Felony DUI Charges in Palm Beach
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Offenses
Under Florida Statutes §316.193 (2012), driving under the influence
of alcohol or drugs can be charged as a felony when the defendant has
been convicted of DUI twice with one prior conviction in the past ten
years or has been convicted three times during any period. In addition
to multiple DUI convictions, cases of DUI with injury are chargeable as
third degree felonies, provided that the victim suffered serious bodily
injury, including life-threatening injuries and those resulting in severe
disfigurement.
The maximum penalty for either of these offenses is a $5,000 fine and 5
years in state prison. You can also be subjected to revocation of your
driver's license with a minimum term of 3 years, ten years or a permanent
revocation, depending on the offense. If you are charged with DUI manslaughter,
you can be convicted of a second degree felony, or a first degree felony
in the case of a hit and run, with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
No matter how dire the situation may appear, remember that you are legally
presumed innocent until proven guilty, and with our help you could be
able to avoid the serious consequences of a conviction. Call or visit
our office to discuss your concerns and learn more about how we can fight
to clear your name.
Palm Beach DUI Attorney Fighting for You
In most cases, driving under the influence is charged as a misdemeanor
criminal offense, with a maximum penalty of six months and a $1,000 fine
for a first conviction. There are, however, certain circumstances which
can cause the charge to be increased to a felony offense. Felony DUI crimes
carry a minimum sentence of one year in state prison.
If you have been charged with a felony DUI offense in Palm Beach, contact
us at Parks & Braxton, PA. We have won thousands of DUI cases, and
when you work with a
Palm Beach DUI attorney at our firm you will have a team with more than 50 years of combined experience
on your side. You can reach us at any time 24/7- even on holidays - and
we are ready to take immediate action to defend your rights and help you
find your way out of the criminal justice system.