Felony DUI

Jacksonville Felony DUI Lawyer

Felony Drunk Driving Defense Across Northeast Florida

Under Florida Statute 316.193, a DUI charge escalates to a felony when specific circumstances are present: a third offense within 10 years, a fourth offense at any time, or an incident involving serious bodily injury or death. The distinction matters enormously. A felony DUI conviction can mean years in state prison, fines reaching $10,000, extended or permanent loss of driving privileges, and a criminal record that follows you into every job application, housing search, and professional licensing proceeding you face.

McCormick Law represents individuals facing felony DUI charges in Jacksonville, Duval County, and throughout Northeast Florida. If you’ve been charged, the decisions you make in the first days after arrest can shape the entire case.

Schedule your free consultation today by calling (904) 353-0436 or filling out our online form to speak with a Jacksonville felony DUI lawyer who can help protect your rights.

Why Clients Choose McCormick Law

Attorney Russell B. McCormick began his career as an Assistant State Attorney in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, prosecuting serious felony cases in the Special Assault Division. That background gives our firm a direct view into how the State Attorney’s Office builds its cases and, more importantly, where those cases are vulnerable. We use that insight to challenge evidence, anticipate prosecution strategy, and develop defenses grounded in how these cases actually work rather than how they look on paper.

Founded in 2013, McCormick Law has handled thousands of cases across Northeast Florida. Clients work directly with our attorneys from the first call through resolution. There are no handoffs to paralegals or junior staff. Our office is located near the Duval County Courthouse, and we offer evening and weekend appointments, off-site and virtual meetings, and 24/7 availability for clients who need to reach us outside business hours.

We offer free initial consultations and payment plans because a serious felony charge shouldn’t also mean uncertainty about whether you can afford to fight it.

How Felony DUI Differs From Misdemeanor DUI in Florida

In Florida, most first and second DUI offenses without aggravating factors are misdemeanors. The penalties are serious, but they’re contained: fines, probation, license suspension, and possible county jail time. A felony DUI operates in a different category entirely.

Where a misdemeanor DUI results in county jail exposure, a felony DUI can send someone to state prison. Fines run higher, license revocation periods extend further, and the mandatory ignition interlock device requirement adds a lasting practical burden after release. An ignition interlock device requires the driver to pass a breath test before the vehicle will start and remains on the vehicle for a court-ordered period.

The collateral consequences of a felony conviction reach further than most people expect. A felony record can strip voting rights until civil rights are formally restored, disqualify someone from possessing a firearm, create immigration consequences including potential deportation for non-citizens, and close doors to professional licenses that a misdemeanor conviction would leave open. That gap in long-term impact is the core reason why the level of the charge matters so much.

Common Mistakes After a Felony DUI Arrest in Jacksonville

The period immediately after a DUI arrest is when many people make decisions that hurt them later. Understanding what’s at stake from the outset can prevent the most avoidable damage to a defense.

Florida’s implied consent law means that when a driver operates a vehicle on Florida roads, they’ve implicitly agreed to submit to a breathalyzer or chemical test if lawfully requested. Refusing that test triggers an automatic administrative license suspension, separate from any criminal proceeding and independent of whether charges are ultimately filed or proven. Refusing doesn’t prevent a DUI charge. It adds a suspension on top of one.

After an arrest, a driver has only 10 days to request a formal review hearing to challenge the administrative license suspension. Missing that window typically results in automatic suspension with no opportunity to contest it. This deadline runs regardless of what is happening on the criminal side of the case.

Treating a felony DUI as something that will resolve itself is a serious misjudgment. Mandatory minimum sentences can apply depending on the charge level, and statements made to law enforcement before consulting an attorney can directly damage a defense. Suspects aren’t required to answer questions about their whereabouts or drinking beyond providing identification. At McCormick Law, we work to help clients understand every step of their case from the start, so they’re not navigating these decisions without information.

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Five-Star Reviews See What our Clients Have to Say

Russell B. McCormick Focuses on You, and It Shows in Our Reviews

Read through some of our recent five-star client testimonials below, or call (904) 353-0436 get started with our attorney today.

"Five stars doesn’t even do his firm justice!"
Mr. McCormick is an outstanding attorney. He was very thorough in every detail of my case, which ultimately led to the dismissal of all charges in my situation. Not only is he very communicative about every aspect, but shows great integrity and loyalty. He even called after hours when it was necessary. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I would 100% recommend him as an exceptionally excellent attorney. His staff is wonderful and kind as well, and available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Five stars doesn’t even do his firm justice!

- Arlene S.
"Now I can get back to living instead of worrying. I cannot begin to explain the weight that has been lifted."
I appreciate all of your efforts and support. It has been a very trying time and I am extremely grateful. I cannot begin to explain the weight that has been lifted. Now I can get back to living instead of worrying. My young adults are my life and they all are beautiful beings with loving hearts. Thank you again and thank the ladies in your office Dorothy and Brandi. Two very professional and very kind ladies. And please thank Luke for me also. Very kind. May God Bless you all. Take care.
"Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me."
A friend who went through a similar situation recommended me this Law Office. I was a bit nervous about talking to a lawyer since it was my first time having to need one. Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me. He was also quite accommodating with my work schedule and kept me up to date with anything that came up or that I needed to do. I’m so grateful he was able to reduce my charge, with the eligibility of getting it sealed later on.

- Kevin
"Russell is Amazing!"
Russell is Amazing! He handled my son’s case with such professionalism all while having a very calm demeanor. His hard work granted the best results for my son, and we are more than pleased. And I can’t leave out Dorothy! It was a pleasure speaking with her when calling the office Every Time.She was always sweet and made sure to answer any concerns that we had.. Overall I give Russell and his team a A+.. I highly recommend..

