Butash Law Group brings 30+ years of Tampa Bay criminal defense experience - led by a former Assistant State Attorney - to every DUI case in Lutz. That prosecutorial background means the firm understands exactly how the state builds its case, giving Lutz clients a sharper, more strategic defense from day one.
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A DUI charge in Lutz, Florida carries consequences that extend far beyond a single court date. Under Florida Statute §316.193, a conviction can mean mandatory fines, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, probation, and even jail time - with penalties escalating sharply for prior offenses, high blood-alcohol content (BAC), or incidents involving minors or injuries. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licenses, and insurance rates for years to come.
Lutz sits at the intersection of Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties, meaning a DUI arrest in the area may be processed through different court systems depending on exactly where the stop occurred. Cases handled in Hillsborough County proceed through the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Tampa, while Pasco County matters are heard in the Sixth Judicial Circuit in New Port Richey or Dade City. Understanding which jurisdiction controls your case - and the distinct procedures, judges, and prosecutors involved - is critical to mounting an effective defense.
At Butash Law Group, located directly in Lutz on S.R. 54, the defense team scrutinizes every element of the state’s case: the legality of the traffic stop, the administration and calibration of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, chain-of-custody issues with blood samples, and whether your constitutional rights were fully observed. That thorough, evidence-focused approach - informed by lead attorney Mike Butash’s years as a prosecutor - is designed to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and pursue the best possible outcome for each client.
It depends on where in Lutz the arrest occurred. Lutz spans parts of both Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Hillsborough County DUI cases are typically heard in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Tampa, while Pasco County cases go to the Sixth Judicial Circuit in New Port Richey or Dade City. An attorney familiar with both jurisdictions can identify which court controls your case and tailor the defense strategy accordingly.
Under Florida Statute §316.193, a first-offense DUI can result in fines between $500 and $1,000, up to six months in jail, up to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a minimum six-month driver's license revocation. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or a minor was in the vehicle, penalties increase significantly. These consequences make early legal representation essential.
Yes, in some circumstances. An attorney may be able to challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, or procedural errors by law enforcement. If evidence is suppressed or the state's case is weakened, a charge may be reduced to reckless driving or dismissed entirely. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and evidence involved.
You should exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing basic identification, avoid discussing the details of the stop or your activities with law enforcement without counsel present, and contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. Florida's administrative license suspension process begins quickly after arrest, so timely legal action can be critical to protecting your driving privileges.
Florida's implied consent law means that by driving on state roads you have consented to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing a breathalyzer after a lawful arrest results in an automatic one-year administrative license suspension for a first refusal, and 18 months for subsequent refusals - and the refusal itself can be used as evidence against you in court. An attorney can help you understand how a refusal affects your specific case.
Lead attorney Mike Butash spent years as an Assistant State Attorney, giving him firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors evaluate evidence, decide on charges, and approach DUI cases in the Tampa Bay area courts. That insider perspective allows the firm to anticipate the state's strategy, identify vulnerabilities in the evidence, and negotiate or argue from a position of informed experience - an advantage that purely defense-side experience alone may not provide.
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Beyond DUI defense, Butash Law Group assists Lutz residents with a range of criminal defense matters - visit our Lutz practice area page or explore related services to learn how the firm can help protect your rights across multiple areas of Florida law.
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