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Hillsborough County Bar Association

The Florida Bar Board Certified

Rated by Super Lawyers W. F. Casey Ebsary Jr.

AV Preeminent - For Ethical Standards and Legal Ability

DUI Defense

Who Am I?

I am W.F. Casey Ebsary, a Board Certified Tampa DUI Defense Expert. If you are facing impaired driving charges in Hillsborough County, my team and I provide aggressive legal representation using advanced bodycam and dashcam video analysis. The Florida Statutes strictly dictate how traffic stops must be conducted, and we scrutinize every frame of evidence to ensure your rights were not violated. You can discover more about my trial background and qualifications on my attorney bio page.

License Suspensions

A critical early step in your defense is the 10-day rule for an Administrative License Suspension Hearing. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will automatically suspend your driving privileges upon your arrest unless we challenge the administrative action immediately.

Suspension Penalties

BAC Level or Refusal	Suspension Period	Hardship Eligibility
First DUI (Under .15)	6 to 12 Months	Yes, after DUI school
First Refusal	1 Year	Yes, after 90 days
Second Refusal	18 Months	No

Impaired driving charges are not limited to standard passenger vehicles on public highways. Florida law strictly enforces implied consent and physical control laws across all types of transport. If you were stopped on an unconventional vehicle, see our breakdowns on Florida golf cart DUI laws and the strict penalties associated with actual physical control in Florida even if the vehicle wasn’t moving.

DUI Case Types

DUI Evidence & Police Procedures

Driver’s License Suspension & Restoration

DUI Court Process

DUI Defense Attorney W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. Former prosecutor and a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. — W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. Former prosecutor and a Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer.

Client Reviews

The first thing that impressed me about Casey (Mr. Ebsary) was that he answers his own phone calls. He is very friendly and very professional. He knows the law and how to...

Anonymous Google User Tampa

Casey was like a savior to me. I had no idea what was going to happen after I got arrested for DUI – I knew it would not be good and might involve jail time. My primary...

Anonymous Wrote “Like A Savior” Tampa

Casey Ebsary is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Florida. He has expertise in DUI and all kinds of criminal matters. I would recommend him to anyone who...

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FAQ DUI License Reinstatement & Other Concerns in Florida

Can I Get My License Back After a DUI in Florida?

Yes, but the process depends on the circumstances of your DUI case. For a first-time DUI, you may apply for a hardship license after completing DUI school and serving any mandatory suspension period. Repeat offenders face longer suspensions and may need to install an ignition interlock device.

How Do I Apply for a Hardship License in Florida?

To apply for a hardship license, you must enroll in a DUI school approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). After serving the mandatory waiting period, you must attend a hearing with the DHSMV to prove you need the license for work, education, or essential activities. You will also need to pay reinstatement fees and provide proof of insurance.

What Happens if I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Florida?

Refusing a breathalyzer test results in an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension for a first offense and an 18-month suspension for a second refusal. A second refusal can also be charged as a misdemeanor offense, which may lead to possible jail time.

Can I Drive With a Suspended License After a DUI?

No, driving on a suspended license after a DUI is illegal and can result in additional penalties, including jail time, fines, and an extended suspension period. If you need to drive, you should apply for a hardship license legally.

How Long Will My License Be Suspended for a DUI Conviction?

For a first DUI with a blood alcohol content below .15, the suspension period is between six months and one year. If your BAC was .15 or higher, the suspension period remains the same, but you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device. A second DUI within five years results in a mandatory five-year suspension. A third DUI within ten years leads to a mandatory ten-year suspension. A fourth DUI at any time results in permanent revocation.