What to Do After a Felony or Misdemeanor DUI Arrest in Tampa
✔ Stay Silent & Do Not Admit Guilt – Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions without an attorney.
✔ Write Down Everything You Remember – Details like when, where, and how you were stopped can be crucial to your defense.
✔ Do Not Accept a Plea Deal Without Legal Advice – Prosecutors may offer quick deals that harm your future.
✔ Challenge the Evidence – Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests can be faulty, unreliable, or improperly administered.
✔ Consult a DUI Defense Lawyer Immediately – The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your case.
"A DUI charge doesn’t have to ruin your life. I will fight to reduce your penalties, challenge faulty evidence, and protect your future."
– Jessica C. Fernandez, P.A.
What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor & Felony DUI in Florida?
Misdemeanor DUI – Most first-time and second-time DUI offenses without injuries are classified as misdemeanors. Penalties include fines, probation, community service, and possible jail time.
Felony DUI – A third DUI within 10 years, a fourth DUI offense, or any DUI involving injury or death is charged as a felony. Convictions carry prison sentences, heavy fines, and long-term license revocation.
What Type of DUI Charge Are You Facing?
Misdemeanor DUI
Felony DUI
Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance Cases)
DUI with Injury or Death
DUI Refusal Cases
Understanding Misdemeanor DUI Charges in Florida
First-Time DUI (Misdemeanor)
-
Up to 6 months in jail
-
$500–$1,000 fines
-
6-12 month license suspension
-
DUI school & community service
Second DUI
(Misdemeanor if No Injury)
-
Up to 9 months in jail
-
Fines up to $2,000
-
License suspension for up to 5 years
-
Mandatory ignition interlock device
Understanding Felony DUI Charges in Florida
Third DUI Within 10 Years (Felony DUI)
-
Up to 5 years in prison
-
Fines up to $5,000
-
License suspension up to 10 years
-
Probation & mandatory alcohol treatment
Second DUI
(Misdemeanor if No Injury)
-
Prison sentence of up to 5 years
-
Fines up to $5,000
-
Victim restitution payments
DUI Manslaughter
(Felony DUI)
-
Mandatory 4-year prison sentence (up to 15 years max)
-
Fines up to $10,000
-
Permanent license revocation
-
Aggressive DUI Defense Attorney – Challenges breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and police procedures
-
Knowledge of Florida DUI Laws – Extensive experience negotiating reduced charges & dismissals
-
Handles First-Time DUIs, Felony DUIs & DUI with Injury Cases
-
Bilingual Representation – Se Habla Español
Why Work With Jessica C. Fernandez, P.A.?
