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DUI & Criminal Division
(800) 625-5232

Port St. Lucie DUI Lawyer Serving St. Lucie County

Port St. Lucie drunk driver lawyer and criminal defense attorney, Florida

Speak With a Port St. Lucie DUI Lawyer

A DUI arrest in Port St. Lucie can put your driver’s license, finances, employment, and freedom at risk. It may also create two separate legal matters: a criminal prosecution and an administrative driver’s license suspension.

Deadlines begin quickly after an arrest. You generally have only 10 days after receiving notice of an administrative suspension to request a review. Acting promptly also gives your defense team more time to preserve recordings, obtain testing records, locate witnesses, and investigate the traffic stop.

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A DUI arrest in Port St. Lucie can affect your driver’s license, employment, finances, insurance costs, and freedom. It can also begin two separate proceedings: a criminal case in St. Lucie County court and an administrative action involving your Florida driving privileges.

These proceedings have different deadlines. You generally have only 10 days from the date the notice of suspension is issued to request formal or informal review of an administrative driver’s license suspension. Waiting until your first court date may cause you to miss this deadline.

Evidence may also need to be preserved quickly. Body-camera footage, dashboard-camera video, breath-test records, surveillance recordings, witness information, and electronic records can become important when evaluating the case.

Speak With a Port St. Lucie DUI Lawyer Today

The Ticket Clinic’s DUI and Criminal Division represents people accused of DUI and other criminal traffic offenses throughout Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County.

Our attorneys assist local residents, commercial drivers, tourists, and out-of-state visitors arrested in communities including:

  • Port St. Lucie
  • Tradition
  • St. Lucie West
  • River Park
  • Sandpiper Bay
  • Torino
  • White City
  • Indian River Estates
  • Lakewood Park
  • Southern St. Lucie County

We also defend cases arising from traffic stops and crash investigations along Port St. Lucie Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1, Florida’s Turnpike, Interstate 95, Crosstown Parkway, Gatlin Boulevard, St. Lucie West Boulevard, Becker Road, and Prima Vista Boulevard.

Local DUI Defense Serving Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County

The Ticket Clinic has represented Florida drivers facing DUI, criminal traffic, and traffic-related charges since 1987. We understand that a DUI case involves more than a court appearance. The consequences may affect your ability to drive, work, support your family, maintain professional licenses, and obtain affordable insurance.

Port St. Lucie DUI investigations may be conducted by the Port St. Lucie Police Department, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, or another law-enforcement agency.

Each agency may use different procedures, equipment, and evidence-collection practices. A defense attorney should compare the written police report with available video, chemical-testing records, dispatch information, witness statements, and other evidence.

Lead Port St. Lucie DUI Defense Attorney Joel Mumford, Esq.

Began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County Florida. There, he handled more than 1400 criminal cases. These cases primarily dealt with issues relating to DUI, traffic and drug cases. Next, Mr. Mumford became lead trial counsel for The Ticket Clinic, in Kissimmee, FL. After approximately 4 years, Mr. Mumford received the distinguished honor of being appointed as The Chief Public Defender in his home county. While there, Mr. Mumford supervised the entire staff and office, including all Assistant Public Defenders in the county. While working as Chief PD, Mr. Mumford worked on many types of criminal cases ranging from DUI to Murder. After accomplishing his intended goals there, Mr. Mumford returned to The Ticket Clinic, to become lead trial counsel in our West Palm Beach office.

AVVO

Florida Bar 41708

Learn more about our team.

