Experience You Can Count On

Facing drunk driving charges in West Central Florida could have life-altering consequences; expensive fines and possible jail time are only a few of the many penalties you may face. Having a defense lawyer that understands the legal process and has the experience to fight your case is critical to minimizing the consequences of a charge of driving under the influence. In the Tampa area, where most commuters frequently travel via interstate, losing the privilege to drive can be devastating to a person’s career, as well as to one’s personal life.

James A. Thomas, “Jimmy” is an experienced DUI / Drunk Driving attorney with extensive experience serving clients throughout the Tampa Bay area including all of the surrounding communities in and around Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Jimmy understands how devastating an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs can be, especially in the state of Florida. A DUI / Drunk Driving conviction can result not only in the loss of reputation and costly fines, it can also mean required attendance at alcohol-education classes, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, increase in or total cancellation of your auto insurance, placing an ignition interlock device in your car, and, in some cases, jail or prison.

If you have been arrested for DUI / Drunk Driving, be sure to hire someone who is successful and experienced at defending DUI / Drunk Driving cases. Some attorneys only dabble in DUI / Drunk Driving law and are not equipped to handle the complicated legal and scientific nature of most DUI / Drunk Driving cases. Jimmy is skilled and knowledgeable with a thorough understanding of how the system works. Adept at what we do, he is uniquely qualified to identify police mistakes, unreliable breath, blood, and urine tests, and other legal issues that often make the difference between successful and unsuccessful results in DUI / Drunk Driving cases.

Representing Clients Throughout Tampa Bay

An expert when it comes to DUI / Drunk Driving cases, the Law Offices of James A. Thomas possess a thorough understanding of the many complexities of DUI / Drunk Driving law. We are proud to provide outstanding service to clients located throughout the Tampa Bay area. Dedicated to giving each client the individual attention they deserve and an honest assessment of their case, Jimmy is committed to providing high-quality, highly efficient legal representation to individuals and businesses throughout Tampa, New Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Brandon, Bradenton and their surrounding communities. Call Jimmy today to set up your free initial consultation.

Florida Penalties which may apply for DUI First Conviction

Fine - $250 to $500

Community Service - 50 Hours

Probation - Not more than 1 Year

Imprisonment - Not more than 6 Months

Imprisonment with BAL of .08 or higher with a minor in the vehicle, not more than 9 months

License Revocation - Minimum of 180 days

DUI School - 12 Hours

These penalties can have a huge impact on an individual both personally and financially.  Preparation is the key when going to court for a DUI offense in Florida and James A. Thomas specializes in defending DUI charges and knows exactly what it is you will need to mount a successful defense.  With that expertise on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.  Jimmy will work hard to save you time and to minimize any personal and financial penalties you may incur.

Did You Know?

  • Did you know… Florida has the "Implied Consent Law"?  That means, if you are pulled over and the officer asks you to take a blood, urine or breath test you are required to comply. When you sign your drivers license, you have agreed to take these tests upon request. Refusal to take any of the tests will result in an immediate suspension for one year. A second refusal will result in an 18 month suspension.
  • Did you know… Florida has a Zero Tolerance law for drivers under 21? That means that any driver under the age of 21 that is stopped by law enforcement and has a blood alcohol level of .02 or higher will automatically have their Florida drivers license suspended for 6 months.
  • Did you know… Florida law mandates that any driver convicted of a second DUI have an Ignition Interlock device installed in their vehicle?
  • Did you know… the Florida Highway Patrol made 10,732 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests in 2008?