Felony DUI Involving Serious Bodily Injury

When you have been arrested for DUI with Serious Bodily Injury in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough counties, contact Craig Epifanio as soon as possible so as to protect yourself from the serious consequences you are facing. Since you potentially face up to five (5) years prison and a fine up to $5,000, even on a first time offense, it is crucial to have someone on your side right away. Furthermore, since Serious Bodily injury cases often involve blood draws, and in some cases, blood draws taken against that person's will, it is vital to a person's case for the attorney to quickly challenge that evidence.

"Serious bodily injury" is defined as any injury to another individual that results in the impairment of a body part or organ, disfigurement or any substantial risk of death. Even a disfiguring scar or other seemingly insignificant injury may be enough to submit the case to the jury.

Even a first time offender is facing mandatory prison due to the way these charges are scored under Florida's sentencing guidelines. For example, the charge itself is a Level 7 felony and if a prosecutor decides to score a victim's injuries as "severe," and the judge were to agree with the prosecutor, then an additional score is added and a person faces more than 4 years prison. Of course, if you have prior offenses, then you probably would "score" the maximum 5 years in prison.

In addition to the criminal penalties a person faces when charged with this Felony offense, the driver faces a revocation of their driver's license for at least three years. This revocation does not start until AFTER the person is released from jail or prison, even if no prior record (However, they may be eligible for a hardship after completing the appropriate driver's course and DUI school).

Although there are many serious consequences associated with Felony DUI Involving Serious Bodily Injury, there are things that my office can accomplish for you. For example, it may be possible to get a "downward departure" from the mandatory prison sentence. There are many reasons a judge may be willing to do so depending on the facts of the case, and the character and deeds of the person both before and after the arrest. Further, I may be able to get the prosecutor to agree that the injuries do not legally qualify as serious. Regardless, I am committed to getting you the best disposition in this unfortunate time of your life. So, feel free to contact me so that I can assist you with these serious charges.