29 Years Experience

1000s Of Criminal Wins

Testimonials

anonymous
anonymous
AVVO
My Criminal charge for driving under suspension was dismissed and I was represented in court twice all I had to do was submit everything via email. I highly recommend
Chris
Chris
AVVO
In a world of menial professionals looking to take the nearest path of least resistance at your cost, once they're paid, Joel separates himself and puts forth substantial effort to ensure the best outcome for his clients, as any high powered attorney should strive to do. Hire Joel and his team and you'll be impressed with his effort and extatic of the outcome he produces for you in the results of your case.
Tyler
Tyler
AVVO
I cannot say enough great comments about Joel and his team who worked with me and my family to correct a driving with a suspended license charge. This charge was very important since it could have impacted my scholarships and my future. Joel delivered as promised and worked hard daily to answer all of our questions. Fernando from his team called and provided us updates regularly and kept our mind at ease was a comforting voice on the other end of the phone when needed. I cannot thank Joel enough for drafted the motions and made the arguments that in turned, got the case re-opened and then dismissed. This is a really big deal as pleading guilty to driving while license suspended would have left a criminal record and the speeding would have caused points and an insurance rate hike and we are very happy with the results. There couldn't have been a better outcome. Dont Hesitate ! Call and have them on your side.
Andres
Andres
AVVO
Joel was my attorney for my first ever DUI! He was very reassuring and explained the court procedure and gave me the probabilities of winning my case! He not only got the charges dropped for the criminal side he also gave me a clean driving record with no points on my license and no suspension! I really felt like during the hearing he truly went above and beyond to fight for me! I hope to not need him again for this kind of problem but if i ever do i will definitely come back to him! Thank you joel, thanks to you i got my job back! Youre the best
Robert
Robert
AVVO
DWI and failure to obey traffic device (red light) causing a motor vehicle crash with no injuries Joel was the best he always explained what was gonna happen in the court room that day which put me at ease because I had never been in court before . He got my charges reduced to reckless driving which resulted in me having to just pay court fees and restitution witch means I basically pay to fix the damage on the vehicle in the accident, he also got me a year to pay that as well Thanx for everything Joel

