Orlando Felony DUI Lawyer

Experienced Felony DUI Defense Attorneys Serving Orange County, FL

Felony DUI is a serious charge. In Florida, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) may be charged as a felony in certain situations, such as when bodily injury or death occurs. Multiple DUIs can also lead to felony charges.

Law enforcement agencies in Orlando, including the Orlando Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol, focus on enforcing DUI laws with targeted patrols and frequent checkpoints. These efforts increase the likelihood of traffic stops and arrests for suspected impaired driving, especially near popular nightlife areas and highways like Interstate 4 and State Road 408. When facing a felony DUI charge in Central Florida, you may encounter additional challenges. Local prosecutors often push for strict sentencing, and courts apply Florida guidelines rigorously, taking into account your history and the facts of the case.

If you or someone you love is facing felony DUI charges in Florida, reach out to our team at Ali & Blankner immediately. You or your loved one could be sentenced to years in prison and required to pay thousands of dollars in fines. A felony DUI will also result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license, often for several months to years.

Our approach at Ali & Blankner involves reviewing all aspects of the arrest, including the conduct of law enforcement, the evidence gathered, and adherence to DUI laws. Careful review can sometimes identify errors that may lead to reduced or dismissed charges. Early intervention can increase the chance of negotiating favorable options before charges move forward.

To speak with our experienced Orlando felony DUI lawyers, call us at (407) 753-1312 or contact us online today. 

When Is a DUI Charged as a Felony in Florida?

While most first-time DUIs are classified as misdemeanors, certain factors may escalate charges to a felony.

There are four main instances in which DUIs are charged as felonies in Florida:

• DUI Involving Serious Injury: If someone causes an accident while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs that results in serious bodily injury to another person, they may face felony DUI charges.
• DUI Vehicular Manslaughter: DUI vehicular manslaughter, also called vehicular homicide, occurs when someone causes the death of another while operating a vehicle under the influence.
• Third DUI in 10 Years: If a person is arrested for a third DUI within 10 years of a prior conviction, felony DUI charges may apply.
• Fourth or Subsequent DUI: A fourth or subsequent DUI offense will be charged as a felony in Florida, no matter how much time has passed since a previous conviction.

Florida law follows strict protocols when reviewing prior DUI convictions, including those outside the state. Individuals with incidents in other states are not exempt from enhanced charges under Florida statutes. During arraignment, Orange County judges consider both the record and circumstances, and prosecution may seek tougher penalties for repeated offenses or cases involving serious harm. Understanding this legal landscape is crucial in assessing your case and planning a defense strategy.

A felony DUI charge carries much greater consequences than a misdemeanor. Felony DUIs can result in longer prison sentences and higher fines, often causing drastic life changes, the potential loss of employment, and stress on personal relationships.

Felony DUIs Involving Bodily Injury & Death

When someone drives a car, truck, or motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the likelihood of causing an accident increases significantly. In Florida, a drunk or intoxicated driver who causes personal injury faces a first-degree misdemeanor at minimum. When the driver causes serious bodily injury, the state may charge that person with felony DUI.

Medical records and witness statements often play a central role in proving the extent of bodily harm in these cases. Prosecutors in Orlando frequently use toxicology reports and accident reconstruction testimony as evidence. Local laws highlight the impact of DUI-related accidents on victims and families, with courts often ordering restitution and holding victim impact hearings at sentencing.

A driver who causes serious or fatal injury faces harsh legal penalties. Besides DUI penalties, the driver can be held liable for property damage, personal injury, and, in cases of death, vehicular manslaughter. Anyone charged with drunk driving involving injury or fatality should consult a felony DUI attorney in Orlando who can evaluate the facts and develop a strong defense.

Cases resulting in bodily harm or death come with emotional and legal complexities. Victim impact statements can shape sentencing, making comprehensive and strategic legal defense essential. Our firm aims to deliver in-depth review and defense strategies that address these issues directly.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Felony DUI Cases

Many people underestimate how complicated felony DUI cases can be. Hiring a DUI attorney in Orlando offers several advantages. A knowledgeable lawyer reviews local laws, evaluates the circumstances, and examines all available evidence, such as breathalyzer or field sobriety test results, for possible errors or procedural mistakes.

Felony DUI cases in Central Florida require a deep understanding of court process and negotiation with the State Attorney’s Office. Attorneys familiar with Orange and Osceola County courts know the local legal protocols that shape discovery, motions, and discussions of plea agreements. Working with a felony DUI lawyer in Orlando who understands the regional process strengthens your ability to challenge charges and respond to prosecution tactics.

Legal counsel provides valuable advice about whether to negotiate a plea or go to trial, a decision that can significantly impact the outcome. Attorneys at Ali & Blankner focus on building strong legal defenses, often using forensic resources to test or challenge evidence presented by the prosecution. Minor details can make a major difference in how a case proceeds and whether the court reduces or dismisses charges.

Call (407) 753-1312 or fill out a free online case evaluation form to get started with an experienced Orlando felony DUI lawyer.

How the Felony DUI Court Process Unfolds in Orlando

If you face a felony DUI charge in Orlando, you will first attend a court arraignment, usually held at the Orange County Courthouse. At this hearing, the court notifies you of the charges and asks for a plea. The court schedules future hearings for bail, evidence review, and pre-trial matters. Prosecutors in Central Florida enforce strict attendance for court dates and often request sanctions if you miss required appearances.

Discovery is a crucial stage in these cases. During discovery, your legal team and the State exchange evidence—such as police reports, body camera footage, and lab test results. Orlando judges may hold case management conferences to track case progress and may encourage resolution without trial if warranted. Many cases settle through plea agreements, where lawyers negotiate terms to avoid additional incarceration or seek alternatives when unique factors exist.

If your case reaches trial, local courtroom procedures include voir dire, presentation of evidence, witness examinations, and closing arguments. The jury or judge makes the final decision based on evidence and law. After trial, sentencing takes place, and you may have the right to pursue appeals under Florida regulations. Navigating these steps requires careful planning and timely action to protect your legal rights in every stage.

Common Defenses Used in Orlando Felony DUI Cases

Defense strategies for felony DUI cases depend on the facts and evidence gathered by law enforcement. Many lawyers in Orlando begin by challenging traffic stop validity, law enforcement procedures, or the reliability of chemical tests. If police did not calibrate a breathalyzer properly or missed steps during field sobriety testing, your attorney may attack the prosecution’s evidence on those grounds.

Orlando courts also hear arguments that medical issues or prescription medications, rather than intoxication, explain possible impairment. Defense attorneys review video footage from body or dash cameras to challenge officer accounts and find inconsistencies. Some defenses focus on procedural violations, such as a lack of Miranda warnings or flawed evidence collection, which could lead to reduced or dismissed charges. A law firm with long-standing experience in the Central Florida court system brings the knowledge needed to build a thorough defense and address local prosecution tactics.