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Former State Prosecutor Defending Your Rights
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Sarasota DUI Lawyer Explains the 10-Day Rule for DUI Arrests.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Sarasota, Florida, you have just 10 days to take action to protect your driving privileges. This critical period is known as the 10-day rule, and failing to act within this timeframe could result in an automatic hard suspension of your driver’s license. Understanding this rule and knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in your case.
What Is the 10-Day Rule?
The 10-day rule refers to the 10 calendar days (including weekends and holidays) you have after a DUI arrest in Florida to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This hearing is your opportunity to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. If you do not request a hearing or waive the right to the hearing within this period, your license will be suspended for a mandatory period.
What Happens to Your License After a DUI Arrest?
After being arrested for DUI in Sarasota, the arresting officer will confiscate your driver’s license and issue a temporary 10-day driving permit (if you are eligible) usually in the form of a traffic DUI citation. This permit allows you to drive for business/essential purposes, such as work or school, but it expires at the end of the 10-day period (calendar days). Without further action, you could face a hard suspension period—meaning you won’t be able to drive at all for a period of time.
How to Protect Your Driving Privileges
To avoid a prolonged suspension, here are the steps you need to take within 10 days of your DUI arrest:
- Request a Formal Review Hearing – Contact the DHSMV and file a request for a hearing. This will temporarily halt the automatic suspension of your license while the case is under review.
- Apply for a Hardship License – If you are facing a suspension, you may be able to apply for a hardship license, which allows you to drive for work, school, and other necessary activities.
- Hire a Sarasota DUI Attorney – An experienced DUI lawyer in Sarasota at Pallegar Law can help you navigate the process, represent you at the hearing, and build a strong defense for your case.
Why the 10-Day Rule Is Important
Ignoring the 10-day rule could result in the loss of your driving privileges for a significant period. For first-time offenders, license suspension can last six months or more, while repeat offenders face even longer suspensions. Additionally, not challenging the suspension may weaken your overall DUI defense.
What a DUI Attorney Can Do for You
A skilled Sarasota DUI lawyer can:
- Represent you at your formal review hearing
- Challenge the legality of the DUI stop and arrest
- Identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Help you obtain a hardship license if necessary
Act Now to Protect Your Future
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Sarasota, don’t wait. The 10-day rule is a strict deadline, and failing to act could lead to severe consequences. Contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately to protect your rights, your license, and your future.
For expert legal representation, schedule a free consultation with a Sarasota DUI lawyer today!
