Felony DUI Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Former Prosecutors Defending Felony Drunk Driving Charges in St. Petersburg, FL
A felony DUI charge carries consequences that reach far beyond a suspended license or a fine. Prison time, lifetime driving bans, and a permanent felony record are all real possibilities. At The Fleming Law Group, P.A., we’ve defended Floridians against serious criminal charges for over 25 years, and our team includes former state prosecutors who know exactly how the State Attorney’s Office builds and proves these cases. That background is what we bring to every felony drunk driving case we handle.
We offer free consultations and are committed to protecting your rights from the moment you reach out. The principle of innocent until proven guilty isn’t a slogan to us. It guides how we approach every case.
Facing a felony drunk driving charge in St. Petersburg? Call (727) 202-4858 to schedule your free consultation today.When a Florida DUI Becomes a Felony
Most first and second DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors. Florida Statute 316.193 identifies three paths that elevate a DUI to a felony, and understanding which applies to your situation is the first step in building a defense.
- Third DUI within 10 years: A third DUI conviction within 10 years of a prior conviction is a third-degree felony, carrying up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
- Fourth or subsequent DUI: A fourth or subsequent DUI is a third-degree felony regardless of when prior convictions occurred, and a conviction results in lifetime revocation of driving privileges.
- DUI causing serious bodily injury: Even a first-offense DUI that causes serious bodily injury to another person is charged as a third-degree felony under Florida law.
At the most severe end, DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. If a driver leaves the scene of a fatal crash, that charge becomes a first-degree felony carrying up to 30 years in prison. Florida’s habitual felony offender statute can push prison exposure even higher for defendants with additional prior felony convictions on their record.
A third DUI charged as a felony also triggers mandatory ignition interlock device installation for at least two years and vehicle impoundment. These collateral consequences compound the direct penalties significantly.
How Our Former-Prosecutor Background Applies to Felony DUI Defense
Our attorneys prosecuted cases before they defended them. That experience matters most in felony DUI cases, where the State’s theory often depends on proving prior convictions and establishing aggravating factors. We know where those arguments are built and where they can be challenged.
For clients facing felony charges where the facts support it, we actively pursue rehabilitation-focused alternatives to incarceration, including treatment-based approaches. Incarceration isn’t always the inevitable outcome, and we negotiate with prosecutors to present our clients’ full circumstances. Every case gets a strategy built around its specific facts, not a generic response to a serious charge.
Proven Advocates for the Clients We Serve
Talk to a Felony DUI Attorney in St. Petersburg Today
A felony DUI charge demands an immediate, informed response. The earlier we can review the facts of your case, the more options we can pursue on your behalf. The Fleming Law Group, P.A. offers free consultations, and there’s an attorney available by phone or email when you need to reach us.
Call (727) 202-4858 to speak with a felony drunk driving lawyer at The Fleming Law Group, P.A.. Your consultation is free, and there’s no obligation to move forward.-
"OUTSTANDING SERVICE"Thank you to the staff of the Fleming Law Group for outstanding service. I am grateful for the care and attention Attorney Lucas Fleming gave my case. Calls, emails, and texts were quickly answered.- PJ
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"The Most amazing lawyer and team Amanda, Pam are the most experienced and truly leave no stone unturned!!"This office this Team surpasses any others out there!I have known Mr Fleming for years through others and Amanda , Pam and Mr Fleming will go above in beyond and will not stop until wrongs are approached and dealt with in the most fair unclouded non judged mental way possible if you care about your loved ones or yourself this is the office and group you want and need in having you and your loved ones back..huge difference between this team than ANY other team.. Thank you !! Regards Lisa and the Boys.- Lisa Perez
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"Attorneys and staff are amazing, do everything in their best interest of the client"Staff is great, pleasant and gets back in a very timely manner. Attorneys will do everything in their power to get the best possible outcome for your case. 10/10- Richard Costi
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"He is not only knowledgeable but truly a professional who cares."I will forever be grateful for the help Mr. Fleming gave when I desperately needed a lawyer for a family member. He was very generous with his time and explained every step of the process. He is not only knowledgeable but truly a professional who cares.- Beth Capozzelli
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"I have no issue recommending this firm to all who are in need. Fantastic service!"I have no issue recommending this firm to all who are in need. Fantastic service!- Geoff
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"If I didn't have them by my side, I don't know what I would have done."They did a great job preparing my case and won because all of the things said about me were proven wrong. They were aggressive in defending me and always had my back.- Previous Client
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"I don't know what I would have done without Mr. Fleming's help."I don't know what I would have done without Mr. Fleming's help. He truly cares about people and spent so much time with me to make sure I was making the right decision.- Previous Client
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"Mr. Fleming can help you. I don't know what I would have done without him."I would not know what to do if it were not for his guidance.- Kay
