Separate from the administrative suspension of a driver’s license, a person arrested for a DUI in Clearwater faces criminal charges. The majority of DUI cases are handled in Pinellas County Traffic Court; however, felony DUI cases are handled in the Circuit Court. The State Attorney receives information regarding the arrest and files an Information containing the criminal charges based upon the facts of the DUI and the background check administered. It is important that the Defendant appear at every stage of the process, unless directed otherwise by an attorney.