Sarasota Felony DUI Lawyers
Experienced Defense for Drivers in Manatee & Sarasota Counties & Lakewood Ranch, FL
A felony DUI charge is a grave offense. A conviction may result in significant fines and jail time. Having a strong advocate on your side who can thoroughly evaluate your situation and fight for your rights is vital to the outcome of your case.
At McIntosh Law, our lawyers have extensive experience with felony DUI cases. Our first step is to meet with you to determine whether your charge is a felony. Our attorneys can evaluate the validity of the testing methods used by law enforcement during your arrest and their results.
Additionally, we can examine prior DUI convictions and out-of-state records to determine if they are valid or if we can challenge them in court. This may allow us to have the charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Request a consultation with a Sarasota felony DUI attorney at McIntosh Law at (941) 299-0701. You can also reach us using our online contact form.
What Makes a DUI a Felony in Sarasota?
A felony DUI sentence includes up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to five years imprisonment.
In Florida, a felony DUI is defined by several different factors, including the following:
- A third DUI conviction within 10 years or a fourth DUI within a lifetime: The sentence includes up to a $5,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment.
- Serious bodily injury caused by driving under the influence: The sentence includes up to a $5,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment.
- Death caused by driving under the influence, either manslaughter or vehicular homicide: The sentence includes up to a $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment. If you leave the scene after either of these crimes, prison time may increase to 30 years.
Skilled Defenders On Your Side Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
Here's What Sets Us Apart
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Deep Local Knowledge & Dedication
With over 25 years serving Manatee County, McIntosh Law is committed to defending our community’s rights with integrity.
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Powerful Team Approach
You don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team collaborating for your success. Our attorneys and paralegals have over 100+ years of combined experience.
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Strategic & Experienced Defense
Your case deserves a personalized strategy. Every team member has over twenty years in law, ensuring a skilled, thoughtful defense tailored to your specific case.
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Proven Success
Trusted by thousands, we know what it takes to navigate complex criminal cases, bringing experience and results-driven focus to every stage of your defense.
Restitution & Civil Suits in Florida DUI Felony Cases
In Florida, DUI felony cases often go beyond the criminal proceedings, as victims may seek restitution and civil damages for losses incurred due to the offense. Restitution is a court-ordered payment you must make to the victim to compensate for tangible losses such as medical expenses, property damage, or lost wages. This financial compensation is determined as part of the criminal sentencing and aims to make the victim whole.
Victims of DUI-related incidents may also file separate civil suits against offenders. These lawsuits can address a broader range of damages, including emotional distress and pain and suffering, which are not typically covered under restitution. In civil cases, the legal standard is based on a "preponderance of the evidence," a lower threshold than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard used in criminal trials.
Understanding how these legal actions could impact your financial situation is essential. Engaging with an attorney from our firm can be crucial for navigating these complexities and determining the best path forward in your legal situation.
Why Choose McIntosh Law for DUI Felonies?
Using our team approach to DUI defense, our attorneys can work together to pursue the best possible results. Depending on your situation, we can advocate for reduced sentencing, removal of prior DUI convictions, treatment programs, and other alternative options. If you received a notification about Florida DUI court, we can also answer your questions regarding this option.
Call (941) 299-0701 or contact us online to consult a Sarasota felony DUI attorney today.
