OVI Attorney in Daytona Beach

Facing An OVI Charge & Need A Plan

If you were recently arrested for OVI in Daytona Beach, you are probably worried about what happens next. You may be thinking about your driver’s license, your job, and whether this charge will follow you for years. It can feel like everything is moving fast, and you do not know where to start. If you're in this situation, our OVI attorneys in Daytona Beach are ready to assist you.

At Thompson Law, P.A., we focus our criminal defense practice on helping people in Volusia County who are facing charges that threaten their freedom and future. Our team has nearly two decades of experience in Florida criminal courts, and we understand how overwhelming an OVI case can be. We work to give you clear information, straightforward guidance, and a defense strategy that fits your situation.

From our Daytona Beach and DeLand offices, we help clients at all hours. OVI arrests often happen at night or on weekends, so we make ourselves available to answer questions and begin protecting your rights as soon as possible. 

Our OVI attorneys in Daytona Beach offer personalized attention, local courtroom experience, and clear communication so you know where your case stands and what choices you have. Contact us online or call us at (386) 280-4977.

Why Choose Our OVI Lawyer

When you are deciding who should represent you, you need more than slogans. You need an OVI lawyer in Daytona Beach who understands Florida law, knows the Volusia County court system, and takes time to learn what matters most to you. Our firm is built around that kind of client-focused representation.

For nearly twenty years, we have defended people charged with crimes in this area. That experience has given us a practical understanding of how cases move through the local courts, how prosecutors typically approach OVI-related charges, and what issues can make a real difference in negotiations. We draw on that knowledge when we evaluate the facts of your case and discuss realistic outcomes with you.

We also know that no two OVI cases are alike. The circumstances of the traffic stop, the way field sobriety exercises were conducted, the breath or blood test results, and your prior record all shape your options. We take time to review those details, listen to your concerns, and build a defense strategy that reflects your goals, whether those relate to work, travel, professional licensing, or other parts of your life.

Communication is another reason clients choose our OVI attorneys in Daytona Beach. We strive to keep you informed about court dates, what to expect at each hearing, and how the case is progressing. Our team works to return calls and messages promptly, and we encourage questions so you are never left wondering what is happening with your case. Many clients tell us that this level of communication helps them feel more in control during a stressful time.

Over the years, we have obtained many favorable resolutions in criminal matters, including reductions and outcomes that limited long-term impact. Every case depends on its own facts, and no attorney can promise a particular result, but our history shows our commitment to thorough preparation and persistent advocacy. When you hire us, you get a team that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.

What To Do After an OVI Arrest? Our OVI Attorney in Daytona Beach Answers

The hours and days after an OVI arrest are confusing. You may have paperwork you do not fully understand and a court date that feels far too close. Taking a few careful steps now can help protect your rights and give your attorney more to work with as your case moves forward.

First, try to stay calm and organize what you received from law enforcement. This may include a citation, bond documents, a notice related to license issues, and information about your first appearance in the Volusia County court system. Keeping these documents together makes it easier for your lawyer to evaluate timelines and requirements that may apply to you.

Second, avoid discussing the details of your arrest with friends, coworkers, or on social media. Statements you make can sometimes be misinterpreted or used against you later. Instead, write down your own recollection of the stop, field sobriety exercises, and any conversations you had with officers while the events are still fresh in your mind.

Third, consider your license situation. An arrest related to impaired driving can lead to administrative consequences separate from the criminal case, and those typically involve deadlines. An OVI attorney in Daytona Beach can explain how Florida’s rules apply to your specific circumstances and what options you may have to challenge or address a suspension.

Helpful first steps after an OVI arrest:

• Keep all paperwork from the arrest and any bond documents in one place.
• Write down everything you remember about the stop and testing as soon as you can.
• Do not post about the incident online or discuss details with anyone but your lawyer.
• Attend all scheduled court appearances, and arrive early so you have time to meet with counsel.
• Contact our team promptly so we can review your situation and advise you on license and court issues.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage. Part of our role is to step in, explain the process, and start taking some of that burden off your shoulders. When we speak with you, we focus on what needs to happen now and what choices you will likely face in the coming weeks.

