The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest can feel like your life has turned upside down. Between the flashing lights, the handcuffs, and the fear of losing your license or job, it’s easy to panic. But the truth is, what you do next matters far more than what just happened.
This guide from Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer Dave Simmons will walk you through the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest—what to do, what not to do, and how to take control again.
Table of Contents
What Happens Immediately After a Florida DUI Arrest?
After your arrest, you’ll likely be transported to the Broward County Jail or another local holding facility for booking. Officers will take your fingerprints, photograph, and possibly your personal belongings for inventory. You may then be held until you post bond or appear before a magistrate.
Once released, you’ll notice that your driver’s license has been confiscated. In most cases, you’ll receive a 10-day temporary driving permit—a critical window to protect your driving privileges.
What Should You Do Within the First 24 Hours?
The first day after a DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale is about more than just damage control—it’s about protecting yourself legally, emotionally, and financially. The penalties for a Florida DUI are stiff, but every decision you make in these first few hours can influence how your case unfolds in the days and weeks ahead.
1. Stay Calm and Avoid Social Media
In the hours following your release, your instinct might be to vent online or explain what happened to friends. Resist that urge. Anything you post—even a short status update or shared photo—can later be used by prosecutors as evidence of guilt or lack of remorse. Instead, focus on privacy and protect your reputation by staying quiet online until your case is resolved.
2. Write Down Everything While It’s Fresh
Memory fades quickly, especially after a stressful experience. Take a few minutes to record every detail you can remember about your traffic stop and arrest—where you were pulled over, what the officer said, what tests were given, and how long it took. Even small observations, like whether the police car’s camera was on or if there were witnesses nearby, could become key pieces of evidence that help your attorney challenge the state’s case later.
3. Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer Immediately
You do not have to face this situation alone. A Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer can begin working on your defense right away—requesting your DMV hearing, reviewing the legality of the stop, and protecting your license from automatic suspension. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the more time they have to preserve evidence, contact witnesses, and identify any procedural errors that could benefit your defense.
4. Gather and Organize Your Documents
After a DUI arrest, you’ll receive several important papers: your citation, booking documents, and possibly a 10-day temporary driving permit. Keep everything together in a folder and make digital copies. These documents contain deadlines, contact information, and case numbers your attorney will need to act quickly on your behalf. Missing or misplacing even one piece of paperwork could slow your defense or lead to unnecessary penalties.
How Can a Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer Help During the First 24 Hours?
The hours immediately following a DUI arrest in Fort Lauderdale are critical. Evidence is still fresh, deadlines are already approaching, and law enforcement has likely begun preparing its case. That’s why contacting a DUI lawyer right after your release isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
A DUI attorney’s role begins the moment you’re out of custody. Their job extends far beyond appearing in court. At the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A., our mission is to protect your rights before your case ever reaches a judge, ensuring that every legal and procedural safeguard works in your favor from the very start.
1. Reviewing the Arrest Report and Police Conduct
As soon as you contact our office, we obtain and examine your arrest report and any available bodycam or dashcam footage. We look for procedural errors such as:
- Lack of probable cause for the initial stop.
- Failure to properly read Miranda rights.
- Improper administration of field sobriety or breath tests.
Even small missteps—like an officer skipping a required instruction—can create reasonable doubt or lead to the exclusion of key evidence. Our team knows what to look for and how to document it early, before the record becomes harder to challenge.
2. Analyzing Breath and Blood Test Results
Florida DUI cases often depend on the accuracy of breath or blood alcohol testing, but these results are not infallible. Within hours of being retained, our office begins evaluating:
- The calibration and maintenance logs of the testing device.
- The officer’s certification to operate that equipment.
- The timing of the test and whether it followed legal waiting periods.
- Whether your sample was properly stored and transported.
If we find inconsistencies, we can challenge the reliability of the results and file motions to suppress flawed evidence before it shapes the prosecution’s case.
3. Filing Your DMV Hearing Request
One of the most urgent steps after a DUI arrest in Broward County is requesting a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). You have only 10 days from your arrest date to act, or your driver’s license will be automatically suspended—no matter what happens in court.
When you hire our firm, we file this request immediately, preserving your right to a hearing. We also represent you at that administrative proceeding, presenting evidence and questioning the officer’s report to fight the suspension.
This early action can mean the difference between months without driving and maintaining limited or full driving privileges while your case proceeds.
4. Protecting You From Self-Incrimination
Many clients don’t realize that even after an arrest, law enforcement or prosecutors may continue to reach out for “follow-up” conversations. Speaking without legal guidance can be dangerous.
Our office ensures that all communication goes through us, protecting you from making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you later. We also prepare you for any required appearances or interviews to help you understand your rights at every stage.
5. Preserving Evidence and Witness Testimony
The first day after your arrest is when evidence is easiest to obtain. Our office acts quickly to gather:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or intersections.
- Witness statements from passengers or bystanders.
- Police bodycam or dashcam videos, which may be automatically deleted after a short period.
6. Providing a Clear Legal Roadmap
At the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A., we believe that every hour counts. By stepping in immediately after your DUI arrest, our team helps you stay one step ahead—preventing automatic penalties, securing evidence, and building a strategic defense before the prosecution even begins its case.
We give you a personalized action plan, outlining each step we’ll take to defend you and protect your license. You’ll leave our office knowing what’s being done—and what you can do—to move forward confidently.
