Ponte Vedra Beach Felony DUI Lawyer

Ponte Vedra Beach Felony DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a serious criminal offense in Florida. In some cases, a DUI can be a felony, which can have serious implications for your future and negatively impact multiple areas of your life. As such, it is important to be proactive in developing a viable defense against your DUI charge. Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., is a knowledgeable attorney who understands Florida DUI laws. Discover what makes him a trusted Ponte Vedra Beach felony DUI lawyer.

Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., has handled thousands of cases in his more than 40 years of experience as an attorney. His law firm has a strong reputation among his peers and clients, who have shared positive reviews of their experiences with him. Mr. Raudt’s practice areas as a criminal defense attorney are diverse. From DUI and domestic violence cases to representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies alike, his background in law is far-reaching.

When Is a DUI Charge a Felony in Florida?

In Florida, driving with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of 0.08 or higher is legally known as driving under the influence in most cases. For drivers of commercial vehicles, the threshold is lower, with a 0.04 BAC limit.

In many instances, DUIs are misdemeanor criminal law offenses in Florida. However, there are multiple reasons why the courts within the state could rule that your DUI counts as a felony. Some reasons why you could be charged with and convicted of felony DUI include:

• Being found guilty of a third DUI within a 10-year period of a prior conviction or a fourth or subsequent DUI, which is a third-degree felony
• Causing serious bodily injury to other individuals involved in an automobile accident while driving a vehicle under the influence, which is also a third-degree felony
• Committing DUI manslaughter, which is a second-degree felony
• Leaving the scene of a DUI manslaughter incident, which can result in a first-degree felony

If you have been charged with a DUI, it’s important to understand what level of criminal offense you are potentially facing. Mr. Raudt has the legal knowledge of Florida DUI laws to help you realize which charges the courts could possibly and realistically bring against you based on the specifics of your case.

Consequences of Felony DUI in Florida

Being found guilty of a felony DUI can result in a multitude of consequences with long-lasting negative impacts. In addition to costly fines and mandatory prison sentences in certain cases, you can also lose your driver’s license for a given period of time. In some situations, the revocation of your driver’s license might be permanent.

Even if you do get your driver’s license reinstated, your rates for vehicle insurance will likely increase significantly or make you uninsurable altogether. Losing your driver’s license can make it hard or virtually impossible to secure employment, which can be especially true if your occupation depends on having a valid driver’s license.

In addition to the above consequences, having a felony conviction on your record makes it more difficult to pass certain types of background checks. This could be a barrier to applying for housing or being approved for various types of financial loans.

Dealing with the aftermath of a felony DUI conviction can be complicated and stressful. Consider speaking with a DUI defense lawyer to explore your options for a legal defense against your DUI charge.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: The cost of a DUI lawyer in Ponte Vedra and other parts of Florida varies from one attorney to the next. Additionally, the expenses related to a DUI lawyer depend on the circumstances of your individual case. Because a DUI conviction can severely affect your life in terms of job opportunities and ability to pass background checks, the fees for a DUI lawyer should be seen as an investment in your future. Obtaining legal representation from a knowledgeable DUI lawyer can be worth the cost.

Q: How Do I Win a DUI Case in Florida?

A: There are multiple ways you could win a DUI case in Florida, but one advantage is to have a firm legal defense against your DUI charge. Working with an attorney who understands Florida DUI laws could be the key to winning your DUI case. A DUI lawyer can review your case details and determine if there are grounds for your case to be dismissed, such as whether your arrest was lawful or if there was probable cause for you to be stopped by the police.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI Charge in Florida?

A: Yes, you should absolutely get a lawyer for a DUI charge in Florida. The laws in Florida against DUI are strict, and the harsh penalties for a DUI conviction are designed to deter people from driving under the influence.

Seeking guidance from a DUI lawyer could give you a better chance of minimizing your charges or the penalties you may face if you are found guilty of a DUI. It can even increase the likelihood that your case could be dropped entirely.

Q: How Much Are Court Fees in Florida DUI Cases?

A: The court fees in Florida DUI cases depend on the specifics of each respective DUI case and the criminal background of individual offenders. Someone who is in court for a second or third DUI charge will likely have to pay more than a first-time offender. Depending on your situation, you may also be required to pay for enrollment in an alcohol treatment program or to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.

Felony DUI Criminal Defense in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

A felony DUI charge in Florida is not something to be taken lightly. Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., is a DUI defense attorney with a strong background in representing clients involved in felony DUI cases. His understanding of Florida DUI laws can give you a legal advantage that could lead to a positive outcome for your case. Contact Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., today to request a case evaluation and explore your options for defending against a felony DUI conviction.