Fort Lauderdale, FL Felony DUI Lawyer

Attorney Defending Against Felony Drunk Driving Charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Most DUI arrests in Florida are treated as misdemeanors, especially for first-time offenders. However, there are some circumstances in which DUI may be charged as a felony offense. In these cases, a person may face far more severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. A felony DUI conviction can impact nearly every part of a person's life, from their freedom and driving privileges to their future employment and housing opportunities.

At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer defends clients against felony DUI charges in Fort Lauderdale. He can provide strategic representation to fight for reduced charges, avoid a conviction, or mitigate the penalties that could affect a person. He understands what is at stake in these cases, and he takes an aggressive approach to protecting clients' rights while treating them with compassion and working toward the most favorable possible outcome.

When a DUI May Be Charged as a Felony in Florida

• Third DUI Within 10 Years: If a person is arrested for DUI and has two prior convictions, with one occurring within the past 10 years, they will be charged with a third-degree felony. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI: When there are three or more DUI convictions on a person's record, any additional DUI charges will automatically be charged as third-degree felonies.
• DUI Involving Serious Injuries: If a DUI incident results in serious bodily injuries, a driver may be charged with a third-degree felony. A serious bodily injury may include any form of bodily harm that puts a person at risk of death, or results in disfigurement or the loss of bodily functions.
• DUI Manslaughter: If a person committed DUI and was responsible for causing an accident that resulted in someone's death, they will face second-degree felony charges. The penalties for a conviction may include a prison sentence lasting for up to 15 years. If the driver is accused of failing to stop and provide assistance after a crash, the charge may be elevated to a first-degree felony, and they could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.

Long-Term Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction

A felony conviction can lead to consequences that may extend well beyond jail time and fines. These include:

• A permanent felony record that cannot be expunged or sealed
• Loss of voting rights and the right to possess firearms
• Difficulty obtaining employment, housing, or professional licenses
• Increased insurance costs or loss of coverage
• Loss of eligibility for certain financial aid or public benefits

In addition to these legal and financial consequences, people who are convicted of felony DUI offenses may be subject to ongoing supervision, including drug and alcohol testing, probation, and mandatory counseling. They will lose their driving privileges for multiple years, or they may even face a permanent driver's license revocation.

Because the consequences of a felony conviction are so severe, it is essential to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands the legal complexities of the DUI laws in Florida and knows how to challenge the prosecution's case effectively.

Legal Help When Defending Against Felony DUI Charges

Our attorney represents clients who have been charged with felony DUI offenses in Fort Lauderdale. He will review the circumstances that led to an arrest for DUI, including details related to an accident in which injuries occurred. He can address the conduct of law enforcement officers during and after an arrest, looking for any violations of a person's rights that may have occurred. DUI cases may involve technical flaws, procedural errors, or violations of constitutional rights, and our lawyer can highlight these issues when arguing for reduced charges or a dismissal.

If necessary, our attorney will negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction in charges to avoid a felony conviction. He may work to ensure that a person can plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense that will limit the potential penalties. He may also advocate for alternative sentencing such as rehabilitation or probation while presenting mitigating factors that justify leniency.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Felony DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a felony DUI offense, the outcome of your case could impact the rest of your life. With so much at stake, you need a defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights and help you avoid the long-term consequences of a felony conviction. When you work with The Hoffman Firm, you will receive dedicated, compassionate legal representation, and you can rest assured that you will have an advocate on your side fighting for you. Contact our Fort Lauderdale, FL felony DUI defense lawyer at 954-524-4474 and set up your free consultation today.