Felony Offenses Research Paper

Like many in Florida, you may believe that first time driving under the influence, or DUI, charges are typically misdemeanor offenses. If you have been charged with drunk driving, however, you may know that a DUI offense may by upgraded to a felony. Felony offenses typically carry much harsher penalties than misdemeanors. To help protect yourself from heightened charges, it is helpful to understand when drunk driving charges become felony level offenses in the state of Florida.
There are numerous factors, which may enhance DUI charges to felony level offenses. This includes your prior record. If you have been convicted of DUI twice within a 10-year period and are arrested for drunk driving again, you could be charged with a third-degree felony.

A fourth, or subsequent, drunk driving arrest could also result in a felony charge, According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted of felony DUI. You could also be fined up to $5,000.
Sometimes, you may be accused of drunk driving after being involved in a collision. Under Florida state law, if you were under the influence and caused a crash resulting in serious bodily injury, you could be charged with a third-degree felony. The potential penalties for a conviction of this offense are the same as those allowed for prior convictions.
If you are involved in a fatal collision, and are believed to be intoxicated, you could be charged with DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide. Depending on circumstances, including whether or not you remained at the scene, these offenses could be charged as second-degree or first-degree felonies. You could be fined up to $10,000 if convicted of a second-degree felony, and be sentenced to as many as 15 years in prison. If you are convicted of a first-degree felony offense, you could be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison.
This post has provided a general overview of felony DUI charges in Florida. It is important for you to keep in mind, however, that the circumstances of each case are unique. As such, you should consider this post only as general information, and not as legal advice.