Holiday DUI Arrests Expected to Rise Across Martin and St Lucie Counties

Treasure Coast Criminal Defense Attorney Christian Van Riper | Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A.

Each year, holiday DUI arrests are expected to rise across Martin and St Lucie Counites. Law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Stuart Police Department, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Port St Lucie Police Department, Sewall’s Point Police Department and other law enforcement agencies increase DUI patrols and DUI checkpoints during the holiday season, from Thanksgiving, through Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In communities such as Stuart, FL, Palm City, FL, Hobe Sound, FL, Sewall’s Point, FL Port St. Lucie, FL, and Ft. Pierce, FL, the combination of holiday gatherings, travel, and later nightlife hours regularly leads to a noticeable spike in DUI arrests.

For fellow residents of the Treasure Coast, understanding both the risks and the penalties associated with a DUI has never been more important, especially now that Florida’s newest DUI law has taken effect.

A New Era of DUI Enforcement in Florida—Including Criminal Penalties for Refusal

As of October 1, 2025, Florida implemented a significant law (Florida Statute §316.1939 – known as Trenton’s Law) that now imposes criminal penalties for refusing a breath, blood, or urine test during a DUI stop. This change has dramatically altered the landscape of DUI investigations throughout Stuart, FL, Palm City, FL, Hobe Sound, FL, Port St. Lucie, FL, and Ft. Pierce, FL.

Previously, a refusal resulted in administrative penalties such as license suspension. Now, under the new law:

• Refusing testing can lead to misdemeanor criminal charges,
• You may face possible jail time,
• Courts can impose probation, fines, and additional penalties, and
• A refusal may be used as evidence in your DUI case.

For many drivers across Martin County and St. Lucie County, this means a routine traffic encounter may carry consequences far more serious than before.

Understanding the Penalties for DUI in Florida

Treasure Coast DUI defense attorney Christian Van Riper, a former prosecutor and respected local criminal defense attorney at Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., emphasizes that DUI penalties in Florida are strict and escalate quickly, especially during high enforcement periods like the holidays, from Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. A standard DUI conviction in Florida can bring:

• Fines,
• License suspension,
• Vehicle impoundment,
• Mandatory DUI school,
• Probation,
• Ignition Interlock Devices, and
• Jail time, depending on the circumstances.

If the arrest occurs in busy holiday times, such as the roadways connecting Stuart, FL, Palm City, FL, Hobe Sound, FL, Port St. Lucie, FL, and Ft. Pierce, FL, law enforcement officers may be even more aggressive in pursuing charges. Drivers throughout the Treasure Coast are cautioned to understand that refusing a breath test now carries much more than an administrative penalty; it is a criminal act under the new statutory scheme.

The Importance of a Skilled Local DUI Defense Attorney

With local agencies in Martin County and St. Lucie County announcing targeted DUI enforcement through New Year’s, anyone stopped for suspected impaired driving should seek immediate local legal counsel.

Criminal defense attorney Christian Van Riper, a near lifelong resident of Martin County, and the DUI defense team at Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A. provide experienced representation to drivers across the Treasure Coast, including:

• Stuart, FL
• Palm City, FL
• Hobe Sound, FL
• Port St. Lucie, FL
• Sewall’s Point, FL
• Ft. Pierce, FL, and throughout St. Lucie and Martin County, Florida.

Christian Van Riper’s background as both a former DUI prosecutor and seasoned local criminal defense attorney allows him to identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s DUI case (including misdemeanor and felony DUI charges) challenge unlawful stops, fight improper testing procedures, and protect clients from the harsh new refusal penalties. In addition to DUI defense, Christian Van Riper defends clients charged with Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

Protect Your Rights This Holiday Season

If you or someone you know is arrested for DUI or accused of refusing a breath, blood, or urine test anywhere in Martin County or St Lucie County, contact Christian right away day or night. Our phones (772-283-8712) are answered 24/7, including over the holidays.

Prompt legal action can significantly affect the outcome of your case, especially under Florida’s new DUI refusal law.

We are a veteran-owned law firm and offer discounts for all U.S. military veterans charged with DUI.