Florida OVI Penalties & Process

Understanding what you are facing can make the situation feel more manageable. In Florida, an impaired driving-related conviction can bring a combination of criminal penalties, license consequences, and long-term effects on your record. The actual outcome depends on factors such as prior history, test results, and whether an accident or a minor was involved.

Potential criminal penalties can include fines, probation, community service, mandatory programs, and, in some situations, jail time. Courts generally have discretion within ranges set by law, and that discretion may be affected by your background, your level of cooperation, and the specific facts alleged by law enforcement. Our OVI attorneys in Daytona Beach discuss these factors with you so you have a realistic picture of risk rather than a list of worst-case scenarios.

Separate from criminal penalties, you can face license suspension or restrictions. These may arise from administrative actions related to chemical testing, as well as from any conviction. The timelines and options to request hearings or seek limited driving privileges are time-sensitive. We help clients understand which deadlines apply and what steps can be taken to try to preserve their ability to drive for work, school, and family responsibilities.

Cases in this area typically move through the Volusia County court system in several stages. After arrest, you may have an initial appearance or arraignment where charges are formally presented, followed by pretrial hearings where evidence is exchanged, and negotiations may occur. Some matters resolve through agreements, while others proceed toward motion hearings or trial, depending on the facts and the client’s goals.

Having an attorney who regularly appears in these courts can be valuable when making decisions about strategy. Experience with local practices can help us anticipate how certain issues may be viewed and which approaches have been effective in similar situations. Throughout the process, we focus on protecting your rights, challenging weaknesses in the state’s case where appropriate, and working toward an outcome that limits the impact on your future as much as possible.

How We Approach Your OVI Defense

When you contact our office about an OVI charge, our priority is to listen. We want to understand what led up to the stop, how the officers interacted with you, and any concerns you already have about testing or paperwork. This conversation helps us identify issues that may be important later and gives you a chance to ask questions in a private, nonjudgmental setting.

From there, we gather and review the available evidence. This often includes police reports, any video that may exist, results from breath or blood testing, and information about field sobriety exercises. We examine whether the stop appears legally justified, whether the testing and procedures followed required protocols, and whether some gaps or inconsistencies could be significant in your defense.

Communication remains central throughout the case. We explain what each court date is for, what preparation is needed, and what choices may be in front of you at that point. Some clients value detailed explanations about every step, while others prefer a more high-level overview. We adjust our communication style to what helps you feel informed without being overwhelmed.

Your goals also shape our approach. Some clients are most concerned about jail, while others are focused on license, employment, or professional licensing issues. We discuss how different outcomes may affect those concerns and talk through options such as challenging evidence, filing motions, or pursuing negotiated resolutions. We are clear that no attorney can promise a particular result, but we describe the paths available and what we will be doing on your behalf.

Throughout, we work to provide a supportive environment. An OVI charge can bring embarrassment and strain relationships at home or work. Our role is to guide and advocate, not to judge. Clients often tell us that having a steady advocate by their side makes the process feel less isolating and more manageable.

Call (386) 280-4977 to speak with our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For My First OVI?

Jail is possible, but not every first OVI results in jail time. The outcome depends on your record, the facts of the arrest, and how the court views your situation. We review those factors with you and discuss ways to work toward limiting the risk of incarceration.

Can You Help Me Keep My License?

We can explain Florida’s license rules and help you pursue available options. These may include requesting hearings or exploring limited driving privileges, depending on your circumstances and deadlines. While results vary, having guidance early gives you a better chance to protect your ability to drive.

How Soon Should I Contact An OVI Attorney?

It is wise to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. Important decisions and deadlines related to the license and the court can arise quickly. Our team of OVI attorneys in Daytona Beach is available around the clock so we can begin reviewing your situation and advising you on immediate next steps.

What Will Working With Your Firm Look Like?

When you work with us, we start by learning your story and concerns, then we review the evidence and explain the process in clear terms. We keep you updated on court dates and developments and encourage questions. Our goal is to provide steady guidance and tailored defense from start to finish.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire An OVI Lawyer?

Legal fees for an OVI case depend on the complexity of the matter and the work involved. We discuss fees openly during the consultation so you understand costs before making decisions. Our goal is to be transparent and to provide representation that reflects the seriousness of your situation.

When you contact us, our goal is to help you understand your options and take control of the next steps.