A DUI is one of the most severe misdemeanor offenses you can be charged with in Florida, notably because of the fact that you can never have a DUI conviction expunged from your criminal record. If you have been arrested for DUI more than once, you might already have a fair understanding of how the state treats these crimes. If you are arrested for a fourth DUI in Orlando, you should know that your charges are no longer considered misdemeanors; a fourth DUI offense is a felony for which you need a qualified DUI attorney on your case.
According to the CDC, 8,476 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in the state of Florida from 2003-2012. 2.1% of Florida drivers reported that they drive after drinking heavily. The state of Florida has an important mission to crack down on drunk driving accidents and fatalities, and has ample resources with which to succeed.
Those who are arrested for multiple DUIs know that the penalties and punishments increase with each new conviction. The worst punishments for DUI offenders are issued in cases involving drivers who had minors in their vehicles at the time of the DUI stop, who blew over 0.15%, and those who caused injury or death to another. By the time you get to DUI #4, you can expect severe penalties upon a conviction.
A fourth or subsequent DUI is a third-degree felony offense. Being convicted of such an offense leads to penalties much worse than those for all the previous DUIs. For a fourth DUI conviction, you can expect:
Additionally, you can expect a judge to impose a minimum $4,000 fine for your fourth DUI offense if:
Your future is at stake when you face charges for a fourth offense DUI. Among the most devastating consequences is the revocation of your driver’s license. Imagine not being able to drive to get to and from work, visit your family, or even apply to jobs that require you to be able to drive yourself places. The license revocation is a permanent suspension of your legal ability to drive, rendering your license null and void. You need a talented Orlando fourth DUI defense lawyer on your case to help you avoid a conviction.
A defense lawyer who works extensively on DUI cases can take several actions to help you preserve your license and future. Some of these might include, but are not limited to the application of the following defenses:
At this critical time, you need an attorney who is up to the challenge of helping you avoid a fourth DUI conviction in Orlando. This may be possible through the strategies listed above. Additionally, your lawyer might be able to file a motion for postconviction relief. If this goes through, you might be convicted of a third, rather than your fourth, DUI which saves you from considerable hardship.
Attorneys with The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience practicing criminal law to know just what your case needs to stand a chance. They are ready and eager to discuss your case. Call for a free consultation or complete this form.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
