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Criminal Defense Is All We Do – Put Over 100 Years Of Combined Experience On Your Side
Attorneys David Parry, Matthew Kindel and Curtis Crider

Criminal Defense For Felony DUI Charges

Last updated on August 31, 2023

Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes get us in trouble with the law. One such mistake is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Our team of criminal defense attorneys at Bauer, Crider, Kindel and Parry in Pasco County exclusively practice criminal law and have been for decades. Together, they have more than 100 years of experience and have successfully defended thousands of clients against complex criminal charges. If you are facing felony charges for a DUI in Florida, they can protect your constitutional rights and fight to keep you out of jail.

What Is The Difference Between A Misdemeanor DUI And A Felony DUI?

In the state of Florida, there are different degrees of criminal charges. A first-time DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Even a second DUI charge is usually only charged as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is a lesser charge that comes with less severe penalties. Most misdemeanor crimes in the state of Florida are punishable upon conviction by less than one year in jail. Felony crimes are more serious and are typically punishable by more than one year in jail.

When Does A DUI Become A Felony?

Under certain circumstances, state attorneys can and will charge a DUI as a felony. Even if it’s a first offense, certain aggravating factors will give prosecutors the freedom to charge your DUI as a felony. These include:

  • You were driving under the influence, and someone is seriously injured as a result.
  • You were driving under the influence, and someone was killed as a result.
  • Your blood alcohol content (BAC) level is recorded at an excessively high amount (often 0.15 and above) during an arrest, and you have prior DUI charges.
  • You are charged with a third DUI within 10 years of your previous DUI conviction.
  • You are charged with a fourth DUI.

In Florida, a conviction for a felony-level DUI charge could result in a jail sentence longer than a year, severe fines, a lengthy suspension of your driver’s license, mandatory community service and driving safety courses.

Why Should You Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney?

An experienced criminal defense attorney can fight to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed. After you have a prior conviction for a DUI charge, it is even more important to retain an experienced DUI defense attorney, as penalties become more severe the more DUI convictions you have in your criminal record. It is possible to expunge misdemeanor convictions for DUI, our experienced defense lawyers can also assist you with the expungement process.

Contact A DUI Defense Attorney Today

Our DUI criminal defense lawyers are available for consultation appointments. You can schedule your free appointment by calling our office at 727-275-9822 or by sending us an email using our website form.