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Hire an Experienced Felony DUI Lawyer in Florida Kevin has been involved with thousands of cases in Florida.
Kevin has handled thousands of cases in Palm Beach County and the local court systems. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against DUI charges successfully.
Felony DUI Lawyer In the state of Florida, a DUI conviction is sealed on your record for 75 years.
A DUI in Florida is what’s known as a “wobbler offense” because it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and facts of the case.
First and second DUI offenses are typically charged as misdemeanors in Florida. Third or subsequent charges, however, can be charged as a felony and carry severe consequences.
If you are facing a felony DUI charge in Palm Beach County, hiring an experienced lawyer like Kevin Peterford is in your best interest. In Florida, DUIs can be complicated and serious, and a conviction is sealed on your record for 75 years.
Don’t let the complexity of a felony DUI destroy your life. Kevin Peterford is the felony DUI lawyer who will defend your rights.
Felony Vs. Misdemeanor
There are significant differences in misdemeanor and felony charges. In simple terms, a misdemeanor is a minor crime, while a felony is a serious crime that carries a more severe sentence upon conviction.
Misdemeanors are punishable by fine, probation, and/or up to one year in jail under certain circumstances. Civil liberties are not impacted by a misdemeanor, meaning an individual can still vote, hold public office or own a gun even if they have been convicted of a misdemeanor.
A felony, on the other hand, can have a long-term impact on someone’s life. Felonies are the most serious type of crime. This type of crime includes violent crimes such as murder, kidnapping, arson, and rape.
Felonies carry stiffer and more severe punishments than misdemeanors. A felony conviction can have lifelong impact on an individual. Someone convicted of a felony loses their right to bear arms and vote, and many employers will not hire felons. Additionally, some felony convictions require a person to register as a sex offender, limiting where they are able to live.
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Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.
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Peterford Law Top Google-Rated DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases and tried over 25 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in criminal and DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.
25+ Jury Trials
Kevin has tried over 25 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.
3+ Years Former Prosecutor
Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.
2000+ Cases Handled
As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.
Field sobriety tests are voluntary!
You do not have to agree to this test. In fact, it is within your legal rights to refuse.
When is a DUI a Felony In Florida? DUI laws in Florida generally view a first or second offense as a misdemeanor.
Penalties for a misdemeanor DUI in Florida include:
- DUI probation
- DUI school
- A fine that could exceed $2,000
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to a one year driver license suspension
If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida for the first or second time, it will likely be charged as a misdemeanor.
For third and subsequent charges, or in certain circumstances, a DUI in Florida can be charged as a felony.
Third DUI Within 10 Years
If you have a third DUI within 10 years of a previous DUI conviction, you are guilty of a felony of the third degree. This is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000.
Fourth DUI Offense
Regardless of how long it has been since your last DUI conviction, anyone charged with a fourth DUI may be guilty of a felony in the third degree.
DUI Manslaughter
DUI manslaughter occurs when an impaired driver causes the death of another human being or unborn child. This is considered a felony of the second degree and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and a fine not to exceed $15,000. The offender may have to pay restitution and may be responsible to pay for the victim’s funeral-related expenses.
Penalties For A DUI Felony in Florida
If you’ve been charged with a Felony DUI, you may be wondering what the penalties may be upon conviction. Felonies are serious crimes that carry stiffer punishment than misdemeanors.
Felony Of The Third Degree
A fourth DUI offense or DUI involving serious bodily injury can be charged as felony of the third degree. This is punishable by a fine between $1,000 and not to exceed $5,000 and up to five years in prison.Felony Of The Second Degree
If you are convicted of DUI manslaughter as a felony of the second degree, it is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and up to 15 years in prison.
DUI Lawyer in Florida
A DUI charge in Florida is serious and complex. A DUI felony is a severe charge that should be handled by an experienced attorney who will defend your rights and explore all possible defenses on your behalf. Kevin Peterford is the Palm Beach County Felony DUI lawyer who will defend your rights and help you build a strong defense.
Get Experienced Help
With a felony DUI charge, there’s no time to waste. It’s critical to have a skilled attorney who will work to fight your charge. Kevin Peterford’s experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him an edge to help your case. Don’t waste valuable time in preparing your own DUI felony case! Contact Peterford Law today.
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Contact an Attorney
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.