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Felony DUI in Florida: What You Need to Know

In Florida, a DUI becomes a felony under certain serious circumstances:

  • Third DUI within 10 years of a prior conviction

  • Fourth DUI in a lifetime

  • DUI causing serious bodily injury

  • DUI manslaughter

Felony DUI charges come with much harsher penalties than misdemeanor cases. You could face mandatory jail time, long-term or lifetime license revocation, steep fines, and even the loss of civil rights. However, these cases are still defensible. The State must prove two key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The driver was in actual physical control of the vehicle

  2. The driver’s normal faculties were impaired

Because of what’s at stake—your freedom, finances, and future—it’s critical to hire an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands how to challenge evidence and protect your rights.

Penalties for a Third DUI (Within 10 Years)

  • Fine: $2,000–$5,000 minimum; $4,000 minimum if BAC was over .15

  • Probation: Up to 5 years felony probation

  • Jail: Mandatory 30 days (minimum)

  • License Revocation: Mandatory 10-year suspension

  • Hardship License: Eligible after 2 years with DUI school completion, supervision, and 12 months of sobriety and no driving

  • Ignition Interlock: Mandatory for 2 years if reinstated

Penalties for a Fourth DUI (Lifetime)

  • Fine: Minimum $2,000

  • Probation: Up to 5 years felony probation

  • Jail: Up to 5 years

  • License Revocation: Permanent, with no option for a hardship license

Why Legal Representation Matters

Felony DUI cases often involve complex legal issues—prior conviction timelines, BAC evidence, accident reconstruction, and constitutional challenges (like unlawful stops or testing procedures). A skilled defense attorney can evaluate whether your rights were violated and if any evidence should be suppressed.

If you’re facing a felony DUI in Sanford or anywhere in Central Florida, don’t face it alone. Attorney Ryan Yadav provides experienced, aggressive defense to help protect your freedom and fight for your future.

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