# Zelman Law > https://www.joshuadzelman.com > Last Updated: 2026-06-12 Zelman Law is a Tallahassee criminal defense and family law office devoted to providing the highest quality of advice and representation in the areas of criminal defense, DUI, divorce, and family law matters. The focus at Zelman Law is centered around protecting the rights of individuals, whether they have been accused of a crime or are navigating a difficult family legal matter. When you need a Tallahassee criminal defense attorney or a skilled family law lawyer to help you through difficult times, Zelman Law is here to stand up for you and give you a voice in the legal process. ## Contact - Phone: +1-850-765-5948 - Address: 1030 E Lafayette St, Suite 9, Tallahassee, FL 32301 ## Locations - Tallahassee, FL - +1-850-765-5948 Areas served: Tallahassee ## Practice Areas - Criminal Defense - Family Law - Divorce - Arson - Assault - Battery - Burglary - Cocaine Possession - College Student Defense - Cybercrime - Disorderly Conduct - Domestic Violence - DUI - Drug Crimes - Drug Trafficking & Possession - Embezzlement - False Imprisonment - Federal Crimes - Firearm and Weapon Offenses - Forgery - Grand Theft Auto - Healthcare Fraud - Hit and Run - Homicide - Identity Theft - Insurance Fraud - Juvenile Crime - Kidnapping - License Suspension - Manslaughter - Money Laundering - Marijuana Possession - Prescription Drug Fraud - Probation Violation - Reckless Driving - Resisting Arrest - Restraining Order - Sealing or Expungement - Sex Offenses - Shoplifting & Theft - Stalking - Traffic Violations - Trespassing - Vandalism - Weapon Crimes - White Collar Crime ## Attorneys - Profile: https://www.joshuadzelman.com/attorney-profile/ Zelman Law focuses on criminal defense, DUI, and family law in the Tallahassee area. ## Key Pages - Homepage: https://www.joshuadzelman.com/ - Attorneys: https://www.joshuadzelman.com/attorney-profile/ - Contact: https://www.joshuadzelman.com/contact-us/ ## Social Profiles - https://www.facebook.com/JDZ.Law/ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-zelman-42a7371a/ - https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/profile/?num=662291 - https://www.yelp.com/biz/zelman-law-tallahassee ## Reviews - Rating: 5/5 based on 114 reviews ## Practice Area Details ### Tallahassee Assault & Violent Crime Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/assault-violent-crime/ The Tallahassee assault & violent crime attorneys at Zelman Law have over a decade’s worth of experience in defending individuals. ### Tallahassee College Student Defense Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/college-student-defense/ Our Tallahassee college student defense attorney thoroughly understands what is at stake, and aggressively advocates on behalf of accused college students . ### Tallahassee Criminal Defense https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/ Tallahassee criminal defense attorney Josh Zelman provides defense of DUI, theft, assault, murder, drug charges, sex offenses, fraud & white collar crime. ### Tallahassee Drug Crime Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/drug-crimes/ Consult with an experienced Tallahassee drug crime attorney right away if you have been charged with a drug crime, no matter how small it may seem. ### Tallahassee Battery Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-battery-attorney/ Facing battery charges in Tallahassee? Zelman Law offers skilled legal defense to help protect your freedom and minimize the impact on your life. ### Tallahassee Domestic Violence Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-domestic-violence-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients charged with domestic violence, providing thorough legal representation to fight for a favorable outcome. ### Tallahassee Stalking Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-stalking-attorney/ If you are facing stalking charges in Tallahassee, Zelman Law is prepared to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case. ### Tallahassee Kidnapping Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-kidnapping-attorney/ Zelman Law represents Tallahassee clients facing serious kidnapping charges, delivering dedicated legal advocacy throughout every stage of the process. ### Tallahassee Burglary Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-burglary-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients facing burglary charges, working diligently to challenge the evidence and safeguard their personal future. ### Tallahassee Arson Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-arson-attorney/ Tallahassee arson charges carry severe penalties, and Zelman Law is committed to providing clients with a thorough and aggressive legal defense. ### Tallahassee False Imprisonment Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-false-imprisonment-attorney/ Zelman Law represents Tallahassee residents charged with false imprisonment, carefully examining the facts to build the most effective defense possible. ### Tallahassee Manslaughter Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-manslaughter-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients accused of manslaughter, working relentlessly to protect their rights and secure the most favorable outcome. ### Tallahassee Juvenile Crime Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-juvenile-crime-attorney/ Zelman Law handles juvenile crime cases in Tallahassee with care, striving to protect young clients' futures and minimize any lasting consequences. ### Tallahassee Marijuana Possession Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-marijuana-possession-attorney/ Zelman Law helps Tallahassee clients navigate marijuana possession charges, providing knowledgeable legal guidance to pursue the best possible resolution. ### Tallahassee Cocaine Possession Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-cocaine-possession-attorney/ Charged with cocaine possession in Tallahassee? Zelman Law provides assertive legal