Jacksonville Felony DUI Lawyer

Call the Monroe Law Group, P.A. Today for Felony DUI Defense

Have you been charged with Felony DUI in Florida? Drunk driving is taken very seriously in this state, and government studies have shown that drivers with suspended licenses show no greater predilection for ignoring traffic laws than licensed drivers. Because of this, law enforcement looks for any excuse to stop motorists or search their vehicles.

Call the Monroe Law Group, P.A. firm at (904) 507-6194 as soon as possible to find out how we can help you get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

How Many DUIs Is a Felony in Florida?

A Florida DUI is a third-degree felony if you have three or more DUIs in the past 10 years. The third conviction itself is a third-degree felony if reached within 10 years of previous convictions.

Penalties that you will potentially be facing are severe. If you have been convicted of a felony DUI, call us right away to help reduce your penalties. There are many angles that need to be investigated. Our Jacksonville felony DUI defense attorneys can help guide you through the court-martial process, and create a winning strategy for your case.

What is a DUI?

In the Sunshine State, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of above .08%, as per Florida Statute 316.193. With a variety of Florida DUI penalties stackable over the course of multiple convictions, it’s absolutely critical to take any action available when your liberty is at stake. A knowledgeable attorney can be your key to a strong defense in these highly serious situations.

Consequences of a DUI Felony Conviction in Florida

A DUI felony will typically bring much worse penalties than for a first offense, which is typically treated as a misdemeanor unless you have been convicted of a previous DUI but some situations for following actions come far more serious consequences.

• Enhanced Penalties
• Probation Violations
• Criminal Detention
• Vehicle Seizure
• Higher “Habitual Violator” Fines & Penalties
• Vehicle Immobilization Fines & Penalties
• License Confiscation
• Medical Screening

What Makes a DUI a Felony in FL? 

Our DUI trial lawyers in Jacksonville investigate every possibility to create a viable defense for your case. Some potential mitigating circumstances which may involve “felony DUI” charges under Florida law are:

• Passenger claim and/or police officer error on-sight 0.08% BAC
• (As per your attorney) deceasing any breath tests (bad prep, inaccurate, and/or maintenance of the breathalyzer machine)
• Duplicate blood sample errors
• Multiethnicity problems

When looking into your DUI, our lawyers will check out other materials possible including scene photography, negotiations of the drunk driving incident, field sobriety test procedures, traffic violation process and protocol, and standard DUI operational modifications to test your case's validity if we suspect this could be of help to you.

What Six Aggravating Factors Make a Multiple DUI Conviction a Felony in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 316.193, a third DUI conviction within a five-year period or fourth or subsequent DUI conviction, even if beyond a five-year period, is a third-degree felony. Additionally, in these situations, the state is also allowed before the complex designation of ‘habitual violator,’ which comes with its own set of punitive additions.

Other possible aggravating circumstances allowing a Florida DUI to be elevated into a ‘felony’:

• Early termination of driver’s license suspension or revocation
• Fleeing police officers in DUI cases
• Previous count of felony DUI in a case involving permanent disability or vehicular homicide
• Minors present in the vehicle
• DUI manslaughter
• Leaving the scene of a DUI accident where other parties are injured
• Property damage exceeding $1,000
• DUI refusal, with prior DUIs affecting enhanced availability
• Driving an unattended vehicle that has been damaged during an accident

To set up a time to discuss the details of your case, call the Monroe Law Group, P.A.'s office at (904) 507-6194 to schedule your FREE consultation.