DUI Defense in Delray Beach

DUI Defense in Delray Beach, FL | Van Riper and Nies Attorneys

When you or a loved one faces a DUI charge in Delray Beach, the stakes are high: your freedom, driving privileges, employment, and reputation may all hang in the balance. That’s why turning to an experienced DUI lawyer is essential, especially one who brings prosecution experience to the defense side. Call our DUI defense firm for free for more information about DUI Defense in Delray Beach 24/7. DUI defense attorney Christian Van Riper is a lawyer warrior for his clients.

At Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., our criminal defense attorney Christian Van Riper, a former DUI prosecutor, leads the DUI defense practice in Delray Beach. His knowledge of how the State builds DUI cases, combined with his accessibility to clients and courtroom skills, is important when facing DUI charges in Delray Beach.

Why hire Christian Van Riper for DUI defense in Delray Beach

• As a former Florida prosecuting attorney in DUI cases, Christian understands the tactics, procedures, and evidence strategy that the Palm Beach DUI prosecutor uses.
• He emphasizes hands-on client service: you get direct access to your attorney (including his personal cell number) because your defense matters every hour.
• Our DUI defense firm fights aggressively — we don’t just take pleas by default. We explore every tactical, technical, and evidentiary avenue to protect your rights, your license, and your future.

Understanding DUI Charges & Penalties in Palm Beach County, Florida

In Florida, DUI (“driving under the influence”) means operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while your normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs, or when your blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. The penalties escalate greatly depending on whether it’s your first conviction, a second, a third (and when your prior convictions occurred). Below is an overview of what you may face and why you need skilled DUI defense counsel.

First DUI Conviction

• Fine: At least $500 and up to $1,000. If BAC was .15% or higher or a minor was in the vehicle, fine is at least $1,000 and up to $2,000.
• Jail time: Up to 6 months ordinarily; up to 9 months if BAC .15%+ or minor in car.
• License suspension: Minimum 180 days, up to 1 year.
• Vehicle impoundment: At least 10 days in many cases.
• Additional requirements: DUI school, substance-use evaluation, community service for first offenders.

Second DUI Conviction (within 5 years of first)

• Fine: At least $1,000; if BAC .15%+ or minor in vehicle, at least $2,000 and up to $4,000.
• Jail: At least 10 days mandatory if within 5 years; up to 9 months normally, up to 12 months if BAC .15%+ or minor present.
• License suspension: Minimum 5 years if within 5 years of prior; eligibility for hardship only after one year in some cases.
• Vehicle impoundment: At least 30 days.
• Ignition interlock device likely required for at least 1 year. (talk to your DUI attorney regarding aggravating factors).

Third DUI Conviction (within 10 years of a prior DUI)

• This may be charged as a felony (third-degree felony) when it occurs within ten years of the prior conviction.
• Fine: At least $2,000 and up to $5,000; if BAC .15%+ or minor present, minimum fine often $4,000.
• Jail/prison: At least 30 days mandatory; up to 5 years in state prison for felony DUI.
• License revocation: Minimum 10 years, with the possibility for hardship after 2 years in some cases.
• Vehicle impoundment/immobilization: At least 90 days.

Why these penalties matter: A DUI conviction can ripple into your job, insurance rates, mobility, and even immigration or security-clearance status. Having dedicated DUI defense early, especially in a place like Delray Beach, where clients may commute or rely on their driving privileges, is critical.

Key DUI Defense Strategies in Delray Beach

When facing a DUI charge in Delray Beach, Christian Van Riper and the Van Riper & Nies team will evaluate potential defenses and tailor the approach to your case. Some of the typical defenses we examine include:

• Unlawful traffic stop: Did law enforcement in Delray Beach have valid reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over? If not, the stop can be challenged.
• Improper field sobriety testing: Was the testing (walk-and-turn, one-leg stand) administered according to protocol, in proper lighting/conditions, and was the subject physically capable?
• Breathalyzer/blood test issues: Was the breath instrument calibrated correctly? Was the blood sample properly handled? Chain-of-custody issues?
• Lack of “physical control” or operation: In Florida, a person may be charged even if the vehicle wasn’t moving, if “physical control” can be shown. Defense might challenge that.
• Medical/health conditions: Sometimes, underlying health issues, medications, or fatigue mimic impairment. These can raise a reasonable doubt.
• Implied consent and administrative hearings: The driver’s license suspension side must be addressed separately (via the administrative review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). Early action is often required.

These are just a sample of the issues that a skilled DUI defense lawyer will review. Given the seriousness of the consequences, waiting or using a less experienced lawyer can make a major difference.

Why Local Palm Beach County DUI Defense Experience Counts

Operating in South Palm Beach County (Delray Beach, Boca Raton, West Boca) means understanding the local prosecutors, court culture, and DMV administrative rules specific to this region. Christian Van Riper’s experience gives him a strategic edge. When your driving privileges, job, home, and reputation are all at risk, you want someone who knows how the local system works and how to push back effectively.

Take Action Early

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Delray Beach, contact Christian as soon as possible to discuss your DUI Defense in Delray Beach. You only have 10 days from the arrest to request the administrative review hearing to contest your license revocation. Delaying can mean losing important rights. The sooner your lawyer is involved, the sooner we can start to build your DUI defense strategy.

Office Locations & Contact Information

Delray Beach Office (Serving South Palm Beach County)

55 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 31
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Phone: (561) 894-9862

 Other Office Locations

• West Palm Beach: 801 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 375, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 — Phone: (561) 948-5588
• Boca Raton: 9825 Marina Blvd, Suite 100A, Boca Raton, FL 33428 — Phone: (561) 948-5589
• Stuart: 900 SE Ocean Blvd, Suite 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994 — Phone: (772) 283-8712
• Deerfield Beach: 10 Fairway Dr, #139, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 — Phone: (954) 369-0776

In Summary

If you’re facing DUI charges in Delray Beach or South Palm Beach County, you need more than just a “traffic lawyer”. You need a seasoned DUI defense attorney who knows the local courts and the intricacies of Florida DUI law. Christian Van Riper at Van Riper & Nies provides that experience, along with accessibility and commitment to clients. Contact us today at 561-894-9862 or using the contact form below for a free consultation 24/7.