Tampa Felony DUI Attorneys

What Constitutes a Felony DUI?

In Florida, the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances, and drugs is covered under Section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes. It can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on various factors, such as the person's history of DUI offenses and whether anyone was injured or killed. Felony DUI charges are reserved for repeat or aggravated offenses. In general, if you have been convicted of your second DUI, you will be at risk for a felony DUI charge for the next 10 years. If you receive your third conviction during this time, you may face third-degree felony charges, and a conviction would result in harsh penalties.

You can also be at risk for felony DUI under the following circumstances:

• A fourth conviction received at any time
• DUI manslaughter or child endangerment
• Fleeing from the scene of an accident
• DUI resulting in severe property damage
• An offense causing serious injury to another

Penalties for a Florida Felony DUI

A third DUI, DUI with a suspended or revoked license, or DUI causing serious injury is a third-degree felony and may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of up to 5 years. DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony and may result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in state prison. Leaving the scene of a DUI accident is a first-degree felony. Drivers are responsible for staying at the scene to render aid. The state harshly punishes failures to do so. A conviction may result in up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

DUI Involving Death: DUI Manslaughter

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Every day, 28 people die in an alcohol-related crash – that’s one person every 53 minutes.” With that statistic in mind, it’s understandable why the state comes down hard on drunk and drugged drivers who take other people’s lives. DUI manslaughter, defined under § 316.193 of the Florida Statutes, is a second-degree felony, punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 or 15 years in prison.

Driving on a Suspended License

We wanted to take a moment to discuss driving on a suspended license after a DUI. We bring this up because many Florida drivers are tempted to drive after a DUI suspension or revocation. Please be aware that even if someone is found guilty of a misdemeanor DUI, if they drive on a suspended license after a DUI or after DUI manslaughter, they are guilty of a third-degree felony. 

Take Charge of Your Felony DUI Case

Regardless of the exact reason for your charges, a felony DUI is always a serious matter. Our Tampa defense attorneys understand the freedoms at stake when facing a felony charge and are committed to doing whatever it takes to defend our clients' rights. We may challenge your breathalyzer results or contest the probable cause behind your arrest. In any case, our legal team knows how to provide the unflinching representation you need. If you have been charged with drinking and driving, contact an attorney. Our Tampa law firm has successfully defended clients in more than 7,000 cases and has built a reputation for hard-hitting DUI defense.

Contact our Tampa felony DUI defense firm to put 40+ years of collective experience in your corner. Your consultation is free!