defense to protect your rights and minimize the consequences you face. ### Tallahassee Prescription Drug Fraud Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-prescription-drug-fraud-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients accused of prescription drug fraud, applying in-depth legal knowledge to challenge the charges against them. ### Tallahassee Federal Drug Crimes Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-federal-drug-crimes-attorney/ Federal drug crime charges in Tallahassee carry serious consequences, and Zelman Law is here to provide dedicated legal defense every step of the way. ### Tallahassee Hit and Run Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-hit-and-run-attorney/ Zelman Law represents Tallahassee clients charged with hit and run offenses, providing skilled legal advocacy to protect their driving record and freedom. ### Tallahassee Reckless Driving Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-reckless-driving-attorney/ Facing a reckless driving charge in Tallahassee? Zelman Law delivers experienced legal representation to help you fight the charge and move forward. ### Tallahassee Traffic Violations Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-traffic-violations-attorney/ Zelman Law helps Tallahassee drivers address traffic violations with effective legal strategies to reduce penalties and protect their driving privileges. ### Tallahassee License Suspension Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-license-suspension-attorney/ A suspended license can disrupt your life—Zelman Law assists Tallahassee clients in navigating license suspension issues and restoring driving privileges. ### Tallahassee Grand Theft Auto Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-grand-theft-auto-attorney/ If you are charged with grand theft auto in Tallahassee, Zelman Law is ready to provide tenacious legal representation to fight for your best interests. ### Tallahassee Identity Theft Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-identity-theft-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee residents accused of identity theft, providing skilled legal representation to counter the charges and protect their rights. ### Tallahassee Drug Trafficking & Possession Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/drug-trafficking-possession/ It would be in your best interest to obtain the representation of an experienced and aggressive Tallahassee drug trafficking & possession attorney. ### Tallahassee Healthcare Fraud Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-healthcare-fraud-attorney/ Facing healthcare fraud allegations in Tallahassee? Zelman Law provides experienced white collar criminal defense to protect your career and freedom. ### Tallahassee Insurance Fraud Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-insurance-fraud-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients accused of insurance fraud, carefully analyzing the evidence to build a strong and effective legal defense strategy. ### Tallahassee Embezzlement Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-embezzlement-attorney/ Charged with embezzlement in Tallahassee? Zelman Law provides skilled legal representation to challenge the prosecution's case and defend your reputation. ### Tallahassee Forgery Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-forgery-attorney/ Zelman Law represents Tallahassee individuals facing forgery charges, providing thorough and aggressive legal defense at every stage of the criminal process. ### Tallahassee Money Laundering Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-money-laundering-attorney/ Facing money laundering charges in Tallahassee? Zelman Law delivers experienced legal defense to protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome. ### Tallahassee Cybercrime Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-cybercrime-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients accused of cybercrimes, applying current legal knowledge to challenge digital evidence and protect your future. ### Tallahassee Federal Crimes Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-federal-crimes-attorney/ Federal charges demand experienced representation—Zelman Law gives Tallahassee clients strong legal defense throughout the entire federal court process. ### Tallahassee Sealing or Expungement Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-sealing-or-expungement-attorney/ Zelman Law helps Tallahassee clients pursue record sealing and expungement, allowing them to move forward in life with a cleaner criminal record. ### Tallahassee Restraining Order Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-restraining-order-attorney/ Zelman Law assists Tallahassee clients with restraining order matters, offering experienced legal counsel whether you are seeking or defending against one. ### Tallahassee Resisting Arrest Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-resisting-arrest-attorney/ Facing a resisting arrest charge in Tallahassee? Zelman Law provides assertive legal defense to challenge the circumstances surrounding your arrest. ### Tallahassee Disorderly Conduct Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-disorderly-conduct-attorney/ Zelman Law defends Tallahassee clients charged with disorderly conduct, working to minimize the impact of the charge on your record and daily life. ### Tallahassee Trespassing Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-trespassing-attorney/ Charged with trespassing in Tallahassee? Zelman Law offers experienced legal representation to dispute the charge and protect your personal record. ### Tallahassee Vandalism Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-vandalism-attorney/ Zelman Law represents Tallahassee clients facing vandalism charges, providing thorough legal defense to challenge the evidence and pursue the best outcome. ### Tallahassee Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-divorce-attorney/ Zelman Law guides Tallahassee clients