Felony DUI Defense Lawyers in Tampa, Florida
The majority of Tampa DUI cases involve misdemeanor charges. However, in certain circumstances a driver may face felony charges and therefore harsher penalties.
A misdemeanor is an offense which is typically punishable by up to 12 months in county jail, and a felony is an offense punishable by a minimum state prison term of 1 year. DUI offenses which may qualify as felony DUI charges include: DUI causing serious bodily injury, certain 3rd DUI offenses, DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
A Tampa DUI attorney at Thomas & Paulk can help you if you have been arrested for and charged with a felony DUI offense. These cases will require more intense defense representation, as the charges are more serious and the penalties are graver. If convicted of a felony DUI offense in Tampa, a driver may face years in a state correctional facility. With proper representation, however, a driver stands to avoid these penalties and a conviction altogether.
Tampa Felony DUI Charges: Penalties
- A conviction for a third DUI offense, where previous convictions were within the past 10 years, may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
- A conviction for DUI causing serious bodily injury may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a 5 year prison sentence.
- DUI manslaughter may result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in state prison.
- Leaving the scene of an accident, where the driver was driving drunk and caused the death of another person, is a First Degree Felony. A conviction may result in up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Tampa DUI Attorneys
You will benefit from consulting a Tampa DUI lawyer as soon as possible if you have been arrested on suspicion of felony DUI charges. Much is at stake, and you will need aggressive, competent representation immediately if you are to have any chance to keep your driver's license, avoid heavy fines and avoid long-term imprisonment.
Contact a Tampa felony DUI lawyer at Thomas & Paulk today for a free case evaluation!