DUI

West Palm Beach DUI Attorney

Palm Beach County DUI Arrests Can Follow You Forever, We Will Protect Your Driving Record

Being convicted of a DUI comes with grave consequences, including losing your driver’s license, paying hefty fines and possibly facing jail time. Not to mention the fact that a DUI conviction stays on your Florida driving record for 75 years. 

For these reasons, it is important to hire an experienced DUI attorney to defend you against any charges. We are The Skier Law Firm, P.A. and as DUI lawyers in West Palm Beach, we provide a professional and dedicated defense of your rights.


Call us at (561) 220-3355 or send us a message online to begin preparing your DUI defense.


How Do Florida DUI Laws Work?

Florida’s DUI laws are strict. One such law, the Implied Consent Law, states that once you sign your driver’s license, you agree to take field sobriety tests upon request. The refusal to take these tests will result in a one-year suspension of your license. 

The first conviction of a DUI carries a fine of up to $1,000, as well as the possibility of probation, community service and up to six months in prison. In certain circumstances, a judge may even order that an ignition interlock device be installed on your vehicle. This device requires you to periodically breathe into it in order to start your car and keep it running. This is both inconvenient and expensive. 

We are West Palm Beach DUI attorneys with close to ten years of experience fighting to defend individuals against DUI felony and misdemeanor offenses. We do our best to make sure that you can live your life without a DUI conviction on your Florida driving record.

Defending You After a Drunk Driving Arrest in Florida

Being convicted of driving while under the influence (DUI) comes with major consequences, including heavy fines, prison time and license suspension. That is why it is essential that you are represented by a West Palm Beach DUI defense attorney with the skill, tenacity and experience to get your charges reduced or dropped. 

Trust attorney Scott Skier of The Skier Law Firm, P.A. to vigorously defend you after a West Palm Beach drunk driving charge. I am an experienced criminal defense attorney prepared to fight against the most serious Florida DUI charges.

West Palm Beach Felony DUI Charge

Driving while under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Florida. You can be charged with a DUI if you are pulled over and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at .08 percent or higher. The consequences of a DUI charge are severe, especially if it is deemed to be a felony.

 If you have been charged with a felony drunk driving offense, you need the reliable representation and passionate advocacy of Scott Skier, DUI defense attorney at The Skier Law Firm, P.A. in West Palm Beach. I use our skill and knowledge to fight to have your charges reduced or dropped.

When Is a DUI Considered a Felony in Florida?

In Florida, a first DUI is usually considered a misdemeanor. However, any DUI conviction may be considered a felony if: 

  • It is your third DUI within ten years. This is a third-degree felony.
  • It is your fourth or more DUI, regardless of when they occurred. This is a third-degree felony.
  • Your DUI led to serious injury of another person. This is a third-degree felony.
  • Your DUI led to the death of another person. DUI manslaughter is a first- or second-degree felony.

Our DUI lawyer in West Palm Beach can help you understand what type of charges you may be facing, and then work with you to develop a DUI defense.

What's the Importance of Hiring a Local DUI Attorney?

Hiring a local DUI attorney can be crucial for several reasons, as they are familiar with the specific laws, procedures, and local court systems in your jurisdiction. Here are some important reasons why hiring a local DUI attorney is beneficial:

  • Knowledge of Local Laws: DUI laws can vary significantly from state to state and even within different jurisdictions within the same state. A local DUI attorney is well-versed in the specific laws and regulations applicable in your area, ensuring that they can provide accurate and relevant legal advice tailored to your situation.
  • Familiarity with Local Courts: Local attorneys often have established relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court staff in their area. They understand the local court processes, which can be valuable when navigating your case through the system. Knowing the local customs and expectations can help in building a more effective defense strategy.
  • Understanding of Prosecution Strategies: A local DUI attorney is likely to have experience dealing with the local prosecution team. They may be familiar with the tactics and strategies commonly employed by local prosecutors in DUI cases, allowing them to anticipate arguments and build a strong defense tailored to the specific jurisdiction.
  • Networking and Relationships: Attorneys who practice in a specific area often have professional networks and relationships that can benefit your case. This may include connections with expert witnesses, investigators, or other professionals who can contribute to your defense.
  • Convenience and Accessibility: Working with a local attorney makes it easier to schedule meetings, attend court hearings, and communicate effectively. Being geographically close to your attorney allows for more convenient and efficient collaboration throughout the legal process.
  • Local Resources and Experts: Local DUI attorneys typically have access to local resources and experts who can be instrumental in building a strong defense. This may include local medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or toxicology experts.
  • Knowledge of Local Sentencing Practices: Sentencing practices can vary by jurisdiction, and a local DUI attorney is likely to be familiar with the typical outcomes of DUI cases in local courts. This knowledge can help in advising you on potential outcomes and negotiating plea deals that are realistic for your situation.
  • Courtroom Experience: Experience in local courtrooms is invaluable. A local DUI attorney may have a better understanding of the specific judges and their tendencies, allowing them to tailor their approach based on the characteristics of the local judicial system.
  • Customized Legal Strategies: Local attorneys can create legal strategies that take into account the specific circumstances and nuances of your case, leveraging their local knowledge to build a defense tailored to the jurisdiction in which your case will be heard.

