Key Largo Felony DUI Defense Attorney

Aggressive Felony DUI Lawyers Handling Serious Charges in Key Largo, FL

The penalties for a person who is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can be serious, regardless of the situation. While some DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors, there are certain circumstances that can cause a DUI to be charged as a felony. The consequences for a felony DUI conviction can be far more serious than the penalties for a typical first-time DUI or second DUI offense. When a person has been charged with a felony DUI, they will need to understand why the charge was elevated, what penalties may apply, and what steps they can take to defend against a felony conviction.

The lawyers at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC can provide the representation clients need when addressing felony DUI charges in Key Largo and other parts of the Florida Keys. Whether a case involves multiple DUI offenses, injuries, death, or other aggravating factors, we can build an effective defense strategy and advocate on behalf of a client to help them minimize the potential consequences they may face.

Felony DUI Based on Prior Convictions

A person's history of previous DUI convictions will play a direct role in whether a new DUI charge will be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. When a person has two previous convictions for DUI, and their most recent conviction took place within the past 10 years, a DUI charge will be classified as a felony of the third degree. For a fourth DUI offense, third-degree felony charges will apply, no matter how long it has been since a previous conviction. A previous DUI on a person's record could lead to felony charges, even if many years have passed since an earlier conviction.

Felony DUI Based on Serious Bodily Injury

When a person is accused of driving under the influence and causing a car accident that resulted in an injury, they could face felony DUI charges. To qualify as a felony offense, someone must have suffered a serious bodily injury. That is, the injury must have been severe enough that it put a person at risk of dying or caused them to suffer permanent physical impairments or be disfigured.

In cases where DUI allegedly led to an injury, prosecutors may not need to show that a person's impairment was the sole cause of an accident. In many cases, evidence showing that a person was intoxicated when they were involved in an accident will be enough to support a conviction. This illustrates the importance of working with an attorney who can take steps to demonstrate that an accident had other causes or that a person was not responsible for someone else's injury.

Felony DUI Based on a Fatality

The most serious form of felony DUI involves an accident that resulted in someone's death. A person who is accused of driving under the influence and causing an accident in which someone was killed may be charged with DUI manslaughter. In most cases, this offense is a second-degree felony. However, if a person is accused of committing a hit and run after a fatal accident by failing to stop, exchange information, and provide aid, they could be charged with a first-degree felony.

Penalties for a Felony DUI Conviction

Felony DUI convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and other long-term consequences. The penalties for different offenses may include:

• Third-Degree Felony DUI: A conviction for a third or subsequent DUI or a DUI involving serious bodily injuries may lead to a prison sentence lasting for up to five years, as well as fines that may be as high as $5,000.
• Second-Degree Felony DUI Manslaughter: A conviction could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and fines that may be as high as $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony DUI Manslaughter: When a person is accused of DUI manslaughter involving hit and run, the maximum sentence increases to 30 years in prison.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction

While a felony conviction will often lead to a lengthy prison sentence and several thousand dollars in fines, a person will face additional consequences that can affect their life. Most of the time, a conviction will remain on a person's record for the rest of their life. This can lead to problems when applying for jobs, since many employers conduct background checks and will not hire someone with a felony record. Housing, professional licenses, and loans may also become more difficult to obtain for a person with a felony conviction.

A person who has been convicted of a felony will also lose some of their civil rights, including the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm. A felony DUI conviction will also lead to a long-term or permanent revocation of a person's driver's license. The personal impact of a felony conviction, including strain on a person's relationships with family members and friends, can continue for long after their sentence has been served.

How Our Attorneys Can Help After a Felony DUI Arrest

Felony DUI charges will often require different legal strategies than offenses classified as misdemeanors. Our lawyers have years of experience representing clients in criminal courts. We know how to address the evidence involved in these cases, and we can develop defense strategies to resolve a case without a felony conviction.

When a case involves an accident and a serious injury or fatality, we will take steps to gather accident reconstruction evidence and determine exactly what happened and who was responsible. We can also review the accuracy of breath and blood tests or other factors that may affect DUI charges. We will work to achieve the most favorable outcome available by negotiating to reduce charges, presenting mitigating evidence, or working to secure a dismissal or acquittal.

Contact Our Key Largo, FL Felony DUI Lawyers

The consequences of a felony DUI conviction can follow a person for the rest of their life. In these situations, it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer represent a person throughout their case. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we will review the details of a felony DUI arrest, explain the potential penalties a person may face, and determine the ideal approach to take to resolve a case successfully. Contact our Key Largo, Florida felony DUI defense attorneys at 305-324-7888 to arrange a free consultation.