Wellington Felony DUI Lawyer

Felony DUI Attorney in Wellington, FL

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal charge, one that can come with devastating consequences. This is especially true in cases where the charges escalate to a felony DUI. You might be a multiple DUI offender driving home from a night out near the Wellington Amphitheater. Perhaps you struck and injured another driver on Forest Hill Boulevard. No matter your case, felony DUI charges are serious, and you need an aggressive Wellington, FL, felony DUI lawyer to protect you.

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About The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel

Julian M. Kessel has been fighting for felony DUI clients for several years and has become known for his aggressive and fierce protection. State prosecutors know that our attorney can challenge their arguments and win. He has a reputation as an aggressive, passionate, and zealous attorney.

At The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel, his team doesn’t back down from a fight. We know how to take on these cases and use the legal system to your advantage, no matter the circumstances involved in your case.

When Does a DUI Charge Become a Felony in Wellington?

In most DUI cases, the arrested person will be charged with a misdemeanor offense. However, Florida’s felony DUI laws establish several circumstances in which the charge can escalate to a felony. This often occurs when there are certain aggravating factors present, such as having a child under the age of 18 in the vehicle or a blood alcohol content, or BAC, level of 0.15% or higher, along with property damage or a crash A DUI charge can also become a felony under the following circumstances:

• It is your third DUI conviction within a 10-year time period of previous offenses. This is a common occurrence, as nearly 30% of DUI offenders in the United States are repeat offenders.
• This is your fourth or subsequent DUI charge.
• You caused the death of any other driver, passenger, pedestrian, or unborn child.
• Your impaired driving causes a death, and you flee the scene of the accident.
• You cause serious bodily injury to another driver, passenger, or pedestrian.

If any of these factors are present in your case, it is crucial that you seek aggressive legal representation as soon as possible. These are difficult and overwhelming situations, but you do not need to face them alone. Julian M. Kessel can review your case and act as your champion against a successful conviction.

Penalties for DUI Felony Charges in Florida

If you are charged with a felony DUI in Wellington and successfully convicted, the penalties you might face are severe. Not only could you be facing jail time and steep fines, but a conviction also has the potential to ruin your entire future. It is important to be aware of these penalties, no matter what circumstances your case involves. In Florida, a felony DUI conviction can often result in:

• Fines totaling anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000
• A prison sentence that ranges anywhere from one to five years
• The mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, which has been proven to reduce repeat offenses by 70%
• Having your driver’s license revoked for at least five to ten years, and for some DUI offenses, life.

In many successful felony DUI convictions, additional collateral consequences can affect your personal life, extending far beyond the courtroom. These long-term, unofficial consequences can include:

• Restrictions regarding housing. With a felony conviction on your record, it can become more difficult to find housing suitable for you and your loved ones. Landlords may be less likely to rent housing out to individuals with a felony record, and it can also become more difficult to acquire a loan for a home mortgage.
• Employment opportunities. Having a felony conviction can also limit your employment opportunities, as many employers across Florida and the United States will be hesitant when hiring an individual with a criminal history.
• Permanent criminal record. For most cases, a felony conviction will stay on your record permanently. Across the United States, individuals with a felony conviction on their record face damage to their reputation and a 30% unemployment rate.
• Loss of professional licenses. For certain professionals, such as a doctor or teacher, a felony conviction could cost you your necessary licenses or certifications. Furthermore, a felony conviction can keep you from obtaining these licenses or certifications in the first place.

Without taking into consideration the devastating legal penalties, the personal consequences of a felony DUI conviction are enough to warrant hiring an aggressive criminal defense lawyer. Julian M. Kessel can mount a vigorous defense tailored to your circumstances.

What to Do If You Have Been Arrested for a Felony DUI

When you are faced with a felony DUI conviction, it is normal to feel panicked and unsure of what to do. Certain steps will become crucial following a felony DUI arrest in Wellington, including:

• Avoiding self-incrimination. Upon your arrest, it is important that you stay calm. Above all, avoid making any kind of statement that could harm you in the future. Remember, anything said to police officers can be used against you in court, but you have the right to remain silent.
• Documenting the arrest. After your arrest, take time to record all the details and circumstances surrounding your arrest. This can preserve important facts that your attorney can use as they build your case.
• Requesting a formal review hearing. You will have a very short amount of time in which you can request a formal review hearing with the Florida DHSMV to contest your license suspension. Be sure you act quickly to preserve your driving privileges.
• Contacting a felony DUI attorney. Finally, one of the most important steps will be to hire an attorney who can protect you. Time is limited in felony DUI cases, so you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer Who Can Fight for You

Being arrested and charged with a felony DUI in Florida is a frightening and intimidating experience. These serious charges can put your very future and freedom at stake. Now is not the time to put your trust in an inexperienced or weak defense attorney. Instead, you need to hire someone who isn’t afraid to fight boldly and aggressively to defend your rights. Julian M. Kessel is that attorney.

Contact The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel to learn more and hire a felony DUI lawyer who can fiercely advocate for you.