When those red and blue lights go off in your rearview mirror, your world can spin out of control. Whether you’re on Miami’s streets or waterways, a DUI or BUI arrest can damage your future, family, and freedom.
In these times of trouble, you need more than a lawyer – you need a Miami DUI and BUI Attorney who knows the law and the impact these charges will have on your life.
Stroleny Law has handled hundreds of DUI and BUI cases in Miami-Dade County. Our firm, led by attorney Julian Stroleny, brings a special perspective to your defense—prosecution experience and unyielding advocacy for your rights.
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Why Stroleny Law?
We stand out in the Miami legal community for:
Experience That Counts
We bring prosecution and defense experience to every case. We know both sides of the courtroom and use that knowledge to strengthen our client’s defenses.
Personalized Legal Services
Julian Stroleny and his team oversee cases, so you will work with an experienced Miami DUI / BUI attorney who knows your case from start to finish.
Results
We have had many successful outcomes in DUI and BUI cases, including:
- Charge dismissals
- Reduced penalties
- Alternative resolutions
- Preserved driving privileges
We will review the factors surrounding your case to ensure the police treated you fairly and consider any mitigating factors supporting your defense.
Where You’ll Find Us in Miami
We are in central Miami, the heart of the legal community. Just steps from the Miami River Front, Maurice A. Ferré Park, and Little Havana, our office is close to the courthouse and conveniently located for our clients throughout Miami-Dade County. The Museum Tower is a familiar landmark, and the Lummus Park Historic District reminds us daily of our clients’ history and diversity.
You’ll find us at 66 West Flagler Street, Suite 1005, Miami, FL 33130. Call us anytime for an appointment at (305) 615-1285. We’re a lifeline for those charged with driving or boating under the influence. We’re here whenever you need us.
Why Stroleny Law Is Your Go-To Legal Firm for a DUI or BUI Offense
Stroleny Law’s success is based on our knowledge of both sides of the courtroom. Julian Stroleny’s background as a former Assistant State Attorney gives clients an advantage – insider knowledge of prosecution tactics and the ability to outmaneuver them. This insight and years of defense experience have made Mr. Stroleny a Super Lawyer, an honor given to attorneys who excel at client services.
DUI and BUI Laws in Florida
Florida has some of the strictest laws in the country for operating vehicles and vessels while impaired. Authorities can charge you with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or BUI (Boating Under the Influence) for a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher or when the officer determines that drugs have impaired your normal faculties.
A conviction can have serious and long-lasting consequences.
For first-time DUI offenders, penalties include:
- Fines from $500 to $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- 180 days license suspension
- Community service
- Vehicle impoundment
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory alcohol education course
The penalties for BUI charges are equally severe. Florida is serious about keeping its waterways safe.
Aggravating Factors
If you have an extremely high BAC, have minors in your vehicle or boat, or cause an accident with injuries, you can experience harsher penalties.
How We Fight for You
When you hire Stroleny Law, you hire a firm that approaches every case with precision and strategy. Our defense begins when you call us. We start working to protect your rights and build your defense immediately.
Investigation and Evidence
We investigate every aspect of your arrest.
We look at:
- The initial stop or contact with the officer
- Field sobriety test administration and results
- Breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records
- Officer training and certification
- Video footage and witness statements
- Chain of custody for evidence
A successful DUI or BUI defense often involves technical details and procedures. We’ve seen cases where law enforcement officials do not follow protocol, so when they don’t, we’re there to challenge the evidence and protect your rights.
Challenging Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, whether on land or water, are notoriously subjective and many factors unrelated to impairment can affect the results.
Our firm has experience questioning the validity of these tests, considering:
- Physical conditions or medical issues that affect balance
- Environmental conditions such as uneven surfaces or boat movement
- Weather conditions that impact performance
- Proper test administration procedure
- Officer’s training and certification in the test
We go down a checklist of factors to ensure that police did not violate your rights when administering an FST.
Scientific Evidence and Expert Testimony
In chemical test cases, we work with respected experts to analyze the validity of breath, blood, or urine test results. Our network includes toxicologists, former law enforcement officers, and other specialists who can testify about the testing procedures and equipment.
Alternative Solutions
For many of our clients, especially first-time offenders, we can often negotiate alternative solutions that minimize the impact of a DUI or BUI on their lives.
These solutions may include:
- Reduced charges
- Diversion programs
- Treatment based alternatives
- Modified penalties that fit work or family obligations
If your case has mitigating factors, we can devise a defense strategy supporting a more lenient outcome.
Timeline of a DUI/BUI Case
Knowing the legal process can help reduce the stress of a DUI and BUI charge. Here’s what you can expect when you work with Stroleny Law:
Immediate Response
When you call us at (305) 615-1285, we respond quickly to protect your rights. The first few hours and days after an arrest are critical to preserving evidence and making important decisions about your case.
Administrative Hearings
We handle your case’s administrative hearings, including DMV hearings, to protect your driving privileges. We address any administrative proceedings related to boating licenses or registrations for BUI cases.
Pretrial Phase
During this time, we:
- Review all evidence
- File motions
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Develop a preliminary defense strategy
- Update on the progress and options
We communicate clearly and regularly with clients to ensure we stay on the same page.
