Reader’s Question:

My father was charged with DUI here in Jacksonville, Florida. I heard that it was just a misdemeanor case and it was a good thing that it wasn’t a felony case? What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony DUI cases?

Kai

Jacksonville, FL

Your father’s DUI case in Jacksonville, Florida, which is a misdemeanor charge, is generally considered to be less serious than a felony charge. However, you have to take note that convictions for crimes involving DUI can have long lasting consequences that may affect both your father’s record and employment. Misdemeanor cases are handled in the County Court System and punishment may include an adjudication of guilt, a fine, jail time in County Jail and supervised probation.

A felony DUI charge is considered more serious than a misdemeanor. It is ranked in increasing range of severity from Third to First Degree felony charge. Felony crimes are handled in Circuit Criminal Court and punishment can include an adjudication of guilt, lengthy terms of jail time in State Prison, significant terms of supervised probation or house arrest and significant fines.

Tags: drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI lawyer