West Palm Beach Felony DUI Lawyer

Experienced West Palm Beach Felony DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with a driving under the influence (DUI) felony, your situation is very serious. You need a West Palm Beach felony DUI lawyer to determine what defenses are possible and how you could minimize the consequences of a conviction.

Dedicated DUI Defense in West Palm Beach

At the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, P.A., our attorneys, with founder Nellie L. King, has over two decades of experience in criminal defence cases. Felony DUI cases have exceptionally serious consequences, so you need a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side. We help craft a strong defense based on your specific situation and walk you through your options to resolve your case.

DUI Offenses in Florida

In 2025, all agencies in Palm Beach County reported 2,531 DUI violations, 1,059 of which resulted in a guilty verdict, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Florida courts, like the Criminal Department of the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, take these cases seriously because of how serious crashes can be. There were 326 confirmed alcohol crashes in Palm Beach County in 2024, leading to 140 injuries and nine fatalities. In 2025, there were 310 alcohol crashes in the county, leading to 185 injuries and 10 fatalities.

When Is a DUI a Felony in West Palm Beach?

A DUI becomes a felony offense in West Palm Beach when it is a third or subsequent offense, or when a crash results in serious bodily injury or death.

• Third DUI. When a third DUI offense happens within 10 years of a previous DUI conviction, it is charged as a third-degree felony.
• Fourth DUI. A fourth or additional DUI offense on your record is charged as a third-degree felony.
• Serious bodily injury DUI. If you were impaired while driving and contributed to a serious bodily injury to another person, this is a third-degree felony.
• DUI manslaughter. If you drive impaired and cause another person’s death, this is a second-degree felony. It becomes a first-degree felony if you have a prior DUI manslaughter, boating under the influence manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or vessel homicide offense. DUI manslaughter also becomes a first-degree felony if you knew or should have known a crash occurred and committed a hit-and-run.

Penalties for DUI Felonies in Florida

Repeat offenses or DUI manslaughter offenses can result in the following penalties:

DUI Third-Degree Felony Penalties

In general, a conviction of a third-degree felony in Florida results in a fine up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. However, DUI offenses have certain unique penalties:

• Fines. When your third DUI occurs within 10 years of another DUI offense, the fine is between $2,000 and $5,000. For a fourth DUI, the fine cannot be less than $2,000. If you had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, or you had someone under 18 in the vehicle during the offense, and it’s your third or additional DUI offense, the fine is $4,000 at a minimum.
• Imprisonment. A third DUI offense more than 10 years after a prior DUI conviction has a maximum sentence of 12 months. A third or additional DUI conviction within ten years of a prior DUI offense has a mandatory minimum imprisonment sentence of 30 days.

Penalties can also be different if you are considered a habitual felony offender, meaning you’ve been convicted of several prior felonies or committed this felony in other circumstances, like within five years of one prior felony conviction. If the court determines you are a habitual felony offender, a third-degree felony can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment.

DUI Second-Degree Felony Penalties

A second-degree felony offense is punished by up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine that can be up to $10,000. DUI manslaughter has a mandatory minimum sentence of four years. Imprisonment can be up to 30 years if you are considered a habitual felony offender.

DUI First-Degree Felony Penalties

A first-degree felony offense in Florida results in imprisonment for up to 30 years, a minimum of four years for DUI manslaughter, and a fine that can be up to $10,000. If you are considered a habitual felony offender, you could end up with a life sentence.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Felony DUI Charge in Florida?

The cost of a lawyer for a felony DUI charge in Florida is likely to be higher than for other DUI offenses because they are much more complicated and severe. Courts are harder on repeat or aggravated DUI offenses, so a defense has to be much stronger. Most attorneys charge an hourly rate for a defense on felony DUIs. More experienced lawyers may have higher rates but may also be more effective at securing a beneficial outcome to your case.

Is a DUI Offense Going to Be a Felony in Florida?

A DUI offense may be a felony in Florida, but not always. If there are no aggravating factors in the crash itself, then a DUI is only charged as a felony if you have three prior convictions within 10 years or four or more convictions on your record in total. A first-time DUI could be charged as a felony if someone was killed or seriously injured in the crash.

What Percentage of DUI Cases Are Dismissed in Florida?

Some DUI cases are dismissed in Florida. In 2025, based on information collected by the FLHSMV, 0.3% of DUI cases resulted in a Not Guilty verdict, 2% were dismissed, and 42% resulted in the prosecution’s voluntary dismissal. If you are arrested for a DUI, it doesn’t automatically mean you will be convicted. It’s important to protect your legal rights by working with an experienced attorney.

Why Should You Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer in West Palm Beach?

You should hire a felony DUI lawyer in West Palm Beach to protect your rights and your future. With a lawyer, you give yourself the greatest chance at avoiding conviction, license suspension or the worst of the penalties you face. A felony DUI is incredibly serious and can impact your life for years even after you’ve served your sentence. Your attorney can assess your options for defense and walk you through the entire system.

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West Palm Beach Felony DUI Attorney

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