Sarasota Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a DUI is stressful enough. But when the offense has been elevated to a felony, everything is at stake. That can include your freedom, career, family, and future.

When you are uncertain about what is ahead, turn to Titan Law.

Our skilled Sarasota felony DUI defense lawyer will look at the facts of your case and work on a defense for you. Let us help you move forward from this difficult chapter.

What Is a Felony DUI in Florida?

When you are impaired by drugs or alcohol and drive on Florida’s roads, it puts everyone at risk. DUI offenses are severe enough, so what causes these charges to rise to a felony?

In the Sunshine State, most DUI charges are misdemeanors. However, certain factors can boost that to a felony offense. As a result, you can face far more serious consequences. Some of these reasons include:

• Repeated offenses: If this is your third DUI within 10 years, or if you have had four or more DUI convictions in your lifetime, that is classified as a felony.
• Serious injuries: If someone was seriously injured in an accident where you were accused of driving under the influence, the charge could escalate to a felony.
• DUI manslaughter: If someone loses their life in an accident involving a driving under the influence, the charge becomes DUI manslaughter. This is one of the most severe DUI-related felonies.
• Driving with a minor in the vehicle: A DUI charge involving a child passenger may result in enhanced penalties, including felony charges in some instances.

Driving under the influence charges can all be elevated under these circumstances. It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist, commercial driver, or underage, these circumstances will raise the charges against you.

If you have been arrested and are facing felony charges, reach out to Titan Law to see how we can assist with your case.

Why Are Felony DUI Charges More Serious?

Felony DUIs are considered much more serious than misdemeanors due to the increased harm or risk associated with the offense. Because of that, Florida law imposes much harsher penalties for felony DUI convictions to deter dangerous behavior and protect the public.

While the penalties for a felony DUI conviction in Sarasota depend on the severity of the offense, they are usually harsh. You could face:

Prison Time

Felony DUI convictions often result in long prison sentences, such as:

• Third-degree felony: Up to five years in prison.
• Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison, usually for DUI manslaughter.
• First-degree felony: In rare cases, such as DUI manslaughter with aggravating factors, sentences can reach up to 30 years in prison.

Substantial Fines

These convictions come with large financial penalties. Fines can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the charge and circumstances of the case.

License Revocation

Many times, a conviction can result in long-term or permanent revocation of your driver’s license. Under the law, this can include:

• Third DUI within 10 years: Minimum 10-year revocation.
• DUI manslaughter: Permanent revocation, but you may be eligible for hardship reinstatement after five years.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

The court may require you to install an IID on your vehicle once your driving privileges are restored. This device requires you to pass a breath test before starting your car.

Probation and Community Service

Along with prison time, you may face several years of probation. You must comply with strict conditions, such as:

• Reporting to a probation officer
• Completing DUI education programs
• Performing a set number of community service hours

Restitution to Victims

If your DUI caused injury or death, you could be ordered to pay restitution to cover the victims’ medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses.

Permanent Criminal Record

Felonies will stay on your criminal record for life. This can have lasting impacts on your ability to:

• Get employed
• Rent or buy a home
• Apply for loans or financial aid

This is a serious situation if you’re facing this type of charge. You need to take steps to protect your freedom and future.

With so much on the line, you will want to reach out to a Sarasota felony DUI defense lawyer to help defend you against these charges.

Avoiding Serious Penalties

Keep in mind that a charge is not the same as a conviction. You and your legal team will have the opportunity to challenge the case against you. With a solid defense, you might be able to avoid the harshest penalties of this offense.

Your DUI lawyer might challenge the traffic stop itself. Police officers need a valid reason to pull you over. The evidence collected afterward may be thrown out if the stop was not lawful.

Also, breathalyzer results and blood tests are not always foolproof. Calibration errors, mishandling of samples, or even medical conditions like acid reflux can lead to inaccurate readings. The validity of these tests can be called into question.

Your legal team might want to dispute the fact that you were impaired. Your lawyer can present evidence showing that your behavior was not due to alcohol or drugs but some other factor.

In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a felony DUI to a misdemeanor or seek alternative sentencing options.

Before moving forward, you will want to speak with a knowledgeable DUI lawyer in Sarasota who can help you through the process.

Why a Sarasota Felony DUI Defense Lawyer Is an Invaluable Advocate

This may be the first time you’ve faced a serious legal issue. For most people, they may feel lost in the process.

We are here to listen to your story, review the evidence, explain your options, and answer your questions. We want you to know the possible outcomes as we proceed with the case.

We will also take the time to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This can help us craft a solid defense tailored for you.

You can count on us for dedicated support. From the first court appearance to the final resolution, we will be by your side, answering your questions and easing your worries.

Whether negotiating a plea deal or taking your case to trial, our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your future.

Titan Law is here to stand by your side.