Felony DUI Attorney in Florida

Facing a Felony DUI Charge? Get Trusted Guidance in Florida

Felony DUI charges can change your life in Florida. When you or someone you love faces a felony drunk driving accusation, you need a team that understands both state laws and your specific needs. At Florida Ticket Firm, we walk clients through every phase, pairing our knowledge of Florida’s DUI statutes with consistent support and straightforward communication.

Many drivers feel uncertain after an arrest, especially with Florida prosecutors bringing serious consequences in repeat or aggravated drunk driving cases. Your outcome could affect your freedom, finances, and family for many years. Our team believes you deserve defense strategies built on experience and adapted to the unique rules around felony DUI charges in Florida. We take your calls, answer your questions, and give reliable support when you need it.

Protect your freedom and your license. Call (813) 565-3353 or reach out online today for your free consultation. Choose the Florida felony DUI lawyer with trusted experience and bilingual help available. We are available 24/7.

Understanding Felony DUI Laws in Florida

In Florida, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction becomes a felony under three primary circumstances, governed by Florida Statute § 316.193. It is critical for your Florida felony DUI lawyer to analyze which enhancement the State is pursuing, as the defenses vary for each.

Circumstances that Elevate DUI to a Felony

• Third DUI Conviction within 10 Years: A third DUI conviction within 10 years of a previous conviction is automatically charged as a Third-Degree Felony.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI Conviction: Any fourth or subsequent DUI conviction, regardless of when the prior offenses occurred, is charged as a Third-Degree Felony.
• DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury: If the DUI results in Serious Bodily Injury to another person, it is charged as a Third-Degree Felony.
• DUI Manslaughter: If the DUI results in the death of another person, it is charged as a Second-Degree Felony (or a First-Degree Felony if the driver fled the scene).

Felony Classification Penalties in Florida

The consequences for a felony DUI are absolute and life-changing. We offer free consultations to discuss how our firm can fight these mandatory penalties.

• Third-Degree Felony (Repeat Offender / Serious Injury): Punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison and a fine up to $\$5,000$.
• Second-Degree Felony (DUI Manslaughter): Punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison and a fine up to $10,000, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years.
• First-Degree Felony (DUI Manslaughter with Fleeing): Punishable by up to 30 years in Florida State Prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The penalties are exceptionally harsh, underscoring why immediate consultation with a skilled felony DUI attorney in Florida is non-negotiable.

Lifelong Collateral Consequences

A conviction for a felony DUI charge permanently alters your legal status:

• Felon Status: Permanent loss of the right to vote, hold public office, and possess firearms.
• Employment and Licensing: Felony status leads to the denial or revocation of many professional licenses (e.g., teaching, law, medicine, finance).
• Immigration Status: A felony conviction is an Aggravated Felony for non-citizens, resulting in mandatory deportation.
• Insurance: Permanent need for expensive, high-risk SR-22 insurance and difficulty securing coverage.

The Florida Criminal Defense Process and the DMV

The process for a felony DUI is dual-track, involving a highly consequential civil administrative review that runs parallel to the criminal case in Circuit Court.

The Critical DMV Formal Review Hearing

Immediately after an arrest, the driver faces an Administrative License Suspension (ALS). You have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV Formal Review Hearing to contest this suspension.

We take immediate action to request this hearing, often within hours of being retained. This hearing is our first opportunity to challenge the arresting officer's testimony under oath and seek to invalidate the license suspension. Failure to request this hearing within the 10-day limit results in an automatic, lengthy suspension.

Felony Proceedings in Circuit Court

Felony cases are tried in Florida's Circuit Court and involve complex procedural steps:

• Arraignment and Bond: We argue for reasonable bail, emphasizing mitigating factors to the judge.
• Discovery and Motions to Suppress: Our firm challenges the chemical evidence (BAC) by scrutinizing the breath test machine maintenance logs and the 20-minute observation protocol. We also file motions to suppress any evidence obtained via an illegal traffic stop.
• Plea Negotiation: We leverage the weaknesses exposed during discovery and our trusted experience to negotiate for the lowest allowable sentence, potentially seeking a "downward departure" from the statutory minimum sentence.
• Trial: If the prosecution refuses a just resolution, we are fully prepared to proceed to trial, utilizing our deep understanding of Florida's criminal evidence rules.

Why Work With Our Felony DUI Lawyers in Florida

At Florida Ticket Firm, we listen to your concerns, protect what matters most—your license, your finances, your reputation—and serve clients throughout the state’s diverse population. 

• Proven results: Our team has successfully contested over a million traffic tickets and maintains a 99% success rate.
• Personalized legal strategy: We tailor every defense to your unique circumstances, never relying on a template approach.
• Clear, honest communication: We explain each step in plain language so you understand your choices and stay involved.
• Client-first focus: Our caring team treats you with respect, keeps you informed, and fights to safeguard your legal rights and driving privileges.
• Statewide accessibility: Our team connects with clients anywhere in Florida, offering both in-person and virtual consultations along with Spanish language support as needed.

We put a priority on individual service, combining legal skill with patience and compassion. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller community, you can expect dedicated attention and real answers. Our bilingual support makes every step more accessible for Spanish-speaking clients and their families.