through the divorce process with compassionate and experienced legal representation to protect your interests throughout. ### Tallahassee Uncontested Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-uncontested-divorce-attorney/ Zelman Law helps Tallahassee couples resolve an uncontested divorce efficiently, ensuring all legal requirements are met for a smooth final resolution. ### Tallahassee Contested Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-contested-divorce-attorney/ When divorce becomes contentious in Tallahassee, Zelman Law provides strong legal advocacy to protect your assets, rights, and parental interests. ### Tallahassee High Net Worth Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-high-net-worth-divorce-attorney/ Zelman Law handles complex high net worth divorce cases in Tallahassee, providing sophisticated legal strategies to protect your financial interests. ### Tallahassee Military Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-military-divorce-attorney/ Zelman Law assists Tallahassee military families through the unique legal challenges of military divorce, addressing issues like benefits and deployment fairly. ### Tallahassee Gray Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-gray-divorce-attorney/ Gray divorce brings unique challenges—Zelman Law provides Tallahassee clients with dedicated guidance through this significant life transition. ### Tallahassee Same Sex Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-same-sex-divorce-attorney/ Zelman Law provides experienced same-sex divorce representation in Tallahassee, ensuring your rights and interests are fully and fairly protected throughout. ### Tallahassee Collaborative Divorce Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-collaborative-divorce-attorney/ Zelman Law facilitates collaborative divorce for Tallahassee couples seeking a respectful resolution outside of court while protecting each party's interests. ### Tallahassee Domestic Violence Injunction Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-domestic-violence-injunction-attorney/ Zelman Law represents Tallahassee clients in domestic violence injunction proceedings, providing knowledgeable counsel for both petitioners and respondents. ### Tallahassee Post Divorce Modification Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-post-divorce-modification-attorney/ Life changes after divorce—Zelman Law helps Tallahassee clients seek modifications to support, custody, and other important post-divorce legal arrangements. ### Tallahassee Family Law Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-family-law-attorney/ Zelman Law provides comprehensive family law services in Tallahassee, guiding clients through divorce, custody, support, and other sensitive legal matters. ### Tallahassee DUI Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/dui/ Tallahassee DUI attorney Joshua Zelman handles cases of driving under the influence, including driver's license suspensions with the Florida DMV. ### Tallahassee Homicide Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/homicide/ Because the stakes are so high, it is imperative that you seek the legal representation of an experienced Tallahassee homicide attorney. ### Tallahassee Probation Violation Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/probation-violation/ If you or a loved one is in violation of probation, it is important that you seek the help of a Tallahassee probation violation attorney right away. ### Tallahassee Sex Offense & Child Pornography Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/sex-offenses-child-pornography/ Our Tallahassee sex offense attorney fights to ensure that any rumors or allegations against you are put to rest, and that your good reputation is restored. ### Tallahassee Shoplifting & Theft Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/shoplifting-theft/ It is important that you work with an experienced Tallahassee shoplifting & theft attorney when accused of a crime involving theft. ### Tallahassee White Collar Crime Attorney https://www.joshuadzelman.com/tallahassee-criminal-defense-attorney/white-collar-crime/ Our Tallahassee white collar crime attorney lends legal advice, experience & knowledge to clients accused of committing fraud, internet crime, or other crime. ## Recent Articles ### Recent Developments in International Law: Anti-Terrorism Legislation – Part Two: The Impact and Consequences https://www.joshuadzelman.com/recent-developments-in-international-law-anti-terrorism-legislation-part-two-the-impact-and-consequences/ (2014-09-16) The first article in this two-part series appeared in the Fall 2001 edition of The Journal of Transnational Law & Policy. That article presented a summary of the legislative wildfire that had engulfed legislative bodies worldwide. More significantly, however, it questioned the effects that such legi... ### Recent Developments in International Law: Anti-Terrorism Legislation – Part One: An Overview https://www.joshuadzelman.com/recent-developments-in-international-law-anti-terrorism-legislation-part-one-an-overview/ (2014-09-16) The effects of terrorism and the risk of future attacks have been the topic of discussion and research for many years. However, at no time in recent history has there been such a perceived need to enact legislation that addresses methods for eradicating terrorism as there is today. The events of Sep... ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can a college student get their criminal record expunged in Florida? A: Florida law does allow for the sealing or expungement of certain criminal records, and first-time offenders who complete a diversion program like Pre-Trial Intervention may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charge, the outcome of the case, and whether the person has any prior criminal history. Speaking with an experienced defense attorney early in the process gives you the best chance of structuring your case toward a result that allows for expungement later. Q: Will a criminal charge affect my financial aid? A: A drug conviction, even a misdemeanor, can temporarily suspend federal financial aid eligibility under federal law. The suspension depends on the type of conviction and whether it occurred while you were receiving federal aid. This is one of the most consequential and least-discussed consequences of a student criminal charge, and it is a reason why fighting the charge aggressively from the start matters enormously. Q: What happens if my university also opens a disciplinary case? A: Your criminal case and your university conduct case are separate proceedings with separate rules. Statements you make in a university hearing could potentially be used in your criminal case, and the timing and strategy around both processes requires coordination. An attorney experienced in student defense can help you think through how to handle both without inadvertently making one situation worse while addressing the other. Q: What is Pre-Trial Intervention and am I eligible? A: Pre-Trial Intervention is a diversion program available to certain first-time offenders in Florida. Participants complete program requirements such as community service, drug testing, or counseling, and if they successfully finish the program, the charges are dismissed. Not everyone qualifies, and the State Attorney's office has discretion in offering it. An experienced defense attorney can advocate for your inclusion in the program when you are a borderline candidate. Q: Can I be expelled from my university before my criminal case is decided? A: Yes. University disciplinary proceedings are not bound by the same standards as criminal courts. A school can take action based on a charge rather than waiting for a conviction, and the evidentiary standard used in a campus hearing is far lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This is why having legal guidance early, before university proceedings begin, is important for students who want to protect their enrollment. Q: Is a DUI charge a felony or misdemeanor for a college student? A: A DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor under Florida law, even when property damage or minor injury is involved. However, if the circumstances involve serious bodily injury, it becomes a third degree felony. A third DUI within ten years is also a felony. Even a misdemeanor DUI can affect professional licensing, background checks, and financial aid, making it a charge that deserves serious legal attention regardless of its classification. Q: Should I talk to the police if they want to question me about an incident? A: Florida law enforcement is trained to gather information that can be used to build a case. When police want to question you, the wisest course is to clearly and politely state that you would like to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. This is not an admission of guilt. It is a legally protected right, and it is one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your options. Q: What are the most common drug charges in Leon County? A: The most frequently prosecuted drug offenses in Leon County include possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription, possession with intent to sell or deliver, and drug trafficking based on weight thresholds. Charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the substance and quantity involved. Q: Can a drug charge be dismissed in Florida? A: Yes. Drug charges can be dismissed for a variety of reasons, including unlawful searches that violate Fourth Amendment protections, lack of sufficient evidence, chain of custody problems with the physical evidence, or successful completion of a diversion or drug court program. An experienced attorney evaluates every potential avenue for dismissal from the outset of representation. Q: What is the difference between possession and trafficking in Florida? A: In Florida, drug trafficking is determined primarily by the quantity of a controlled substance, not by whether a person was actually distributing it. Possession of a certain weight of a substance automatically triggers trafficking charges under Florida Statute Chapter 893. Trafficking offenses carry mandatory minimum prison sentences that cannot be waived by a judge without specific legal justification. Q: Does a drug conviction stay on my record permanently in Florida? A: In Florida, criminal convictions are part of the public record and do not automatically disappear. However, in some circumstances, a drug offense may be eligible for expungement or sealing, which limits who can access the record. Eligibility depends on factors including the nature of the offense, how the case was resolved, and the individual's prior criminal history. Zelman Law can advise whether record relief may be available in a given situation. Q: What should I do immediately after a drug arrest in Tallahassee? A: The most important steps are to remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and request an attorney before answering any questions from law enforcement. Do not attempt to explain the situation or provide context in the hope that it will help. Contact Zelman Law as promptly as possible so that an attorney can begin reviewing the facts of your case before critical deadlines pass. Q: Is it possible to avoid jail time on a drug charge? A: For many drug offenses, particularly those involving first-time offenders or smaller quantities, alternatives to incarceration exist including probation, drug court, and pretrial diversion programs. The availability of these options depends on the specific charge, the individual's background, and how effectively defense counsel advocates during the process. Mandatory minimum sentences in trafficking cases do reduce judicial discretion, which makes early, aggressive defense work even more impo... Q: What does it mean that Joshua Zelman is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer? A: Board certification is granted by the Florida Bar and recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated special knowledge, skill, and proficiency in criminal trial law, along with high standards of professionalism and ethics. It is a meaningful distinction that reflects a level of expertise most criminal defense attorneys have not achieved. Q: Can I be charged with prescription drug fraud even if the prescription was written by a real doctor? A: Yes. If the prosecution can show that you obtained the prescription through misrepresentation, such as by providing a false medical history or exaggerating symptoms to receive a controlled substance, a charge of fraud can still be pursued even though the prescribing physician was legitimate. The fraudulent act was in how the prescription was obtained, not in the prescription itself. Q: What is doctor shopping and how does Florida law treat it? A: Doctor shopping refers to visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain overlapping or duplicative prescriptions for controlled substances without disclosing existing prescriptions to each provider. Florida law requires patients to disclose all previously obtained prescriptions for controlled substances to any new prescriber. Failing to do so can result in a felony charge under Florida Statute 893.13. Q: Will a prescription drug fraud conviction affect my driver's license? A: A conviction for certain drug offenses in Florida can result in a mandatory driver's license suspension under Florida law, even if the offense had nothing to do with driving. This is one of the collateral consequences that many defendants do not anticipate and one that an attorney can sometimes help address through plea negotiations or diversion programs. Q: Are there alternatives to prosecution for first-time offenders? A: Florida offers several diversion and treatment options that may be available to first-time offenders in some prescription drug fraud cases, depending on the specific charge, the quantity of drugs involved, and the individual's background. Drug court, pretrial intervention programs, and deferred prosecution agreements are possibilities that a defense attorney can explore. These options typically require successful completion of treatment or supervision in exchange for a reduction or dismissal ... Q: How serious is a third-degree felony prescription drug charge in Florida? A: A third-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in state prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. Beyond the statutory penalties, a felony conviction in Florida results in the loss of voting rights, the right to possess firearms, and significant employment barriers. These collateral consequences make a vigorous defense critically important even in cases where the underlying conduct may seem relatively minor. Q: What happens at Leon County's arraignment for felony drug charges? A: Leon County felony cases are processed through the Second Judicial Circuit Court, located at the Leon County Courthouse on Monroe Street in downtown Tallahassee. At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. With an attorney present, a not guilty plea is almost always entered at this stage, preserving all options for negotiation and litigation that follow. Q: What happens if I miss the ten-day window after a DUI arrest? A: If you do not request a formal review hearing within ten days of a DUI arrest in Florida, the administrative suspension becomes effective automatically at the end of your temporary permit period. You lose the opportunity to contest the suspension at the administrative level, and your ability to obtain a hardship license during the review process is also eliminated. You may still be eligible for a hardship license through a separate process after the suspension takes effect, but the path becom... Q: Can I still drive for work while my license is suspended? A: Florida offers a hardship license for individuals whose licenses have been suspended under certain circumstances. A Business Purpose Only license allows driving for work, school, medical appointments, and a limited range of other essential purposes. Eligibility depends on the type of suspension and whether you have prior suspensions or refusals on your record. An attorney can help you determine whether you qualify and assist with the application process through the Bureau of Administrative Re... Q: Will a license suspension show up on a background check? A: A suspension itself appears on your driving record but is generally separate from a criminal background check. However, if you are convicted of driving on a suspended license, that conviction is a criminal offense and will appear on a criminal background check. A felony conviction for a third offense or a Habitual Traffic Offender designation can have significant collateral consequences beyond just driving privileges. Q: How long does a DUI-related suspension last in Florida? A: The length of a DUI-related administrative suspension depends on the specific circumstances. A first DUI arrest with a BAC at or above the legal limit typically results in a six-month suspension. A first refusal to submit to a breath test carries a one-year suspension. A second refusal results in an eighteen-month suspension, and a second refusal is also a first-degree misdemeanor offense in its own right. These are administrative suspensions and run separately from any criminal penalties imp... Q: Can a suspended license be reinstated before the suspension period ends? A: In some situations, yes. Successfully challenging the suspension at a formal review hearing can result in reinstatement before the suspension period expires. Compliance with reinstatement requirements such as completing a DUI school program, paying reinstatement fees, and maintaining FR-44 insurance may also be required depending on the nature of the original suspension. An attorney familiar with Florida's reinstatement process can map out the most efficient route for your specific situation. --- Detailed version — see https://www.joshuadzelman.com/llms.txt for summary Generated by MileMark Schema Pro