DUI Injury Lawyer in Polk County

Fighting Against a System More Focused on Conviction Than Justice

Polk County DUI injury lawyers work to help their clients avoid the most serious repercussions for impaired driving. Unfortunately, such charges are not the worst possible outcome of alleged impaired driving. Potential charges and penalties could greatly increase if someone suffers an injury — even if it’s not a serious bodily injury. This is why letting a Polk County DUI injury lawyer help navigate the difficult challenges ahead is so important.

At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., our dedicated team of criminal defense lawyers understands what you’re up against. We’ve assisted clients with everything from standard impaired driving charges to DUI manslaughter allegations. Regardless of what the law enforcement officer claims or any blood alcohol content (BAC) measurement says, it may be possible to avoid a conviction, get reduced penalties, or even have charges dropped entirely.

Contact our law firm today for your free consultation.

What Charges Are Filed in DUI With Injury Cases?

When a person faces DUI charges, they often think of the immediate aftermath. Vehicle impoundment, driver’s license suspension, Ignition Interlock Device requirements, and fines are often at the top of their minds. However, a  can lead to more serious charges when anyone is injured due to alleged impaired driving. If police or prosecutors believe someone suffered injuries due to your actions, there are various charges you might face:

DUI With Property Damage or Non-Serious Injury

Typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, a conviction can result in a 1-year jail term. Defendants may also face a $1,000 fine, 1-year driver’s license suspension, and other penalties (e.g., community service, probation).

DUI With Serious Bodily Injury

This is a third-degree felony. A conviction can result in a 5-year prison sentence, $5,000 in fines, and a minimum 3-year license suspension. Mandatory treatment and DUI school are also required, and courts may order victim restitution.

DUI Manslaughter

This is a second-degree felony that can become a first-degree felony if a person flees the scene. A second-degree charge can result in up to 15 years in prison. Fines can reach up to $10,000, and the license revocation lasts a lifetime.

How to Fight Back

If you’re charged with DUI with injury, felony DUI, or face enhanced penalties due to previous convictions, it’s important to understand that a conviction will be life-altering. You likely will be unable to secure a hardship license. Still, considering the potential prison sentences you may face, losing driving privileges might be the least of your worries. Fortunately, this isn’t a battle you have to fight alone. Contact our Polk County DUI injury attorneys today to discuss your case.

How Do Penalties Vary From a DUI Conviction Under Florida Law?

Certain penalties for DUI also apply to DUI injury offenses. For instance, a conviction always leads to at least a temporary restriction on driving privileges. It’s also possible that incarceration could occur, but this is less likely for a first-time DUI conviction with no injuries. However, there are far more severe penalties available to the courts when someone suffers an injury in a DUI accident. For instance, a felony DUI with serious bodily injury can result in a 3-year mandatory license revocation.

This is far more serious than a license suspension. In addition to increased restrictions on a person’s driver’s license, other penalties are more serious as well. For instance, criminal law allows up to one year in jail for a DUI with property damage or non-serious injuries. This is much more than the potential 6-month sentence for standard impaired driving convictions. DUI with serious bodily injury convictions can lead to a 5-year prison term, and DUI manslaughter convictions can result in up to 15 years in prison.

The deck is stacked against those facing DUI charges involving injuries — particularly if this would be a second DUI conviction or subsequent offense. That’s why you should contact our Polk County DUI injury lawyers today. We’ll fight to secure the best possible outcome in your case.

How Can a Polk County DUI Attorney Help?

Whether accusations involve a first-degree misdemeanor or a second or third-degree felony, there are many ways that Polk County DUI lawyers may be able to help. Most importantly, they can protect all your rights and navigate the legal system on your behalf. Even if a conviction is unavoidable, a skilled legal team may be able to have charges reduced or secure lesser sentencing in your case. However, attorneys are also critical for crafting successful defense strategies.

Such legal defenses in these cases include:

• Faulty breathalyzer device
• Improper field sobriety tests
• Untrained officers
• Mishandling of evidence
• No evidence of impairment
• No injuries occurred
• Constitutional violations
• Procedural errors
• Health issues leading to high BAC
• Physical impairments affect tests

Put simply, having legal representation on your side can be invaluable. Whether it’s to secure a beneficial plea bargain, get charges dropped before trial, or represent you throughout litigation, your attorney’s job will always focus on advocating for you. If you’re charged with a DUI in Polk County — particularly with injuries involved — our law firm is on standby and ready to assist.

Contact us today for your free consultation.

Contact a Polk County DUI Injury Lawyer Today

When the state accuses someone of causing injuries as an intoxicated driver, the effect on that person’s life can be catastrophic. Navigating the legal process is not a simple task, and if you’re unable to secure a favorable outcome, DUI law can be incredibly strict. That’s why anyone accused of being an impaired or drunk driver in an injury case should act quickly to secure legal counsel.

At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., our Polk County DUI injury lawyers are dedicated to offering aggressive legal defense for each client. Even standard DUI cases can result in harsh penalties — including up to nine months in jail for a second offense. Potential outcomes get even worse for a felony DUI conviction. Sadly, such penalties are minor relative to DUI injury cases.

Don’t pay attention to what police reports, the arresting law enforcement officer, or prosecutors say about your situation. Contact us at (863) 622-9602 to schedule your free initial consultation. We’re here to fight for you.