A common DUI offense in Wellington is treated as a misdemeanor. However, for repeat or egregious offenses, you may be charged with a felony offense. The penalties for a Felony DUI are much more serious than that of a misdemeanor, and a conviction could drastically alter your life for the worst.
If you are facing a felony DUI charge, you do not have to fight the charges alone. One of our skilled DUI Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert is available to help you combat the charges made against you. Contact a Wellington Felony DUI Lawyer today for a free case review and an opportunity to build a convincing defense.
Wellington Felony DUI Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Wellington is usually regarded as a misdemeanor. However, certain aggravating circumstances could result in a DUI charge being elevated to a first, second, or third-degree felony.
Florida Statute § 316.193 (2)(b) states that a person could be charged with a third-degree felony DUI if convicted for a third DUI offense within ten years of a prior conviction. The statutes also state that, even if more than ten years have elapsed since the previous conviction, a fourth or subsequent DUI conviction shall also be charged as a third-degree felony. It is also a felony of the third degree to cause serious bodily injury to another person as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, whether for a first or subsequent DUI offense.
Causing the death of another person, including an unborn child, as a result of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is considered to be DUI manslaughter and is a felony of the second degree. However, it is a first-degree felony if the impaired driver realized a crash occurred and failed to render aid to others injured in the accident or to provide legally required information, such as name, address, and vehicle registration number.
Penalties for Felony DUIs in Wellington
The penalties for DUI offenses charged as third-degree felonies include a fine up to $5,000 and a prison term of up to five years. DUI offenses charged as either first- or second-degree felonies are punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and up to 30 years in prison.
If you are identified as a habitual felony offender, you could face even more severe penalties for felony DUI convictions. A felony DUI Lawyer in Wellington could answer questions about the potential penalties associated with a felony DUI charge.
Consult a Felony DUI Attorney in Wellington
If you have been accused of committing a felony DUI offense, it is absolutely necessary to retain the services of a Wellington felony DUI Lawyer shortly after you have been arrested. By hiring one of our experienced criminal Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert, you may be able to mitigate the charges made against you. However, to potentially increase the likelihood of obtaining a favorable outcome, be sure to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. The more time you have to prepare, the more convincing your argument could be.
