Felony DUI Serious Bodily Injury Lawyer Jacksonville, FL
Defense for DUI Serious Bodily Injury Cases
Although a DUI conviction can lead to serious consequences, being convicted of DUI with serious bodily injury – a third-degree felony in Florida – could lead to even harsher penalties. It is imperative to hire an experienced lawyer to protect your rights and future.
If you have been accused of DUI with serious bodily injury in Florida, First Coast Criminal Defense is ready to fight for the best possible outcome in your case. As former prosecutors, our DUI attorneys have a thorough understanding of both sides of the courtroom and will work to build an effective defense strategy to either get your charges or penalties reduced or your case dismissed altogether.
Call (904) 474-3115 to schedule a FREE consultation if you are facing DUI with serious bodily injury charges in Florida.
What Is Serious Bodily Injury?
According to state law, a person commits the crime of DUI with serious bodily injury if he or she operates or has “actual physical control” of a vehicle, is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and causes or contributes to the injury of another. Actual physical control means having the ability to operate a motor vehicle (e.g. sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition).
Under Florida law, "serious bodily injury" is any injury that creates a substantial risk of impairment or loss of a body function or part, a substantial risk of serious disfigurement, or a significant risk of death.
Great Bodily Injury Examples
What is "great bodily injury"? Common examples of serious bodily injury include:
- broken bones
- loss of a limb
- loss of functioning in a limb
- scarring
- serious burns or lacerations
- spinal cord injuries
- traumatic brain injuries
DUI With Serious Bodily Injury Florida Penalties
DUI with serious bodily injury in Florida is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison (with a minimum sentence of 51 months), fines up to $5,000, driver’s license revocation for a minimum of three years, vehicle impoundment, and restitution to compensate the victim for their losses.
However, if a driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of at least .15% or was driving with a minor passenger at the time of the offense, they will face enhanced penalties such as a minimum fine of $1,000 and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for up to one year.
Representation for DUI With Serious Bodily Injury in Florida
Just because you have been arrested doesn’t mean you are automatically guilty of DUI with serious bodily injury. Our legal team can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and determine whether there are any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or if the police violated your constitutional rights. Let our Jacksonville DUI with injury lawyers fight to get your life back on the right path.
Contact us today at (904) 474-3115 to discuss your case with our Jacksonville, FL DUI serious bodily injury lawyers at First Coast Criminal Defense.
