Jacksonville Beach Felony DUI Lawyer

Jacksonville Beach Felony DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence charges in Florida can be a daunting experience, particularly if those charges are filed as a felony. If you’ve been charged with a felony DUI in Jacksonville Beach, securing the services of a skilled Jacksonville Beach felony DUI lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights, your future, and your driving privileges. A Jacksonville Beach criminal defense lawyer can assist in addressing related legal concerns that may arise during the case. The guidance of a Jacksonville Beach DUI lawyer ensures a thorough defense tailored to the specifics of DUI charges.

A felony DUI charge comes with severe penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment, steep fines, and long-term license suspension. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference in how your case is resolved. With the help of the team at Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., you can put knowledge and experience on your side to have your charges reduced, dismissed, or reached an acquittal.

Understanding Felony DUI in FL

In Florida, DUI charges on their own could be charged as a misdemeanor. Certain aggravating circumstances, however, can elevate a DUI charge to a felony. If you are facing a felony DUI, it means that the offense is considered more serious, and the potential consequences are far more severe. A DUI could be charged as a felony if any of the following are true:

• You have previous DUI convictions: A third DUI within ten years, or any fourth DUI, is automatically considered a felony, regardless of the timeframe between offenses.
• The DUI resulted in serious bodily injury: If you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence, and someone is seriously injured, you could face felony DUI charges.
• The DUI resulted in death: If someone dies because of an accident where you were driving under the influence, you could face DUI manslaughter charges, which is a second-degree felony in Florida.
• Child endangerment: Driving under the influence of a minor in the vehicle can result in enhanced penalties, including felony charges.

These circumstances are just a few examples of how DUI charges can be elevated to a felony. A Jacksonville Beach Felony DUI Lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your situation and develop a legal strategy aimed at reducing or dismissing the charges.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Florida

The penalties for a felony DUI in Florida are far more severe than for a misdemeanor DUI. The stakes are higher, and the consequences can have a lasting impact on your life. Potential penalties include:

• Prison time: A felony DUI conviction can lead to imprisonment. For a third DUI within ten years, you could face up to 5 years in prison. For a DUI manslaughter conviction, the sentence can be as high as 15 years.
• Fines: Felony DUI convictions come with significant financial penalties. You could be required to pay fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the specifics of your case.
• License suspension: A license suspension is one of the most immediate consequences of a felony DUI conviction. Depending on the number of prior offenses and the circumstances of the DUI, your driving privileges could be revoked for a significant period, possibly even permanently.
• Criminal record: A felony conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.

How a Jacksonville Beach Felony DUI Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been charged with a felony DUI, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. The office of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., can be your strongest advocate during this difficult time. We take a proactive approach to your defense and work to challenge the evidence against you.

Here’s what we do:

• Investigate the circumstances of your arrest: This includes examining whether the traffic stop was lawful, if the breathalyzer or field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and whether your rights were violated in any way.
• Negotiate with prosecutors: In some cases, a lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the felony charge to a misdemeanor or reduces the penalties you face.
• Represent you in court: Should your case go to trial, we can provide aggressive representation, using evidence and expert testimony to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
• Help you maintain your driving privileges: We will also assist you in dealing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to protect your driving privileges, which may include fighting a license suspension.

FAQs About Jacksonville Beach. FL Felony DUI Lawyer

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

The costs for a DUI defense attorney in Florida can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. The costs are impacted by the experience of your attorney, the legal complexities, the amount of time required to prepare your case, and more. It is recommended that you ask a potential DUI attorney about their fees during any initial consultation.

What Is the Sentence for a Felony DUI in Florida?

The sentence for a felony DUI in Florida depends on several factors, including the number of prior convictions and the circumstances of the offense. If your charges include any aggravating or mitigating factors, these could also impact the potential penalties you could face. Reviewing the circumstances of your charges with your attorney can help to understand the severity of your penalties if you are convicted.

How Can I Get a DUI Dropped in Florida?

Having your DUI charges dropped in Florida can be difficult, but it is possible. By building a defense that shows the initial traffic stop was not legal, the law enforcement officer was not trained to administer sobriety tests, the breathalyzer equipment was not calibrated, or any number of other circumstances, you could find your charges dropped. With the help of your DUI lawyer, you could have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?

While you do not need to legally get a lawyer for your DUI case, it is highly recommended that you hire a lawyer who can help you navigate the difficult legal system. DUI cases can be complex, and the penalties are severe. A Jacksonville Beach Felony DUI Lawyer can fight to protect your rights and work to reduce the penalties you could face. Put knowledge and experience on your side.

Jacksonville Beach Felony DUI Lawyer

If you are ready to take the first step toward resolving your case, contact a DUI lawyer in Jacksonville Beach today. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. The office of Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., a Jacksonville Beach felony DUI lawyer, can advocate for your rights, guide you through the process, and ensure you understand every step of your case. Don’t let a DUI conviction ruin your future. Contact us for a free consultation.