Florida DUI offenses, specifically felony DUI convictions, can have far-reaching effects. While misdemeanor offenses often carry shorter jail terms and manageable fines, conviction for felony DUI charges often come with long prison terms and crippling financial burdens as well as lasting stigmatism. But you don’t have to navigate this complex situation alone: Manderscheid Law Firm‘s experienced lawyers are ready to help explain your rights while developing a solid defense for protecting your future.
What Does Florida Consider DUI to be Felony Charges?
In Florida law, driving under the influence (DUI) charges may escalate into felonies when certain aggravating factors exist – these may include;
Multiple DUI Offenders: When an individual has multiple previous DUI convictions, this can constitute multiple DUI offenses within 10 years and four offenses overall as felony crimes in Florida. A fourth DUI offense at any point during these 10 years would constitute a felony charge and should be reported immediately to law enforcement officials.
Severe Injury or Death: When DUI leads to severe physical harm or death, its charges automatically escalate into felonies; DUI manslaughter/vehicular homicide can carry significant prison terms as well as severe penalties.
Child Endangerment: Driving under the influence with minors (under 18) in your vehicle can result in a felony DUI charge from state officials who view this act as child endangerment and escalate any penalties applicable.
Additional Aggravating Factors: Additional aggravating factors that contribute to DUI charges could include driving with a suspended license, causing an accident with significant property damage, or refusing testing procedures can all increase the chances of criminal penalties being levied against someone accused.
Life-Changing Consequences of a Florida DUI Conviction
Being charged with a felony DUI conviction has life-altering and often permanent effects in Florida: from financial penalties and license suspension, to long term effects such as jail time.
Protracted Prison Sentences: As opposed to misdemeanor DUIs, felony DUI charges carry mandatory jail terms of at least 30 days with up to five years imprisonment potential; DUI manslaughter/vehicular homicide may lead to decades-long sentences with no early release possibility.
An Ignition Interlock Device: Any criminal DUI conviction often requires installing an ignition interlock device at your own cost in your car to keep any alcohol out of your system and to maintain mobility and daily life. These devices prevent people with any alcohol present from starting up their cars – further impacting daily life and mobility.
Heavy Fines: If convicted of DUI charges, heavy financial penalties could lead to your conviction – including heavy fines of thousands of dollars – which will subsequently impact both you and your family financially over time. This burden could last years!
Loss of Driving Privileges: Being found guilty of DUI can result in either short-term or permanent loss of driving privileges, creating difficulties for employment, accessing essential services and fulfilling daily responsibilities.
Collateral Consequences of DUI Conviction: Beyond legal penalties, being charged with DUI has lasting repercussions that extend far beyond legal sanctions and court fines. Employment prospects, housing applications and loan approvals could all become severely limited after being found guilty. A conviction will forever mar your record, restricting options in many areas of life and potentially hindering future endeavors.
Mandatory Alcohol Education and Treatment: Courts often order individuals convicted of felony DUI to attend alcohol education or treatment programs as part of their sentence, further increasing the financial and time burden resulting from such conviction. Unfortunately, such programs often cost both parties involved both financially and time wise.
As soon as a third DUI offense has been committed, penalties become even harsher, including mandatory five-year prison sentences and lifetime license revocation.
How the Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC Can Assist You in Fighting a Felony DUI Conviction
Facing a DUI conviction can be distressing, yet having legal representation that knows your case and cares can make a positive difference in its outcome. At Manderscheid Law Firm PLLC we possess both experience and dedication necessary for helping our clients through this difficult time, providing strategies which may reduce or dismiss charges altogether.
Here’s how our experienced attorneys can support you:
Case Evaluation: When conducting our thorough assessment of your case, our legal team will carefully consider every element including police reports and evidence presented against you – along with potential violations to your rights or weaknesses in prosecution’s arguments which provide potential opportunities for stronger defense strategies.
Plea Negotiations: Our attorneys may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, significantly decreasing potential jail time and fines as part of an agreement between both sides.
Expert Testimony: When necessary, we may call in expert witnesses such as toxicologists or accident reconstruction specialists in order to assist your defense team and challenge prosecution’s claims and offer new perspectives of events leading up to your arrest.
Protection of Your Rights: At every turn in the legal process, our DUI defense lawyers strive to uphold your constitutional rights and guarantee fair treatment without resorting to illegal tactics that could compromise your case.
Take Action Now & Protect Your Future with Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC
If you are facing a felony DUI conviction in Florida, do not wait. The potential penalties of such offenses can be serious, yet with professional counsel available such as Manderscheid Law Firm PLLC at your side you could reduce these consequences considerably and move toward more desirable results. Our firm has an outstanding record defending clients facing such charges and we stand ready to fight hard in your corner!
Contact our firm right now to set up a complimentary consultation and learn how we can protect your future. Call or connect online directly with an experienced DUI defense lawyer familiar with Florida laws; let us be there with you through this difficult time and provide the representation needed.
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