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Pasco County Criminal Defense Lawyer / Pasco County Felony DUI Lawyer

Pasco County Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

A felony DUI charge can have a profound impact on your life, leading to severe penalties, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences for your career, finances, and personal freedom. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we understand the seriousness of these charges and are committed to providing skilled legal representation to clients charged with serious felony offenses, including felony drinking and driving. Contact our Pasco County felony DUI defense lawyer today for skilled, professional advice and representation.

Felony DUI Charges in Florida

In Florida, a DUI charge escalates to a felony in certain situations. While a first or second DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor, the following circumstances may result in a felony DUI charge:

  • Three DUIs Within 10 Years: If you have been convicted of DUI three times within 10 years, your third offense will be charged as a third-degree felony.
  • Fourth or Subsequent DUI Offenses: Regardless of how long ago your prior convictions occurred, a fourth DUI or more is automatically charged as a felony.
  • DUI with Serious Bodily Injury: If a DUI accident results in serious bodily injury to another person, it is a third-degree felony.
  • DUI Manslaughter: If a DUI results in the death of another person, it is considered DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony. If the driver leaves the scene, the charge escalates to a first-degree felony.

Felony DUI convictions carry significant penalties, including substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and extended driver’s license revocations.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Florida

The penalties for a felony DUI conviction depend on the specific charge and the circumstances of your case. For a third-degree felony, penalties can include Up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a minimum 10-year license revocation. For a second-degree felony (DUI manslaughter), the sentence can include up to 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and permanent revocation of your driver’s license. In the case of a first-degree felony, such as DUI Manslaughter with Hit-and-Run, a convicted offender faces up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

In addition to these penalties, a felony conviction may also require mandatory substance abuse treatment, community service, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Defenses Against Felony DUI Charges in Pasco County

A felony DUI charge does not automatically result in a conviction. With an experienced Pasco County DUI defense attorney on your side, you may be able to challenge the evidence against you and seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Common defenses against felony DUI charges include:

  • Challenging Breath or Blood Test Results: If the testing equipment was improperly calibrated or the test was conducted incorrectly, the results may be inadmissible.
  • Unlawful Traffic Stop: If the police did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained during the stop may be suppressed.
  • Disputing Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be influenced by medical conditions, fatigue, or poor road conditions.
  • Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence and that your actions caused the injuries or fatalities in question.

Why Choose Athanaselos & Associates, P.A.?

At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we take a strategic and personalized approach to every case. Attorney John Athanaselos has extensive experience handling complex legal matters and is committed to protecting your rights and freedom. When you choose our firm, you can expect a comprehensive case analysis from the start. We will thoroughly review the facts of your case and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. We are dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome with aggressive advocacy in and out of court, whether that means negotiating a favorable plea agreement or taking your case to trial. You can also count on us for compassionate support. Facing felony DUI charges can be overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you through the legal process and provide the support you need.

Contact a Pasco County Felony DUI Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing felony DUI charges in Pasco County, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., the better your chances of building a strong defense. Schedule a consultation today by calling 727-810-8405 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you protect your future.

Let our experienced legal team fight to safeguard your rights, reputation, and freedom.