Coral Gables DUI Attorney
Direct attorney representation from a firm based right here in Coral Gables, minutes from Miracle Mile, with every DUI case heard from the start at the Gerstein Justice Building downtown. Free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my Coral Gables DUI case be heard?+
Do I still get a bond hearing within 24 hours before my case is heard downtown?+
Can a DUI checkpoint arrest in Coral Gables be challenged?+
Is a Spanish-language interpreter available for my hearing?+
Can a Coral Gables DUI case resolve without a conviction?+
My child goes to the University of Miami and was arrested. Can I get help from out of state?+
Every DUI Charge Goes Downtown
Coral Gables is one of Miami-Dade's five official branch courthouse locations, and some misdemeanor matters from the city can stay at that local branch. DUI does not follow that path and proceeds directly downtown to Gerstein.
Every DUI Charge Goes Downtown
Whether a first offense or a felony-level charge such as a third DUI within 10 years, the case proceeds at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building downtown from the start. There is no local branch option for a DUI charge.
The Bond Hearing Still Happens Fast
Separately from where the ongoing case is calendared, the initial bond hearing happens at the Pre-Trial Detention Center within 24 hours of arrest in every case.
A Separate 10-Day Clock Also Starts
Florida's administrative license suspension takes effect immediately if a BAC of 0.08 or higher was recorded, or if a breath test was refused, with just 10 days to request a hearing to contest it.
The Clock Starts at Arrest
Florida's administrative license suspension takes effect immediately upon a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or a refused breath test. Missing the 10-day window generally means losing the chance to fight the suspension at all.
- The bond hearing happens within 24 hours regardless of courthouse assignment
- DUI cases are always heard at Gerstein, never at the local branch
- Diversion programs may be available for qualifying first-time cases
- Checkpoint arrests can be challenged if the operational plan was not followed
Bilingual Considerations for Coral Gables Cases
Coral Gables has a substantial Spanish-speaking population, and the local court system reflects that. Certified Spanish-language interpreters are available for hearings at no cost.
Bilingual Considerations for Coral Gables Cases
Coral Gables has a substantial Spanish-speaking population, and the local court system reflects that. Certified Spanish-language interpreters are available for hearings at no cost. If implied consent warnings or Miranda rights were read exclusively in English to someone who indicated they did not understand English, that fact can become a real issue in the case. Kaylee, the firm's office assistant, handles Spanish-language intake directly for clients who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish.
Where the arrest happens in Coral Gables does not change how the case gets built.
University of Miami Students and Out-of-State Families
The University of Miami calls Coral Gables home, and the main campus brings a real pattern of DUI and criminal matters involving college-age clients. Parents calling from out of state for a college-age child arrested near campus are common, and consultations can be handled by phone before anyone travels to Florida.
Checkpoint Challenges
Florida sobriety checkpoints are constitutional when the operating agency follows a written operational plan, including supervisor approval, a neutral stopping pattern, and advance publication of the checkpoint. Deviations from that plan can be challenged.
Related Legal Matters
A Coral Gables DUI case commonly overlaps with related criminal defense and personal injury areas.
The outcome of a Coral Gables DUI case depends on the particular charge level, the arrest circumstances, and where the case is calendared, and that requires a real review, not a guess. See our full DUI and Traffic Defense page for the complete legal framework. The first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain.
DUI Defense Representation Across Miami-Dade
Court process and local considerations vary by city. See detailed information for the areas below, or see the firm's full Areas We Serve page.
Direct attorney access at (305) 774-7000
The outcome of a Coral Gables DUI case depends on the particular charge level, the arrest circumstances, and where the case is calendared. The first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain.
What Our Clients Say
Verified Google reviews from clients represented by the firm across Miami-Dade and South Florida. See our full client testimonials page for more.
Posted on Google![]()
Eddy's Dogs aka Eddy's K9 RescueTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely recommend this law firm. They handled my case and I was amazed at the attention and information I got. I highly recommend them and will be using their services again.Posted on Google![]()
Carlos ZaldivarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Andre is an exceptional lawyer. Andre represented me in a civil case and did an exceptional job when I was told not to bother with a suit. Andre succeeded, and I got my money back. I send all my friends to AndrePosted on Google![]()
Bob RTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Andre has represented me, my family and friends on several legal matters. He is always available to provide sound, practical advice and more than willing and able to fight for you when necessary. It’s reassuring to have a qualified, experienced lawyer in my corner to protect me and my interests when I need it.
Owner's reply
Bob, thank you. Clients who return and who send their family and friends give me the highest compliment. I’m grateful for your confidence and I’m always here if you need me.Posted on Google![]()
Phil GlatzerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As an attorney, I have often referred my clients to André for legal work that I myself cannot handle and everyone has always been very satisfied with his representation. I highly recommend him.
Owner's reply
Thanks Phil. A referral from a colleague who knows the work means a great deal to me. I take every case you send my way seriously, and I’m glad the clients were well served.Posted on Google![]()
Pedro CarreraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can always count on him. An honest lawyer.
Owner's reply
Thanks Pedro.Posted on Google![]()
Gabriel HernandezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Extremely quick and efficient . My ticket was handed and I didn’t have to worry about it once. His staff is also super helpful giving multiple updates on the status
Owner's reply
It's great to hear you were pleased. We are happy we were able to take the burden off your shoulders and resolve your issue for you.Posted on Google![]()
Andrew VarelaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
An amazing attorney who gives every case the care and attention it deserves. His attention to detail is exceptional, and it’s clear that he takes pride in his work and truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated, thorough, and attentive attorney!
Owner's reply
I really appreciate that Andrew. Thank you.Posted on Google![]()
Daniel HernandezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend this law firm! I had a ticket, and they kept me updated and got it dismissed. Kaylee was my go-to for communication, and Andre is excellent at what he does.
Owner's reply
Thanks Daniel. I am glad we were able to resolve your issue.
