke your driver’s license.

Finally, you need to consult an attorney as soon as you can. Do not agree to an interview or provide excessive information before you have a lawyer present.