Florida DUI Felonies

A Florida DUI Felony applies to repeat DUI offenders as well as DUI accidents that involve serious bodily injury.

According to the Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicles, a Felony DUI applies to:

Any person convicted of a third DUI within 10 years or a fourth or subsequent DUI commits a Third Degree Felony punishable by not more than $5,000 in fines and/or 5 years imprisonment.

Any person who causes serious bodily injury while driving under the influence is guilty of a Third Degree Felony punishable by not more than $5,000 in fines and/or 5 years imprisonment. This also applies if the person is convicted as a habitual/violent felony offender as provided in s. 775.084, F.S.

 Other stipulations for third or fourth DUI repeat offenders under Florida DUI laws include:

 Third DUI Conviction:

•  Fines: If it has been more than 10 years from second conviction, the fine will be not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000. If defendant’s BAL is .15 or higher, or a minor is present in the vehicle the fines increase to not less than $4,000.
•  Jail: If this is the third conviction within 10 years, a mandatory sentence of at least 30 days in prison is enforced. At least 48 hours of this confinement must be consecutive.
•  Jail: If this is third conviction in more than 10 years, imprisonment will not exceed 12 months.
•  Vehicle Impoundment: If this is the third DUI conviction within 10 years the defendant’s car will be impounded for 90 days (exceptions are made for family or businesses at the discretion of the court).
•  License Revocation: Minimum of 10 years revocation with possibility of hardship reinstatement after the first 2 years.

Fourth DUI Conviction:

•  Fines: Not less than $2,000
•  Jail: Not more than 5 years imprisonment or as provided in s.775.084, Florida Statutes, as a habitual/violent offender.
• License Revocation: Mandatory permanent revocation regardless of when prior convictions occurred. No hardship reinstatement eligibility.
• What are the penalties for Florida DUI Manslaughter Felonies?
•  DUI/Manslaughter: Convicted drivers are charged with a Second Degree Felony punishable by not more than $10,000 in fines and/or 15 years imprisonment.
•  DUI/Manslaughter/Leaving the Scene: A driver convicted of DUI Manslaughter who knew/should have known the accident occurred and failed to give information or render aid is guilty of a First Degree Felony punishable by not more than $10,000 in fines and/or 30 years imprisonment.

If you have been charged with repeated DUI offenses it is important to act quickly and speak with a professional Florida DUI attorney about your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.