+2000 DUI & Criminal Case Results And Counting

DUI
09/15/2026
On March 13, 2026, the Tallahassee Police Department responded to a multiple vehicle accident. Upon arrival to the scene, the officers came upon the driver outside of the vehicle that was and started their initial accident investigation. During the course of their investigation, they noticed signs of impairment, including leaning against his car for balance, slurred speech, and glossy eyes. Based upon these observations, the police requested the driver to submit roadside sobriety tasks. After submitting to the roadside tasks, the officers believed that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and placed under arrest for driving under the influence.  After hiring the attorney’s from the Ticket Clinic, the Driving Under the Influence charges were dismissed.
Traffic
09/11/2026
Our Client was charged with racing, but the facts alleged by law enforcement did not support the charge.  As such, we set the case for trial, but upon explaining the deficiencies to the prosecutor, the case was dropped outright.
Traffic
08/27/2026
Our Client was charged with racing, but the facts alleged by law enforcement did not support the charge.  As such, we set the case for trial, but upon explaining the deficiencies to the prosecutor, the case was dropped outright.
DUI
08/24/2026
On November 25, 2025, our client was arrested for DUI after a deputy claimed he was unable to maintain his lane of travel. However, based on case law and Florida Statute 316.089(1), our Attorney filed a motion to suppress the entire stop, arguing that there was no probable cause for a traffic infraction and therefore, he was illegally seized. Before even scheduling the motion to suppress for a hearing, the State offered to reduce the DUI charge to a reckless driving charge. The client happily accepted and resolved his case on August 20th, 2026.
Felony/Other
08/21/2026
On July 27, 2026 our client was stopped for an illegal u-turn.  Upon making contact with the driver, the police officer noticed that the driver was acting nervous and had a white residue around his mouth. The driver was asked to exit the car and a DUI investigation ensued. At the conclusion, our client was not arrested for DUI. However, the police did ask for permission to search the car. The driver consented.  Behind the driver’s seat was cold beer in a plastic shopping bag. The police officer moved the bag and found what appeared to be a bag of cocaine underneath the bag of beer.  The Defendant did not admit to possessing the drugs but did admit to placing the beer in the rear seat. The police presumed that our client knew that the drugs were there, without any significant proof.  The passenger was in possession of marijuana but was not charged. The driver was arrested for cocaine possession. Post Miranda warnings, the driver did admit to using cocaine recreationally.  To further complicate the case, the Defendant was already out on bond for another criminal case.  At the bond hearing, the State wanted to revoke the previous bond but Ticket Clinic lawyers were able to prevent that and our client was released without any monetary bond.  Ticket Clinic lawyers began working on the new felony and immediately contacted the case filing attorney at the State Attorney’s office in an attempt to highlight the weaknesses in the case.  After a lengthy review, the State decided to drop the entire case.
DUI
08/14/2026
On July 2, 2026, the Charlotte County Sheriff observed a vehicle approaching at an extremely high rate of speed. The Sherrif initiated a vehicle stop.  At the initial contact, a strong odor of burnt marijuana was detected. The Sheriff began a DUI investigation. During the course of their investigation, they noticed signs of impairment including slow and slurred speech, red, bloodshot and watery eyes, and difficulty responding to questions. Based upon these observations, the police requested that the driver to submit roadside sobriety tasks. After submitting to the roadside tasks, the officers believed that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and placed under arrest for driving under the influence.  After hiring the attorneys from the Ticket Clinic, the Driving Under the Influence charges were dismissed.
Traffic
08/14/2026
Our Client was charged with dangerous excessive speeding, specifically driving at 102 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.  Because we knew the State could not win the trial, the case was set for a jury trial.  On the morning of jury trial, the State amended the crime of dangerous excessive speeding to the civil infraction of 102 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.  We immediately moved to dismiss the case, arguing that since the Trooper never provided all the evidence (speed documents) to the State, the Trooper should not be provided a second bite at the apple.  The Court agreed and dismissed the case.
DUI
07/30/2026
In May 19, 2025, our client was arrested for a DUI while parked in a closed fast-food business. He was parked at the door just before the drive through speaker. During the night, a Port St. Lucie Officer observed the parked car in the closed business. Later in the night, he observed the same car in the same position as parked. The officer elected to pull him over using his red and blue lights to conduct an investigation. Because of this, the client was stopped inappropriately. After the attorney from The Ticket Clinic filed a motion to suppress, the State reduced the charge to reckless driving in which he was happy to accept. The case closed July 30, 2026.
DUI
07/22/2026
Our client was arrested for DUI after being involved in a two-car crash. During the crash investigation, the officer claimed our client exhibited signs of impairment—slurred speech, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. He advised our client that the crash investigation was complete, and he would be investigated for DUI.   During the DUI investigation, the client admitted to drinking one beer and two mixed drinks.  The client refused to participate in field sobriety exercises and was arrested for DUI. He declined to provide a breath sample. He was charged with DUI and Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test. Despite these allegations, the State produced only video footage of our client being transported to jail and refusing to provide a breath sample. The arrest report, however, stated that body-worn camera footage captured all pre-arrest activity. Recognizing the significance of the missing evidence, our attorney set the case for trial and filed a motion to compel its production or, alternatively, to limit testimony concerning events that should have been documented on the missing video. Prior to trial, the State reduced the DUI charge to alcohol-related reckless driving and dismissed the Breath Test Refusal charge entirely. In exchange, our client agreed to pay a fine and complete community service, with no probation and no driver’s license suspension.
DUI
07/22/2026
A deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested our client for DUI after alleging he was driving without headlights, drifting out of his lane, and showing signs of impairment. The agency later reported breath‑test results of 0.146 and 0.148 at the county’s DUI testing facility. After navigating the legal process and completing the DUI diversion program, our client’s case was fully dismissed. This solid outcome protects his record and his future.
DUI
07/10/2026
Our client was stopped for speeding and passing in a no passing zone in Monroe County, Florida. When the officer approached our client, the officer noted what he believed to be signs of impairment to include the strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes, and slurred speech. The officer also stated he observed 2 cups containing alcoholic beverages in our client’s vehicle. The officer also claimed that our client admitted to drinking. The officer requested our client complete field sobriety exercises. Our client was cooperative and agreed to perform the exercises. Despite his cooperation, officers arrested our client for DUI. Our client later provided breath samples of .174 and .196, both over 2 times the legal limit. We immediately began work on the case. We reviewed all of the written materials as well as the body worn camera footage. After speaking with the prosecutor, the State agreed to dismiss the DUI charge against our client.
DUI Traffic
07/08/2026
Client was charged with DUI with property damage, Refusal to Submit and Leaving the Scene.  Officers got a description of W/M driving grey Dodge.  In report also called brown.  Client was stopped for speeding and held at roadside for almost 2 hours waiting for FHP.  Client is not white.  Spoke to officers when depositions not granted.  Many inconsistencies and the client is disabled veteran.  Trooper was unsteady on instructions when doing them.  While client had a few issues with FSEs easily explained by disability.   State agreed to amend to Reckless with Alcohol and Refusal and dismissed the Leaving the scene since I pointed out there is no way they could prove the client was driver at the time of the crash.

*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Arrests in Port St. Lucie

These answers provide general information about DUI arrests in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County. The procedures and available options may vary based on the charges, evidence, prior history and circumstances of the individual case.

What happens after a DUI arrest in Port St. Lucie?

After a DUI arrest in Port St. Lucie or elsewhere in St. Lucie County, the arrested person may be transported to a county detention facility for booking and processing. The process may include fingerprinting, photographs, medical screening and a review of release or bond eligibility.

The arrest can also begin two separate proceedings. One is a criminal case in St. Lucie County court. The other is an administrative proceeding involving the person’s Florida driving privileges. These proceedings have separate deadlines and can produce different consequences.

Where are Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County DUI cases handled?

