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Fort Myers Criminal Attorney / Fort Myers Felony DUI Attorney

Fort Myers Felony DUI Attorney

A charge of driving under the influence (DUI) is serious and carries stiff consequences, but when the DUI is elevated to a felony, the stakes become even higher. In Florida, a felony DUI conviction can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term license revocation. At Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to defending individuals facing felony DUI charges in Lee and Collier counties. Our experienced criminal defense team understands the nuances of DUI laws in Florida and will work tirelessly to protect your rights in the local courts. Contact our experienced and dedicated Fort Myers felony DUI defense lawyer today.

What Constitutes a Felony DUI in Florida?

Not every DUI charge results in a felony. Florida law outlines specific circumstances in which a DUI is classified as a felony offense, including:

  • Third DUI within 10 Years: If you are convicted of a third DUI offense within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction, the charge is elevated to a third-degree felony.
  • Fourth or Subsequent DUI: A fourth DUI conviction, regardless of the time between offenses, is considered a third-degree felony.
  • DUI Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury: A DUI that leads to serious bodily injury to another person is classified as a third-degree felony.
  • DUI Manslaughter: If a DUI results in the death of another person, it can be charged as a second-degree felony. This is one of the most severe DUI charges in Florida.

Penalties for Felony DUI Convictions

The penalties for a felony DUI conviction in Florida are far more severe than those for a misdemeanor DUI. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction could lead to the following consequences:

  • Third-Degree Felony: Up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and a 10-year driver’s license revocation.
  • Second-Degree Felony (DUI Manslaughter): Up to 15 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and permanent revocation of your driver’s license.
  • Additional Penalties: Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, community service, DUI education courses, and extended probation.

Like any felony, a felony DUI conviction can also have long-term consequences, such as difficulty finding employment, loss of certain civil rights, and the stigma of a felony record.

Defenses Against Felony DUI Charges

At Hollander & Hanuka, we leave no stone unturned when building a defense against felony DUI charges. Every case is unique, and we will carefully examine the details of your arrest and the evidence against you. Potential defenses we may explore include:

  • Unlawful Traffic Stop: If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to pull you over, any evidence obtained after the stop may be inadmissible in court.
  • Challenging Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzer machines can be prone to errors or improper calibration. We will investigate whether the test was administered correctly and whether the device was properly maintained.
  • Field Sobriety Test Issues: Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately reflect impairment. We will evaluate the circumstances under which the test was conducted, including weather conditions and the condition of the testing area.
  • Violation of Rights: Any violation of your constitutional rights, such as improper questioning without a Miranda warning, could result in the dismissal of evidence or charges.

Why Choose Hollander & Hanuka for Your Felony DUI Defense in Fort Myers?

At Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law, we know how serious a felony DUI charge can be and how important it is to have high-quality, dedicated legal representation on your side. Our Fort Myers criminal defense attorneys have a deep understanding of Florida DUI laws and are committed to providing aggressive and strategic representation. We take a client-centered approach, working closely with you to understand your situation and build a strong defense.

Whether you are facing a third DUI charge or a more serious charge like DUI manslaughter, we will fight to protect your future. From negotiating plea deals to taking your case to trial, we will be with you every step of the way.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with felony DUI in Fort Myers, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Fort Myers DUI defense lawyers of Hollander & Hanuka Attorneys at Law are here to provide the skilled defense you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you fight your felony DUI charge.