Charged With A Crime? We're Ready To Fight.
Orlando Felony DUI Lawyer
Being charged with a felony DUI in Florida is one of the most serious situations a driver can face. Unlike a standard misdemeanor DUI, a felony DUI conviction can mean years in prison, permanent loss of driving privileges, and a criminal record that follows you for life. If you or a loved one has been arrested for felony DUI in Orlando, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney who understands both sides of the courtroom and knows how to build an aggressive defense.
At Katz & Phillips, our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience to felony DUI cases throughout Central Florida. Our team includes Board-Certified* DUI Defense attorneys — among only a handful in the entire state to hold this distinction — as well as former prosecutors who know exactly how the State builds its case against you. With more than 10,000 cases handled and a 90%+ success rate, we have the track record to back up our reputation.
Contact us today at (321) 425-8961 for a free, confidential consultation and let our team start building your defense.
What Is a Felony DUI?
In Florida, most first and second DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors. However, certain circumstances elevate a DUI charge to a felony, carrying dramatically harsher consequences. A DUI becomes a felony when:
- It is your third DUI conviction within 10 years of a prior conviction
- It is your fourth or subsequent DUI conviction, regardless of when the prior convictions occurred
- The DUI resulted in serious bodily injury to another person
- The DUI resulted in the death of another person (DUI manslaughter)
- You fled the scene of a DUI crash involving death or serious injury
Because felony DUI charges carry the possibility of state prison time, a felony conviction on your record, and the loss of numerous civil rights, it's critical to have an experienced Orlando felony DUI lawyer evaluating every detail of your arrest, from the initial traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety and breath tests.
Common Types of Felony DUI in Florida
Felony DUI cases generally fall into a few recognized categories under Florida law:
- Third or Fourth DUI Offense — Florida law treats repeat DUI offenders far more harshly than first-time offenders. A third DUI within 10 years of a prior conviction, or any fourth DUI, is automatically charged as a third-degree felony.
- DUI with Serious Bodily Injury — If a DUI crash causes serious bodily injury to another person, the charge becomes a third-degree felony, even if this is the driver's first DUI arrest.
- DUI Manslaughter — When a DUI results in the death of another person, the driver faces DUI manslaughter charges, a second-degree felony. If the driver knew or should have known the crash occurred and failed to render aid or report it, the charge can be enhanced to a first-degree felony.
- Felony DUI with Property Damage or Fleeing the Scene — Leaving the scene of a DUI-related crash involving injury or death adds additional felony exposure on top of the underlying DUI charge.
Decades of Trusted Service. Hundreds of Grateful Voices.
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“David Katz sets the standard by which all other defense attorney's must measure. He not only knows his craft and has the experience to back it up, he relishes forcing his opponents to follow the law towards the best outcome for his clients.”- Karate K.
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“Christine Vazquez took on our case with a 24hr commitment. She put everything on the line to hold the judicial system accountable.”- Phil W.
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“I can’t thank attorneys Christine Vazquez and David Katz enough for the incredible job they did on my DUI case.”- Gabriel H.
Why Hire Katz & Phillips?
Some important reasons to secure experienced representation include:
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Board-Certified* Attorneys
Our founding attorneys are two of three board-certified* DUI defense lawyers in the state.
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Former Prosecution Experience
As former prosecutors, we bring an invaluable perspective and skillset to every case.
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High Success Rate in Criminal Defense
With a 90%+ success rate, our proven track record of success speaks for itself.
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Decades of Experience
With more than 10,000 cases handled, our advocates are well versed in criminal law to help you navigate your case with care and efficiency.
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Always Responsive
Our team is available to take your call and address any questions or concerns you have.
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Financing Available
The last thing you need during a criminal case is financial stress. Our firm offers financing with no credit check required.
Meet Your Dedicated Defense Team
Led by two of Florida's Board-Certified* DUI Experts, Our attorneys bring together more than 50 years of success, defending clients across Florida against criminal and DUI charges.
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DUI Charges Reduced
The court deemed all other conditions satisfied so M.A. did not have to go on probation at all and walked out of courthouse with a fine and fees to pay, and the case behind her.
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Case Dismissed
J.A.R. had had a previous DUI conviction and was facing mandatory jail time if convicted of this offense. In reviewing the discovery provided by the state, our team found several issues with the police investigation, and realized that our clients’ rights had been violated.
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All Charges Dropped
In reviewing the evidence provided by the State our team realized that T.R.’s rights had been violated when she was immediately illegally arrested by the Trooper. Further, there were many other errors made by the Trooper which would result in the evidence gathered being suppressed.
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All Charges Dropped
In this case, our client, R.H., was out with friends. A family member who was angry with him tracked his location by tracking his cell phone, called the police, told them he was very drunk, and led the police right to his car. The officers stopped his car and eventually arrested him.
Our Case Results
Two of Florida’s only Board-Certified* DUI Defense experts fighting for you.
- DUI Charges Reduced
- Case Dismissed
- All Charges Dropped
- All Charges Dropped