Port St. Lucie DUI cases are handled within Florida’s Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Misdemeanor DUI cases are generally handled by the County Criminal Division, while felony DUI cases are generally handled by the Circuit Criminal Division.

Depending on the charge and assigned division, proceedings may take place at:

St. Lucie County Courthouse Annex
250 NW Country Club Drive
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Some cases may be assigned to the main St. Lucie County courthouse in Fort Pierce. The citation, release paperwork or court notice should identify the assigned courthouse and court date.

How long do I have to challenge a DUI license suspension?

You generally have only 10 days from the date the notice of suspension is issued to request formal or informal review of an administrative driver’s license suspension. Depending on eligibility, another option involving restricted driving privileges may also be available.

The administrative license proceeding is separate from the criminal DUI case. Waiting for the first St. Lucie County court date could cause you to miss the license deadline.

Review the notice of suspension and temporary driving permit carefully. Do not drive unless you are certain that your license or temporary permit remains valid.

What happens if I refuse a breath or urine test in Port St. Lucie?

Refusing a lawfully requested breath or urine test can result in administrative and criminal consequences under current Florida law.

A first refusal generally results in a one-year driver’s license suspension and may be prosecuted as a second-degree misdemeanor. If the person has a qualifying prior refusal, the suspension may last 18 months and the refusal may be prosecuted as a first-degree misdemeanor.

Evidence of the refusal may also be introduced in the criminal case. An attorney can examine whether the requested test was lawful, whether the required warning was given and whether the alleged refusal was clear and legally valid.

Can I fight a Port St. Lucie DUI if my breath result was over .08?

Yes. A reported breath-alcohol result of .08 or higher does not prevent the case from being challenged.

An attorney may investigate:

  • Whether the traffic stop was lawful
  • Whether sufficient probable cause existed for the arrest
  • Whether the required observation period was completed
  • Whether the breath-test operator was properly qualified
  • Whether the instrument was inspected and maintained
  • Whether the test was administered correctly
  • Whether a medical or environmental condition affected the result
  • Whether the reported result is consistent with the officer’s observations and video evidence

The significance of any issue depends on the evidence and circumstances of the individual case.

Can a Port St. Lucie DUI charge be reduced or dismissed?

Depending on the facts and evidence, a DUI charge may be challenged, reduced or dismissed. An arrest does not establish guilt, and the prosecution must prove every required element of the charge.

Potential issues may involve an unlawful traffic stop, insufficient probable cause, improperly administered field sobriety exercises, unreliable chemical testing, missing video, medical conditions or conflicts between an officer’s report and the recorded evidence.

Available defenses and potential outcomes depend on the individual case. No attorney can guarantee that a DUI charge will be reduced or dismissed.

What penalties can follow a first DUI conviction in Port St. Lucie?

Under Florida law, a first DUI conviction can result in penalties that include:

  • A fine of $500 to $1,000
  • Up to six months in jail
  • Probation
  • Driver’s license revocation
  • DUI school and a substance-abuse evaluation
  • Community service
  • Vehicle impoundment or immobilization
  • Court costs and other expenses

Enhanced penalties may apply when the alleged alcohol level was .15 or higher, a passenger under 18 was in the vehicle, the incident involved property damage or injury, or the driver has a previous DUI conviction.

Which agencies make DUI arrests in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County?

DUI investigations in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County may be conducted by agencies including:

  • Port St. Lucie Police Department
  • St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
  • Fort Pierce Police Department
  • Florida Highway Patrol
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Each agency may use different procedures, equipment and evidence-collection practices. The arrest report should be compared with available body-camera footage, dashboard-camera video, testing records and other evidence.

What if I was arrested for DUI while visiting Port St. Lucie?

Visitors and out-of-state drivers arrested in Port St. Lucie generally continue to face a criminal case in St. Lucie County after returning home. The arrest may also affect driving privileges in the person’s home state.

A Port St. Lucie DUI lawyer can explain which court appearances may be required, whether certain preliminary matters can be handled without the defendant appearing and how the Florida case may affect an out-of-state license.

Leaving Florida does not make the criminal charge or administrative license proceeding disappear.

How much does a Port St. Lucie DUI lawyer cost?

The cost depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, prior DUI history, number of charges, chemical-testing issues and whether the case involves an accident, injury or felony allegation.

The Ticket Clinic offers clear pricing and flexible payment options, including installment plans in many cases. Contact the Port St. Lucie team for a quote based on the circumstances of the case.

What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Port St. Lucie?

