Felony DUI
Most DUI charges in Jacksonville are considered misdemeanors. Some offenses, however, are considered felonies. If you are facing felony charges in Jacksonville, you need the help of a Jacksonville DUI lawyer.
The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the crime and the penalties involved. A misdemeanor is any crime that warrants less than a year in county jail. A felony can be punished by imprisonment for a year or more. When it comes to DUI, a basic charge can become a felony if you are labeled a repeat offender—after four or more DUI convictions within ten years, any DUI can become a felony offense and could net you up to five years in prison.
Our Jacksonville DUI Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights
A DUI can also be a felony if it causes bodily harm to another person. That is, if you are involved in an accident while you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and another person is killed or seriously injured, you could be charged with felony DUI—as well as manslaughter in the event that someone is killed. If you are convicted, these charges can result in up to 15 years in prison, or twice that if you attempt to flee the scene of the accident.
If you have been arrested and charged with felony DUI, your future hangs in the balance. Don’t take chances with your freedom by going unrepresented, or by passing on your right to defend yourself. You need an attorney with considerable experience in complex DUI law, and that has a proven track record of success in handling felony DUI cases like yours. With the right attorney by your side, beating your charges is a very real possibility. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a top Jacksonville DUI lawyer today.
