Arrested for a DUI in Orlando? It’s Fixable, But You Must Act Fast.

By: John Guidry II

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Central Florida, you’re probably hearing all the scary stories about how serious and expensive it is. I’m not here to add to that fear. After defending clients on DUI charges since 1993, I can tell you that the final outcome is almost always far better than my clients initially feared.

So please, don’t get down in the dumps just yet. A DUI is a serious charge, but it is also a very fixable and winnable case.

Facing a DUI in the Orlando Area? You Have Only 10 DAYS to Save Your Driver’s License. This is your most urgent deadline. Call my office immediately for a consultation to discuss your options before it’s too late. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

Good Outcomes Are Possible

Despite what you may have heard, good things can and do happen in DUI cases, but they don’t happen on their own. With a strong defense, we can fight for outcomes like:

• A complete dismissal of the charges.
• Key evidence being thrown out by the judge.
• Entry into a diversion or intervention program that results in a dropped charge.
• A reduction of the DUI to a lesser offense like Reckless Driving.

I know it sounds self-serving, but I rarely see these cases end well for people who try to handle them alone. Getting good representation is the first step toward a good outcome.

Your Most Urgent Deadline: The 10-Day Rule for Your License

The most immediate problem you face after a DUI arrest is not the criminal charge—it’s your driver’s license. The moment you were arrested, the DMV began the process of suspending your license for six to twelve months.

You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to formally challenge this suspension or apply to get an immediate hardship license.

Within that 10-day window, you and your attorney must make a critical strategic decision: do we fight the suspension at a formal DMV hearing, or do we waive that hearing and immediately apply for a hardship license? This is not a decision you should make on your own. Let us review the facts and help you choose the best path forward. Let us do the heavy lifting.

I believe your case can work out far better than you think. Sure, you’ll likely have to complete some classes, and most people do a bit of alcohol evaluation or treatment. But in the end, this is a fixable situation. Get yourself a good local attorney, and you will be just fine.

And of course, if you’re being accused of DUI in my backyard—including Orange County, Seminole County, or Osceola County—my office has been successfully defending these cases for over three decades. We would be happy to help.

If you’re tired of reading, but you still want more information on your Central Florida DUI, don’t worry. Please watch my videos entitled “Two Battles, One DUI: Save Your License After a DUI” and “Tips to Shut Down a DUI Investigation Fast.”

About the Author, John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.