- Meka B.
"They were knowledgeable and straight to the point"
This firm was well worth it , they were knowledgeable and straight to the point and actually got the job done . Also they respond back to you in a timely manner . I am very appreciative for their service. Now I can move forward in life . Thanks

- Deven R.
"Highly recommend Russell McCormick."
Highly recommend Russell McCormick. Upon calling he immediately went to work on my case. He clearly communicated the process and walked me through any questions I had. He was also able to get my sentencing talked down and made the process as painless as it could be. I am so glad he was referred to me!

- Rachel B.
"Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations."
Russell was great! this is the second time I have used him and i have to say, I'm impressed. Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations. I would recommend Russell McCormick to anyone needing legal counsel. After finding Russell, I will never use anyone else for my legal needs!

- Luke F.
Called the McCormick office in trouble, with my freedom on the line. Russell answered the phone himself and confirmed he took on my type of cases. He took my information down and we scheduled a consultation. When I arrived for my consultation, he already had the information about my case,and a plan to come to my defense, already in tow! That made me confident in hiring Russell. However, my case had gotten thrown out (unbeknownst to me) and even though I paid the retainers fee, he sent me a refund.In reality he could have kept it. That right there is why he'll forever be my go to attorney if I needed one. Ready to defend and honest when need be. I appreciate him and Ms Dorothy and highly recommend. Thanks again!

- Jones

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Understanding Felony DUI Charges

Most DUI charges in Florida begin as misdemeanors. Certain factors, however, elevate the offense to a felony under Florida Statute 316.193:

Third DUI Within 10 Years: A third DUI conviction within a 10-year period is classified as a third-degree felony.
Fourth or Subsequent DUI: Regardless of the time between offenses, a fourth DUI is a felony.
DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury: If the DUI results in serious bodily harm to another person, the charge is elevated to a felony.
DUI Manslaughter: Causing a fatality while driving under the influence is a second-degree felony and may be enhanced further based on specific circumstances.
Driving With a Suspended License During DUI: If your license was suspended due to a prior DUI and you’re caught driving under the influence again, the charges may be elevated.

A Jacksonville felony DUI attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine whether the charge is valid or whether mitigating factors exist.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Florida

Felony DUI charges carry severe penalties that vary based on the degree of the offense:

Third-Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and up to 10 years of license revocation.
Second-Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, a 4-year mandatory minimum, and possible permanent license revocation.

Additional penalties may also apply:

Vehicle impoundment
Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
DUI school and substance abuse counseling
Community service
Probation

A felony DUI conviction also carries consequences that extend well beyond sentencing. Individuals may face difficulty obtaining employment, limited housing options, ineligibility for certain professional licenses, loss of voting rights until civil rights are restored, and immigration consequences including potential deportation for non-citizens. These outcomes can be life-altering in ways a misdemeanor conviction does not carry.

Take Action Today: Protect Your Future With McCormick Law

At McCormick Law, we defend clients with personalized legal strategies informed by Attorney McCormick’s experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. We’re fully prepared to take cases before judges and juries, and we approach every matter with the same level of preparation whether it resolves through negotiation or goes to trial. Free consultations and payment plans are available.

Call (904) 353-0436 or reach out online to speak with our felony DUI attorneys in Jacksonville.

FAQs About Felony DUI in Jacksonville

What Triggers a Felony DUI Charge in Jacksonville?

A felony DUI in Jacksonville is triggered by specific circumstances defined under Florida Statute 316.193: a third DUI offense within 10 years of a prior conviction, a fourth or subsequent DUI offense at any time regardless of when prior offenses occurred, a DUI causing serious bodily injury to another person, or DUI manslaughter. Having a minor passenger in the vehicle is an aggravating factor that increases fines and other penalties but doesn’t by itself elevate a first or second offense to a felony. Each scenario carries distinct legal consequences and requires a defense strategy built around the specific facts of the case.

How Can a Felony Drunk Driving Attorney in Jacksonville Help?

A defense attorney examines whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether field sobriety tests were properly administered, whether blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results from a breathalyzer or blood test are reliable, and whether any evidence should be suppressed. Attorney McCormick’s background as a former Assistant State Attorney in the Fourth Judicial Circuit gives McCormick Law direct insight into how the State builds its DUI prosecutions, which shapes how we identify weaknesses and challenge the evidence against our clients. We’re prepared to take cases to trial when that’s what the situation requires.

Can a Felony DUI Charge Be Reduced?

Charge reduction from felony to misdemeanor is possible in some cases, depending on the evidence, procedural issues identified during the investigation, and negotiations with the prosecution. No outcome can be guaranteed. What we can do is examine every aspect of the case, including the lawfulness of the stop, the administration of sobriety tests, and the reliability of chemical test results, and use that analysis to pursue the strongest result the facts support.

Why Does Local Representation Matter for Felony DUI Cases?

Felony DUI cases in Jacksonville are prosecuted in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Familiarity with Duval County prosecutors, Fourth Judicial Circuit courtroom procedures, and the local legal landscape affects how a case is handled at every stage. McCormick Law’s office is located near the Duval County Courthouse, and Attorney McCormick’s career began in this circuit as a prosecutor. Free initial consultations and payment plans are available to make getting started as straightforward as possible.

Speak with a Jacksonville felony DUI attorney today. Call (904) 353-0436 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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Trial-Tested Litigator

A proven track record in the courtroom. We never shy away from taking your case to trial.
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As a former prosecutor, Russell B. McCormick knows exactly what it takes to win.