Facing a DUI charge is stressful enough, but when that charge escalates to a felony, the stakes skyrocket. A felony DUI can bring severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, loss of driving privileges, and a criminal record that follows you for life.
The good news? With the right legal defense, you can protect your rights, challenge the charges, and work toward the best possible outcome.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our experienced Cocoa Beach felony DUI lawyers specialize in navigating the complexities of felony DUI cases. We fight aggressively for our clients, using proven strategies to dismantle weak evidence and minimize legal consequences.
If you’re facing a felony DUI, now is the time to act contact us today (321) 44-SHARK for skilled, strategic defense with an experienced Cocoa Beach DUI lawyer.
What is a Felony DUI?
A felony DUI is a driving under the influence offense elevated to felony status due to the severity of the circumstances or a driver’s history of offenses. Unlike a misdemeanor DUI, which often involves first-time offenders and no aggravating factors, a felony DUI carries significantly harsher penalties and long-term repercussions.
In most states, including Florida law, a DUI becomes a felony when certain conditions are met, such as causing serious bodily injury or death, having multiple prior DUI convictions, or driving under the influence while your license is suspended or revoked. This is why the help of a skilled Cocoa Beach felony DUI lawyer is essential.
Difference Between a Misdemeanor and Felony DUI
The primary distinction between misdemeanor and felony DUI charges lies in the severity of the offense and the legal consequences.
- Misdemeanor DUI: Typically applies to first or second DUI arrests with no serious injuries or fatalities involved. Penalties may include short jail time, probation, fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education.
- Felony DUI: Involves more serious circumstances, such as repeat offenses, injury or death to another person, or other aggravating factors. Felony convictions can result in years in state prison, substantial fines, extended license revocation, and the long-term loss of certain civil rights (like voting or firearm ownership).
While misdemeanors are serious, felony charges are life-altering and require an immediate and robust legal defense with an experienced felony DUI lawyer near you.
Factors Leading to Felony DUI Charges
Several circumstances can elevate a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony, including:
- Multiple DUI Convictions – Many states treat a third or fourth DUI offense within a set time frame (often 10 years) as a felony, regardless of whether the most recent incident caused injury.
- Accidents Resulting in Injury or Death – If a DUI results in serious bodily harm or a fatality, felony charges are almost certain.
- Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License – Operating a vehicle under the influence while your license is already suspended (especially for a prior DUI) is an aggravating factor that can escalate the charge.
- High Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) – Extremely high BAC levels can increase penalties and sometimes trigger felony considerations, particularly when combined with other violations.
- Child Endangerment – Driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle can lead to felony DUI charges.
Potential Penalties of a Felony DUI
The exact penalties depend on the state’s laws and the specifics of the offense, but common consequences in felony DUI cases include:
- Lengthy Prison Sentences – Ranging from one year to several decades for cases involving injury or death.
- Hefty Fines – Often reaching thousands of dollars.
- Long-Term License Revocation – In some cases, permanent loss of driving privileges.
- Probation and Mandatory Programs – Including alcohol treatment, community service, or ignition interlock device installation.
- Permanent Criminal Record – A felony DUI conviction will appear on background checks and can affect employment, housing, and civil rights.
Because of these serious consequences, it’s critical to have a defense team experienced in felony DUI cases.
Viable Defenses Against a Felony DUI Charge
Even when evidence seems stacked against you, there are effective defense strategies that can be used to protect your rights:
- Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop – If law enforcement lacked probable cause to stop your vehicle, evidence gathered afterward may be inadmissible.
- Disputing the Accuracy of Chemical Tests – Breathalyzers and blood tests are not foolproof; errors in administration, calibration, or handling can cast doubt on results.
- Questioning the Chain of Custody – Improper handling of evidence (blood samples, for example) can lead to contamination or misidentification.
- Proving No Actual Impairment – Certain medical conditions or environmental factors can mimic signs of impairment.
- Negotiating to Reduce Charges – Even when conviction seems likely, skilled Cocoa Beach felony DUI attorneys can negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
The Process for a Felony DUI Case
Felony DUI cases follow a more complex legal process than misdemeanors. Common stages include:
- Arraignment – Your initial court appearance, where formal charges are read, and you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions – Your felony DUI lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Discovery and Investigation – Gathering police reports, test results, witness statements, and expert evaluations to build your defense.
- Trial Preparation – Developing defense arguments, cross-examination strategies, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations – Discussing possible plea deals that could result in lesser charges or reduced penalties.
- Trial – If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Having skilled legal representation at every stage is critical for navigating these steps effectively. Contact our experienced Cocoa Beach felony DUI lawyers today.
Why Choose DeGraff Hicks Law Group for Your Felony DUI Defense?
When you’re facing the life-changing consequences of a criminal charge, the Cocoa Beach felony DUI lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law Group offers the skill, experience, and relentless advocacy you need to protect your future.
Specialized DUI Defense Expertise
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, we focus extensively on DUI defense, including complex felony cases. Our felony DUI lawyers have an in-depth understanding of DUI laws, scientific evidence, and courtroom strategy, allowing us to provide targeted, informed representation.
Strategic Defense Planning
Every case is unique, and we believe in creating tailored defense strategies. Our Cocoa Beach felony DUI lawyers and legal team evaluate every detail—police procedures, testing accuracy, and witness credibility—to uncover opportunities for dismissal or reduction of charges.
Experience in Negotiation and Litigation
Whether negotiating with prosecutors for a favorable plea or vigorously defending your case in court, our felony DUI attorneys near you have the skills and experience to protect your rights. We are relentless advocates for our clients, and our record reflects our commitment to achieving the best outcomes possible.
Protect Your Future—Start Building Your Defense Today with a Skilled Cocoa Beach Felony DUI Lawyer
Being charged with a felony DUI is a life-changing event that demands immediate, skilled legal action. Without a strong defense, you risk years in prison, devastating financial penalties, and a permanent criminal record.
The benefit of acting quickly is clear: with DeGraff Hicks Law Group on your side, you gain dedicated advocates who will fight tirelessly to protect your future.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, call (321) 44-SHARK DeGraff Hicks Law Group today for a confidential consultation with our skilled Cocoa Beach felony DUI lawyers and start building a powerful defense against your felony DUI charges.
