DUI Defense Attorneys

There are several ways your DUI can be charged as a Felony. Before discussing the different types of DUI offenses categorized as Felonies, it would be helpful to understand the differences between misdemeanor offenses and Felony offenses in general.

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• Misdemeanor Offenses are are dealt with in the County Court. They are punishable by up to 1 year in the County jail.  

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• Felony Offenses are more serious crimes, and are dealt with in the Circuit Court. They are broken into 3 separate degrees, based on the severity of the offense, and are punishable as follows:

  • 3rd Degree Felonies - ​Punishable by up to 5 years in the Florida State Prison and a $5,000 fine

  • 2nd Degree Felonies - Punishable by up to 15 years in the Florida State Prison and a $10,000 fine

  • 1st Degree Felonies - Punishable by up to 30 years in the Florida State Prison and a $10,000 fine

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A 3rd conviction for DUI within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction will result in Felony Charges being filed against you. The increased penalties for this offense are as follows:

• All penalties found here for 1st time DUI

• Becoming a convicted felon

• Minimum 30 days in the County jail, up to 5 years in the Florida State Prison

• Mandatory placement of Ignition Interlock device for at least 2 years

• 90 day impoundment of the vehicle you were driving

• Minimum 10 years driver's license revocation

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A 4th or subsequent conviction for a DUI, regardless of when the prior DUI conviction occurred, will also result in 3rd Degree Felony Charges. The minimum of 30 days jail and 90 days impondment applies to this offense as well if the 4th conviction occurs within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction. In addition, any conviction on a fourth or subsequent DUI will subject you to a mandatory permanent driver's license revocation by the DMV.

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Other DUI charges that are felony offenses include DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, a 2nd degree frelony; and DUI Manslughter, which depending on the circumstances, can be classified as either a 1st or 2nd Degree Felony.  Each of those charges are discussed in more detail later in this section.

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Don't plead guilty to your DUI charge. Let one of our Experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyers provide you with a free case evaluation today. Our attorneys have been to trial over 150 times and appear regularly in the Broward Felony Courts.