Felony DUI Attorney St. Augustine

Facing A Felony DUI Charge

A felony DUI arrest in Florida can change the course of your life. You may be worried about prison, losing your license, and carrying a permanent felony record. If you are in this position after an arrest in St. Augustine or elsewhere in St. Johns County, our team at Canan Law is ready to help you understand your situation and your options.

We know you may feel scared, embarrassed, and unsure what will happen next. You might be searching for a felony dui attorney St. Augustine because you have court dates coming up and no idea what to expect. Our goal is to step into that uncertainty, explain the process in clear language, and work to protect what matters most to you.

For more than three decades, our attorneys have represented people in serious criminal defense cases here in the area. With over 85 years of combined practice experience and more than 250 jury trials handled, we bring seasoned judgment and local courtroom insight to every felony DUI case we accept.

If you are facing a felony DUI charge, you can contact our DUI defense team to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your next steps. Call (904) 849-2266

Why Choose Our Felony DUI Team

When you are facing a felony drunk driving charge, the lawyer you choose can affect every stage of your case. At Canan Law, our attorneys focus heavily on DUI defense in St. Augustine and understand how prosecutors build impaired driving cases that rise to the felony level.

Our firm has proudly served this community for more than thirty years. We regularly appear in the St. Johns County courthouse and other courts within the Seventh Judicial Circuit. This local experience helps us anticipate how particular issues may be received, from motions to suppress traffic stops to disputes over test results. When you work with us, you are working with a team that knows the local system and the people who operate within it.

We take a team-based approach to felony DUI defense. Our six attorneys collaborate on strategy, test ideas with each other, and review critical evidence together. This means you are not relying on a single perspective. You gain the benefit of several seasoned legal minds thinking through the facts and law in your case.

Our firm is led by founding attorney Patrick T. Canan, a managing partner who has received recognition such as Best Attorney by Best of St. Augustine in multiple years and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. These honors reflect the respect he has earned among peers and the local community. They also set a high standard for how our entire team approaches every matter, including complex felony drunk driving cases.

When A DUI Becomes A Felony In Florida

Many people are surprised to learn that not every DUI charge is treated the same under Florida law. Understanding why your case has been charged as a felony is an important first step. A DUI can be elevated to a felony when certain factors are present, such as prior DUI convictions or serious harm to another person.

For example, a third DUI within a specific time frame, or a fourth or subsequent DUI at any time, can be charged as a felony. A DUI that causes serious bodily injury is usually filed as a felony, even if you have no prior record. If a crash results in a death, DUI manslaughter or related felony charges may be filed by the Office of the State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Other circumstances can increase exposure in a felony DUI case, including allegations of extremely high blood alcohol levels or aggravating factors tied to the crash. In some situations, prosecutors may also examine whether other forms of impaired driving—such as drug DUI charges—are involved.

We work with you to identify how the law applies to your specific situation, including how prior convictions are counted and how any alleged injuries are being classified. Once we understand why the State has treated your case as a felony, we can begin to evaluate potential defenses and strategies.

Consequences Of A Felony DUI Conviction

A felony DUI conviction in Florida brings consequences that go far beyond a simple traffic citation. Depending on the specific charge and your prior record, you could face a state prison sentence, lengthy probation, and substantial fines and court costs. Judges also typically impose conditions such as treatment, community service, and restrictions on alcohol use.

Your driver’s license is often at risk for a long period. Felony DUI cases can involve multi-year suspensions or revocations, and in some situations, permanent revocation may be possible under Florida law. Even if some driving privileges can eventually be restored, there may be requirements such as ignition interlock devices or special insurance coverage.

The impact on your everyday life can be just as serious. A felony record can affect current and future employment, especially if you hold a professional license, work in education, health care, transportation, or need a clean record for security clearances. It can also affect housing applications, financial opportunities, and your reputation in the community.

When you trust a felony drunk driving lawyer St. Augustine with your defense, you are looking for someone who appreciates how these penalties and collateral consequences fit together. Our attorneys take time to discuss how different outcomes might affect your work, family, and long term plans. We use that understanding as we analyze the case and pursue a result that aligns with your priorities as closely as the law and facts allow.

How We Defend Felony DUI Charges

Felony DUI cases are complex, and no two are exactly alike. At Canan Law, we take a deliberate and strategic approach to every felony DUI matter we handle. The first step is to gather and examine the evidence, including police reports, body camera or dash camera footage, witness statements, and any breath or blood test records.