After a DUI arrest:

  • Keep every document provided by law enforcement, the jail and the court
  • Note the arrest date and the 10-day license deadline
  • Avoid discussing the case on social media
  • Write down what happened while the details remain fresh
  • Preserve receipts, photographs, messages and witness information
  • Save ride-share, location and transaction records
  • Avoid driving unless you are certain your license or temporary permit is valid
  • Speak with a Port St. Lucie DUI attorney as soon as possible

Early action may help preserve surveillance recordings, body-camera footage, testing records and other evidence that could become important to the defense.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Port St. Lucie?

After an arrest, the accused person may be transported to the St. Lucie County Jail for booking and processing. The process may include fingerprinting, photographs, medical screening, and review of release or bond eligibility.

The criminal case may then proceed through several stages, including:

  • First appearance
  • Arraignment
  • Discovery
  • Depositions when permitted
  • Pretrial conferences
  • Evidentiary hearings
  • Motion hearings
  • Negotiations with the prosecution
  • Trial

At the same time, an administrative suspension may affect the person’s driving privileges. This license proceeding is separate from the criminal prosecution and may continue even if the criminal charge is later reduced or dismissed.

After an arrest, keep every document provided by law enforcement, the jail, and the court. Write down what happened while the details remain fresh, and preserve receipts, photographs, messages, location history, ride-share records, and witness contact information.

Avoid discussing the arrest on social media. Do not drive unless you are certain that your license or temporary permit remains valid.

DUI Cases in St. Lucie County

Port St. Lucie DUI cases are handled within Florida’s Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Misdemeanor DUI charges are generally handled through the County Criminal Division, while felony DUI cases are generally assigned to the Circuit Criminal Division.

Depending on the charge and case assignment, proceedings may take place at:

St. Lucie County Courthouse Annex
250 NW Country Club Drive
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Some cases may be assigned to the main St. Lucie County courthouse in Fort Pierce. The citation, release paperwork, or court notice should identify the assigned courthouse and court date.

Local court procedures, assigned prosecutors, available diversion programs, and evidentiary practices can affect how a case proceeds. Our attorneys evaluate each case based on its specific facts, evidence, charges, and procedural history.

DUI and Criminal Traffic Cases We Handle

Our Port St. Lucie defense attorneys represent clients facing charges that include:

  • First-offense DUI
  • Second or subsequent DUI
  • DUI involving an alleged alcohol level of .15 or higher
  • Breath- or urine-test refusal
  • DUI involving prescription medication or illegal drugs
  • DUI with property damage
  • DUI involving bodily injury
  • Felony DUI
  • DUI manslaughter
  • Underage DUI
  • Commercial driver DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Dangerous excessive speeding
  • Street racing and highway racing
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Driving without a valid license
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Habitual traffic offender violations
  • Drug-possession charges
  • Other misdemeanor and felony charges

A single traffic stop or crash investigation can result in several allegations. Each charge should be evaluated together with the police reports, video recordings, testing records, witness statements, and other available evidence.

Get Help With Your Port St. Lucie DUI Case

A DUI arrest can move quickly from a roadside investigation to booking, license proceedings, and court. Acting early may help preserve evidence and protect the legal options available to you.

The DUI and Criminal Division of The Ticket Clinic represents clients throughout Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie West, Tradition, and the surrounding St. Lucie County area. Our attorneys examine the traffic stop, field sobriety exercises, chemical testing, video evidence, police reports, and local court procedures to develop a defense based on the specific circumstances.

A DUI arrest is not a conviction. Contact The Ticket Clinic as soon as possible to discuss the charge, the license deadline, and the next steps in your case.

 

Important DUI Resources

TTC Vs Other St. Lucie County

See what sets us apart.
Click Here

How To Handle A DUI Arrest In Port St Lucie

An easy guide of how to handle a DUI arrest during and after.
Click Here

Understanding DUI Evidence

The basics of evidence used to prosecute DUI offenders in Florida.
Click Here

Rolando A. Sanchez, Esq.

Originally from Miami , grew up in Central Florida.  After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he worked on F-15E fighter jets as an Avionics Technician.  He was Honorably Discharged. Afterwards, he attended University of Central Florida and received a BSBA Finance Degree, cum laude.  Next, he attended Barry University for law school and among other things, served as V.P. of the Veterans Legal Society.  Since graduating in 2016, Mr. Sanchez has dedicated his career to helping those charged with criminal matters.  These cases include traffic, misdemeanors and felonies, including trials and post-conviction relief. Mr. Sanchez is the lead attorney in Ticket Clinic’s Kissimmee office, handling cases in Osceola, Polk, Hardee and Desoto Counties.