While these reasons highlight the importance of hiring a local DUI attorney, it's crucial to also consider the attorney's overall experience, expertise in DUI cases, and track record of success. Choosing an attorney with a combination of local knowledge and legal skill is often key to achieving the best possible outcome in a DUI case.

A Diligent West Palm Beach DUI Defense

As West Palm Beach DUI defense attorneys, we know how serious DUI convictions are, which is why we do all that we can to make sure that you never have to face one. We stand by your side through the entire trial process and look into every aspect of your case to build the absolute best defense for you. When you need a DUI attorney in West Palm Beach, let me take your hand and guide you with a strong, professional defense.


Call us at (561) 220-3355 or send us a message online to begin preparing your DUI defense.


  • Attempted Second Degree Murder State vs Mckenley Dismissed
  • Burglary With A Battery State vs. Santos Not Guilty
  • DUI (3rd) State vs. Williams Not Guilty
  • First Degree Murder

    State vs. Bruny

    Not Guilty
  • First Degree Murder State vs. Duncan Dismissed
  • “You’ll never feel worried about any case that your going through with this team.”

What are some defenses to a DUI charge?

Florida takes DUI offenses seriously, and the potential penalties reflect that. With the help of a knowledgeable lawyer, you may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced. In order to convict you, the prosecution must prove that you were driving, that you were under the influence and that you were intoxicated enough that your normal faculties were impaired. Your defense attorney must prove that at least one of these allegations is false or that there was a problem during the arrest itself. Some common defenses I use include:

  • You weren’t actually driving. If a police officer did not actually see you driving, you may have grounds for dismissal. For example, if the officer arrested you while you were sitting behind the wheel of a parked car, it cannot be proven that you had been driving drunk.
  • You weren’t drunk. If the field sobriety or Breathalyzer tests were not properly administered, the results may not be conclusive and could be thrown out.
  • There was no probable cause. If the officer did not have probable cause to pull you over or arrest you, you may be able to fight the charges.
  • The officer didn’t read your Miranda rights. If a police officer does not read you your Miranda rights or recites them incorrectly, you can use this to benefit your case.

You can also use an affirmative defense, meaning that you admit to driving while intoxicated but you could not avoid driving for a legitimate reason. These reasons include:

  • Necessity. You knew you should not drive, but you had to drive for a serious and legitimate reason.
  • Duress. You felt that the only way to avoid injury or death was to drive.
  • Entrapment. A police officer told you to drive, even though they knew you were intoxicated.
  • Mistake of fact. You honestly did not know that you were intoxicated.
  • Involuntary intoxication. You did not know that you had consumed alcohol.

I understand what defense to use for each client and have extensive knowledge of the Florida criminal justice system. Whether you are being charged with your first DUI or a felony DUI, I will do everything I can to defend you.

What are the penalties of a felony DUI?

The consequences of a felony DUI conviction can have a major impact on your life. The penalties vary based on the circumstances and what number offense it is.

The penalties for a felony third offense are as follows:

  • Up to 12 months in prison
  • Impounded vehicle for 90 days
  • A fine of a minimum $2,000 and a maximum $5,000
  • Driver’s license suspension for a minimum 10 years
  • Mandatory two year ignition interlock device

The penalties for a felony fourth DUI offense include:

  • Up to five years in prison
  • Lifetime license revocation
  • A fine of a minimum $2,000

If your BAC is .15 percent or higher, or if there are children in your car, you will be charged with an aggravated DUI. 

The penalties for an aggravated DUI include:

  • Your maximum prison time increases by three months.
  • Your fine will double.
  • You will be required to have an ignition interlock device.
  • If a child is in the car, you may be charged with child neglect.

In addition, any of these charges may also come with probation, mandatory DUI School, substance abuse counseling and community service.

With the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to get these penalties lessened or eliminated. I am able to handle even the most serious DUI charges.

Contact Us Today

WEST PALM BEACH CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS PROVIDING AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION TO ACHIEVE FAVORABLE RESULTS.

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