We look closely at the reason for the traffic stop to determine whether law enforcement had a lawful basis to pull you over. We carefully review how field sobriety exercises were conducted and whether instructions and observations were documented accurately. If a breath test was used, we consider how the machine was maintained and whether the operator followed required procedures. If blood was drawn, we examine how the sample was collected, stored, and tested.

Our attorneys also evaluate whether your rights were respected at each stage. This includes how questioning was handled, whether you were advised of your rights when required, and whether any statements may have been taken in violation of those rights. These details can be important in a felony DUI case and may provide grounds to challenge parts of the State’s evidence.

We rely on our team structure to strengthen your defense. Multiple attorneys collaborate to test legal arguments and factual theories, drawing on their combined experience in more than 250 jury trials. This helps us identify both weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and opportunities for negotiation or litigation that might not be evident at first glance.

Our goal as a felony dui defense attorney St. Augustine is to be prepared for every stage of the case. That can include filing motions, engaging in plea discussions, or preparing for trial in the St. Johns County courthouse if that becomes the appropriate course. While we cannot predict or guarantee any result, we can commit to a thorough and thoughtful defense process that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.

When you hire our team, some of the initial steps we may take include:

• Obtaining and reviewing available police reports, videos, and test records as early as possible.
• Identifying legal issues related to the stop, arrest, and testing procedures that may be raised in court.
• Discussing your background, prior record, and personal circumstances to understand how the case affects your life.
• Explaining upcoming hearings and what to expect at each stage in clear, straightforward terms.

After A Felony DUI Arrest

The hours and days after a felony DUI arrest can feel like a blur. You may have been released with paperwork you do not fully understand, or a family member may be trying to figure out how to help while you remain in custody. In either situation, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

Helpful steps to take after a felony DUI arrest include:

• Carefully reading your paperwork so you know your upcoming court dates and locations of hearings.
• Avoiding discussions about the facts of the case on social media or with anyone other than your attorney.
• Collecting any documents you have, such as bond papers, citation copies, or discharge instructions, and keeping them together.
• Writing down your recollection of what happened while it is still fresh, including where you were, what you drank, and how the stop occurred.
• Contacting a felony dui lawyer St. Augustine promptly so you can receive guidance before making important decisions.

For many felony DUI cases in this area, court appearances take place at the St. Johns County courthouse in St. Augustine. The specific schedule can depend on when charges are filed and how the case is assigned within the Seventh Judicial Circuit. When you work with us, we explain where you need to be, when you need to be there, and what will likely happen at each court date.

Early involvement also allows us to help you address questions about your driver’s license and any related administrative actions. While we cannot control how agencies or courts decide every issue, we can help you understand time limits and options so that important deadlines are not missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to prison for a felony DUI?

Not every felony DUI results in a prison sentence, but the risk is real. The outcome depends on factors like your prior record, the specific charge, and what the judge ultimately decides. We review those details with you and work to pursue options that may reduce that risk when possible.

What happens to my driver’s license now?

A felony DUI can lead to a long suspension or revocation of your license under Florida law. The exact impact depends on prior DUIs, the type of charge, and administrative decisions. We help you understand those rules, identify key deadlines, and discuss whether any driving privileges may later be requested.

How soon should I hire a felony DUI lawyer?

It is usually wise to contact an attorney as soon as you can after an arrest. Early involvement allows us to gather evidence, advise you before court appearances, and watch for important deadlines. Our team is prepared to step in quickly so you are not trying to navigate the process alone.

How familiar are you with St. Johns County courts?

Our attorneys have represented clients in St. Johns County courts for more than three decades. We regularly appear in the St. Johns County courthouse and work within the Seventh Judicial Circuit. This local presence helps us understand how felony DUI cases are commonly handled here and informs our strategy.

How will your team communicate with me?

We strive to maintain open and respectful communication throughout your case. Our attorneys and support staff work together to return calls, answer questions, and keep you informed about developments. We explain legal issues in everyday language so you can make informed decisions at each stage.

Talk With Our DUI Defense Team

Felony DUI charges in Florida are serious, but you do not have to face them on your own. At Canan Law, we draw on decades of criminal defense work in St. Augustine and the surrounding area to guide clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our attorneys understand both the law and the realities of practicing in local courtrooms.

When you contact us, we listen to your story, review the information you have, and explain how the process generally works for cases like yours. We discuss potential strategies and answer your questions in clear, straightforward terms. Our goal is to help you move from confusion to a more informed and focused plan.

Do not wait for your next court date to get answers. Contact our office now or call (904) 849-2266 to schedule a confidential consultation with a St. Augustine felony DUI attorney who is ready to defend you.