Trial Preparation and Representation
If your case goes to trial, we prepare by:
- Organizing evidence and testimony
- Prepping expert witnesses
- Developing your case
- Developing a cross-examination strategy
- Preparing you for court appearances
When preparing for trial, taking these steps ensures you’ll experience a more positive outcome for your defense.
Strategies for Charge Reduction or Dismissal
A skilled Miami DUI/BUI defense attorney can employ various legal strategies to reduce or potentially dismiss your charges. One helpful approach involves challenging the initial traffic stop or vessel inspection.
Did Law Enforcement Have a Reasonable Suspicion to Stop You?
Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop—if they don’t have this suspicion, any evidence obtained afterward may be inadmissible. For instance, if an officer stops your car for simply leaving an area with several bars, we can file a motion to suppress. For them to stop you, they need to observe a traffic violation or erratic driving taking place.
Was the Field Sobriety Test Properly Administered?
We also scrutinize the administration of field sobriety tests, which must follow strict protocols established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If an officer fails to give proper instructions or conducts the tests incorrectly, we can challenge their validity.
For instance, the Walk-and-Turn test requires a straight line and reasonable surface conditions. If you were asked to perform this test on an uneven or sloped surface, especially during a BUI stop on a moving dock, the results may need to be more reliable and challenged in court.
Were the Chemical Test Results Properly Obtained?
Chemical test results, while seemingly definitive, do not hold up in many cases. Breathalyzer devices require regular calibration and maintenance, and the officers operating them must be appropriately certified.
We examine maintenance logs, calibration records, and operator certifications. In one recent case, we discovered that a breath test device had yet to be calibrated within the required timeframe. This led to the exclusion of the breath test results and, ultimately, a reduction of charges from DUI to reckless driving.
Handling Enhanced Penalties
If you face harsher penalties due to aggravating factors like high blood alcohol content, prior convictions, or an accident involving injuries, an experienced Miami DUI and BUI attorney’s help is invaluable.
We can often negotiate alternatives to jail time through rehabilitation programs, intensive supervision probation, or community service. For instance, in cases involving high BAC levels, we might arrange for you to complete an intensive alcohol treatment program in exchange for reduced charges or penalties.
We explore every possible defense strategy and mitigation option for repeat offenders facing mandatory minimum sentences. This might include challenging the validity of prior convictions, especially if they occurred in other states or if someone didn’t follow proper procedures.
In cases involving accidents or injuries, we work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze all aspects of the incident. Sometimes, we can show that the accident would have occurred regardless of impairment. This determination can lead to reduced charges or more favorable plea arrangements.
Exceptional Circumstances and Professional Licenses
For clients with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, etc.), we understand that a DUI/BUI conviction can hurt or end a career.
We pursue aggressive defense strategies to protect your livelihood, often negotiating for alternatives like reckless driving charges that may have less impact on your professional standing. We also help coordinate with licensing boards and employers to minimize professional consequences while your case is pending.
We aim to strive for results that enable you to move forward more positively.
The Value of Local Knowledge
Because we’re located in downtown Miami, we have an in-depth knowledge of the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures. We know how different judges handle DUI and BUI cases and can adjust our approach accordingly.
Understanding the area’s major roads can also help us better understand the circumstances of a DUI stop or accident.
This knowledge enables us to review your case more objectively and fairly, enabling us to present a persuasive defense.
Our relationship with the Miami court system and the local community gives us a decided advantage.
Attorney Profile: Julian Stroleny
Julian Stroleny is an experienced defense lawyer with a unique DUI and BUI defense perspective. As a former Assistant State Attorney, he gained insight into prosecution strategy and tactics. That experience is now an asset for his defense clients, allowing him to anticipate and counter the prosecution’s moves.
Mr. Stroleny’s Awards
Mr. Stroleny is a Super Lawyer, peer-reviewed, and consecutively awarded a Rising Star for four years.
He was ranked Three Best Rated in in a recent year among lawyers and named Client Champion in the same year by Martindale-Hubble.
Featured on:
- VoyageMIA
- NBC 6 South Florida
- Law.com
- Trial experience in both prosecution and defense
Mr. Stroleny is active in the Miami community. He graduated from law school with honors and received the Trial Advocacy Law award – given to the graduate who demonstrates the greatest overall excellence in advocating for clients.
The Cost of Not Having a Lawyer
Many people wonder if they need a lawyer for a DUI or BUI, especially if it’s their first offense. But the cost of not having a lawyer often outweighs the cost of hiring an experienced Miami DUI and BUI lawyer.
Long-term Financial Impact
A DUI or BUI can affect:
- Future job opportunities
- Insurance rates
- Professional licenses
- Credit scores
- Housing applications
- Personal and Professional Ramifications
Beyond the immediate penalties, it can impact:
- Family relationships
- Travel abilities
- Education
- Career advancement
- Security clearances
Act Now, Call a Miami DUI / BUI Lawyer
If you have a DUI or BUI in Miami, time is of the essence. The sooner you get an experienced defense attorney, the better your results will be. Contact Stroleny Law today at (305) 615-1285 for your consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Don’t let a DUI or BUI ruin your future – let us fight for you. Call us now if you require the services of an experienced Miami DUI/BUI lawyer.
