Felony DUI Lawyer in Panama City, FL

There are several types of DUI charges that are filed as a felony. When it is alleged that you caused an injury accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or the death of another person, the charges will be filed as a felony. Vehicular homicide and DUI Manslaughter are both extremely serious felony offenses.

This is a second degree felony, with penalties including fines as high as $10,000, and up to 15 years in state prison. DUI manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter with added charges of leaving the scene will be filed as a 1^st degree felony, and penalties include fines as high as $10,000 and up to 30 years of incarceration in state prison.

Understanding Felony DUI: Repeat Offenses and Serious Injury Cases

Those who have 2 DUI convictions within 10 years, or a 4^th or more conviction will be facing felony DUI charges. The penalties imposed in these cases include fines as high as $5,000, and 5 years in state prison. In cases in which a DUI accident caused serious bodily injury, and the accused is subsequently convicted at trial are facing a third degree felony, with penalties including up to 5 years imprisonment, and enhanced penalties should the person be deemed to be a habitual or violent offender, based upon the existing criminal record of the defendant.

There is also the matter related to driver's license revocation. A third conviction within 10 years, felony DUI will result in 10 years revocation. A fourth conviction, including cases of Murder with a Motor Vehicle will result in a mandatory permanent revocation of the person's driver's license. The court has no other option.

Local Insights on Multiple Offense DUI in Panama City

In Panama City, the consequences of multiple offense DUI charges can be particularly severe, impacting not just your freedom but also your ability to drive and maintain employment. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Panama City Police Department and the Bay County Sheriff's Office, are vigilant in addressing repeat DUI offenders, which can lead to heightened scrutiny and harsher penalties. Understanding the local legal landscape is crucial for anyone facing these serious charges.

Residents of Panama City often express concerns about the long-term implications of a DUI conviction, especially when it comes to license revocation. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enforces strict regulations, and a third DUI conviction can lead to a mandatory ten-year revocation of driving privileges. This can create significant challenges for individuals trying to commute to work or manage family responsibilities. Additionally, the emotional and financial stress associated with potential incarceration and fines can be overwhelming.

There are resources available for those struggling with substance abuse in Panama City, such as local rehabilitation centers and support groups. These resources can be vital for individuals looking to address the root causes of their offenses and avoid future legal troubles. Moreover, by engaging with these local entities, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to change, which may positively influence their legal outcomes.

At Shepard Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by residents in Panama City dealing with multiple offense DUI charges. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal support, ensuring that your rights are protected while navigating the complexities of the local legal system. We are here to help you explore all available options, including potential plea deals that could lessen the impact of your charges.

License Revocation Consequences for DUI Convictions

For those who are convicted of DUI Manslaughter, there will also be a permanent revocation of driving privileges. In some cases, it may be possible to get a reinstatement after 5 years, but this is not certain, and will be based on the individual case. For DUI with serious bodily injury or vehicular homicide convictions, license revocation is for a minimum of 3 years. Prior convictions will mean 10 years revocation.

Protect Your Rights with Experienced DUI Defense

In any DUI case, whether felony or misdemeanor, you need to ensure your rights are protected. There are few cases that do not have weak points or flaws. You deserve to be represented by an attorney that knows the system and can fight for you. At Shepard Law, the founding attorney is a former Assistant State Attorney and has served in over 6,000 criminal cases. Having worked extensively within the criminal justice system on both sides, Mr. Shepard is extremely skilled in creating a defense case that could be successful in court, as well as negotiating down a charge to a lesser offense when this will benefit the client.