Are you facing felony DUI charges in Lakeland, FL? If so, it’s essential to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The potential penalties for a felony charge are severe, and the best way to mitigate them is by working with competent legal representation.
With more than 25 years of experience handling criminal cases, you can trust that we know what we’re doing. We can help defendants with any type of DUI charge. Contact our skilled DUI law firm, Grajek Trial Attorney at Law, at (863) 688-4606 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Lakeland felony DUI lawyer.
Why Choose Grajek Trial Attorney at Law if You’re Arrested for Felony DUI in Lakeland?
Facing a felony DUI charge in Lakeland, Florida, is stressful. It also puts your freedom and future at risk. That’s why it matters who you choose to represent you. You need a firm experienced with DUI cases and that knows exactly how to protect your rights.
At Grajek Trial Attorney at Law, our Lakeland criminal defense lawyers:
- Are recognized as The National Trial Lawyers’ – Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Hold the prestigious Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society, giving us unique insight
- Have trial experience, which means we know how to tell your story and challenge the prosecution’s case in the courtroom
Contact our law office to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a Lakeland felony DUI attorney.
Overview of Felony DUI in Florida
Driving under the influence in Florida can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. It can be helpful for defendants to understand the law so they know what they could be facing.
Generally, the following situations can result in a DUI felony charge:
- Third DUI Offense Within 10 Years: If you’re charged with a third DUI and your last conviction was less than 10 years ago, Florida law treats it as a felony.
- Causing Serious Injury or Death: If someone is hurt or killed while you’re behind the wheel under the influence, the state will almost always file felony charges.
- Driving Under the Influence with a Minor in the Car: Having someone under the age of 18 in the car while you’re driving under the influence generally leads to felony charges. It may also lead to other related charges, like child endangerment.
- Other Aggravating Factors That Can Lead to Felony DUI: Some other situations that can lead to felony DUI charges in Florida include drunk driving in a school zone, being behind the wheel while your license is already revoked, refusing to comply with required chemical testing, or causing major property damage in an accident.
Anyone facing felony charges should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties for Felony DUI in Lakeland, Florida?
A felony DUI conviction in Lakeland carries life-changing penalties and can impact more than just your driving privileges.
Here’s what you might be facing if you’re found guilty:
Prison Time
A judge may order anywhere from a mandatory minimum of 30 days up to 5 years behind bars, depending on the circumstances and how many previous DUIs are on your record.
Fines and Financial Costs
Felony DUI fines quickly add up, often reaching thousands of dollars. This doesn’t include court costs, probation fees, the price for an attorney, or other related expenses.
Ignition Interlock Device
If convicted, you’ll be required (at your own expense) to have a breathalyzer device installed in your car for a set period, making driving more complicated and expensive.
Alcohol Education and Treatment
Many sentences include mandatory alcohol education classes or rehab programs. These requirements are both time-consuming and can add even more financial strain.
License Suspension or Revocation
You could lose your license for several years. If this is your fourth DUI offense, you could face a lifetime revocation of your driving privileges in addition to significant prison time for being a habitual offender.
The penalties for felony DUI in Florida can affect your life for many years to come, even once your sentence is completed. Make sure you seek legal representation as soon as possible if you’re facing charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Felony DUI?
If you’re arrested for felony DUI in Florida, there are several defenses a skilled attorney may be able to use to fight the charges.
Here are some defenses that might be helpful:
Challenging Prior Convictions
If the state is trying to use earlier DUIs to increase your charges, your lawyer can review whether you have as many prior convictions as they’re saying.
Questioning Serious Injury or Death Claims
For felony DUIs involving accidents, your attorney can investigate accident reports and medical records to see if the injuries or deaths were truly caused by drunk driving, or if there were other contributing factors.
Proving No Impairment
Obviously, the main element of a DUI charge is that you were actually impaired. Your attorney can argue that you weren’t under the influence by providing witness testimony or having BAC evidence suppressed. Your lawyer could also show that you weren’t actually driving (like if the police showed up to an accident and there was no one in the car).
This is not a comprehensive list but provides an overview of possible defenses.
We understand how difficult it is to navigate the criminal justice system. Our law firm is here to help you fight back against these charges, and we’ll do everything possible to make sure you can have the future you want and deserve. If you need help with a felony DUI charge, you don’t need to keep looking for legal representation.
Contact Grajek Trial Attorney at Law, to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Lakeland felony DUI attorney.