Dade City DUI Defense Services

Comprehensive DUI Defense in Pasco County & New Port Richey

You should retain an experienced Dade City DUI lawyer immediately if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Pasco County or the surrounding area. Attorney Todd Thurow is an experienced Dade City DUI defense lawyer with a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and provides effective representation.

If you have been arrested for DUI, Thurow Law can also assist you with your driver’s license suspension and defend you in court. He has successfully represented numerous drivers at administrative hearings with the State of Florida Department of Motor Vehicle and Safety (DHSMV).

WARNING: You only have 10 days from your DUI arrest to request a hearing, so act now. Start with a free consultation to discuss a plan of action with Attorney Thurow.

Leverage Our Attorney's Law Enforcement Background for Your DUI Defense

Prior to becoming a criminal defense and DUI lawyer, Attorney Thurow was a police officer for more than 10 years. There are very few DUI defense lawyers in Florida with Attorney Todd Thurow’s blend of law enforcement and defense experience. As a police officer, he was trained by the NHTSA in administering field sobriety exercises and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) tests. Mr. Thurow was also trained and authorized to use the Intoxilyzer, Florida’s state-approved breath testing instrument. His investigative experience in DUI cases means your DUI attorney in Pasco County brings practical knowledge of what police and prosecutors look for and how to identify key weaknesses in the case against you.

In building a DUI defense, Attorney Thurow’s experience allows for a thorough review of every detail—from the legality of your stop by local law enforcement to the evidence the prosecution presents. His law enforcement knowledge gives him the ability to identify procedural errors or inconsistencies that could be pivotal in your DUI case. Whether challenging the reliability of a breathalyzer or cross-examining arresting officers, his understanding benefits clients looking to minimize or avoid the lifelong consequences of a DUI conviction in Dade City or Pasco County.

Act Quickly: Deciding on Your Formal Review Hearing

If you have been arrested for DUI in the State of Florida, you have 10 days to make a decision whether to schedule a Formal Review Hearing with the DHSMV or waive the Formal Review Process. These hearings are conducted by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and are accessible from Dade City. Taking prompt action is the only way to protect your driving privileges; missing the 10-day deadline leads to automatic license suspension, which can severely impact your ability to work or care for family, particularly given the limited public transportation throughout Pasco County.

During the DHSMV Formal Review Hearing, the suspension evidence will be evaluated, giving you—and your DUI attorney in Dade City—the chance to confront the law enforcement officer’s testimony and present any mitigating facts. Having a Dade City DUI defense attorney who routinely appears at local administrative hearings ensures that your documentation, statements, and legal strategy are well-suited to local expectations and tendencies. Many first offense DUI clients in Dade City have restored driving privileges or negotiated work-only licenses, especially with early legal representation. 

The best approach is to consult a knowledgeable DUI attorney in Pasco County immediately after your arrest to review all available options and maximize your chances for a positive result.Thurow Law represents drivers at Formal Review hearings on a regular basis. 

Contact Thurow Law immediately after a DUI arrest for assistance with the formal review process and to restore your privilege to drive.

The DUI Case Process in Dade City & Pasco County Courts

Understanding the DUI case process is essential for anyone facing a first offense DUI charge in Dade City or Pasco County. After your arrest and initial appearance, your case moves through several defined stages in the local court system. This typically begins with arraignment at the Dade City courthouse, where formal charges are presented and your plea is entered with guidance from your Dade City DUI attorney. Pre-trial hearings then follow, involving evidence disclosures, procedural arguments, and motions to contest or exclude certain evidence—such as challenging the accuracy of field sobriety or breathalyzer results. Judges and prosecutors in Dade City courts take a detailed, safety-focused approach, applying Florida’s DUI laws consistently while considering local procedures.

By working with a highly experienced DUI lawyer in Pasco County, every stage of your case—from investigation and discovery to negotiations or trial—can be managed strategically. A skilled attorney will handle all case filings, communicate with prosecutors, and provide you with clarity regarding potential plea bargains or when preparing for trial. For first-time DUI charges, your DUI defense lawyer in Dade City can help you navigate possible diversion programs, explain alternatives to conviction, and ensure you are treated fairly at every step. Having legal representation from a local attorney who understands the routines and expectations of the Dade City courthouse can greatly improve the experience and potential outcomes for those accused of DUI.

Pre-Trial Motions & Resolving DUI Charges

During pre-trial motions, your DUI attorney in Dade City may challenge how evidence was obtained or move to suppress statements made during your arrest. These motions are important in Florida DUI cases, as improperly gathered evidence can sometimes be excluded, impacting the strength of the prosecution’s case. Many DUI defense strategies also explore whether rehabilitation programs, community service, or other sentencing alternatives may be available under Pasco County’s court system for first offenders. Having a DUI lawyer in Dade City advocate for pre-trial diversion or reduced penalties may influence both the process and the final result if a guilty plea or conviction occurs.

Trial & Sentencing in Dade City DUI Cases

If your DUI case proceeds to trial in Dade City, your defense lawyer will present evidence, cross-examine police officers, and challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Cases heard before local judges or juries involve unique procedures, and the sentencing phase is guided by Florida statutes with additional input from local court customs. An experienced DUI attorney in Dade City will help you understand what to expect, the likely penalties, and all available post-conviction remedies. Early, informed legal guidance is vital for achieving the best possible outcome in any Dade City DUI case.

Understanding DUI Charges & Penalties in Florida

Florida DUI penalties are strict, even for first-time offenders. If you plead “no contest” or “guilty” to a DUI charge, the judge MUST adjudicate you guilty. Judges in Florida do not have the discretion to lawfully withhold adjudication on DUI charges. That means you will be convicted and have a criminal record forever. In addition, if you get convicted of DUI in Florida you cannot get the case, or any case, sealed or expunged from your record.

This means that the charge will be permanently on your criminal history. It is important that you retain a Pasco County DUI attorney who understands the law that applies to your case and knows how to implement strategic procedures to your benefit. Thurow Law is dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome and minimizing the collateral effects on your life.

Repeat offenders will face higher fines, longer license suspension periods, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and overall steeper penalties.