Felony DUI Attorney in Daytona Beach

Your Next Step Matters: Trusted Legal Help for Felony DUI Charges

A felony DUI charge in Daytona Beach can disrupt your life instantly. The risk of losing your license, facing jail time, or having your future put on hold is unsettling, especially if you have a previous DUI or the allegation involves injuries. You are not just searching for answers—you need a plan and a committed advocate.

Whited Law Firm serves clients throughout Daytona Beach, Volusia, and Brevard Counties with strategic and compassionate defense in felony DUI cases. Our focus is clear: providing you with rare DUI defense insight and firm support when it makes the most difference. We recognize the stress you are feeling and respect the urgency of your situation. When you contact us, you connect with a team that has handled many of the toughest DUI cases in this region's courts.

Attorney Flem Whited is one of only three Board Certified DUI Defense lawyers in Florida and brings over four decades of focused experience to every case. If you have been charged in Volusia or Brevard County, or expect charges to be filed, our team is available around the clock to answer your questions and help you understand the path forward. You do not have to navigate this alone.

Schedule a FREE consultation today by calling (386) 339-0702 or filling out our online contact form.

When a DUI Becomes a Felony in Daytona Beach

Understanding why a DUI charge becomes a felony in Daytona Beach is an essential first step. In Florida, felony DUI charges often arise under certain circumstances—multiple prior DUIs, accidents involving serious injury or death, or arrest while driving with a suspended license. For example, if this is your third DUI within ten years, or the incident resulted in a serious bodily injury (DUI with serious bodily injury), prosecutors can file felony charges. These cases typically proceed in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Volusia and Brevard counties, including Daytona Beach.

Common situations that may lead to a felony DUI charge include:

• Third or subsequent DUI offenses within ten years
• DUI resulting in serious bodily injury
• DUI manslaughter (fatal accidents)
• DUI with habitual traffic offender status

Felony DUI penalties are significantly more severe than misdemeanor charges. Sentences may include prison time, permanent license revocation, extensive probation, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and high fines. Knowing these consequences can help you appreciate what is at stake—and why experienced legal counsel is so important.

Why Experience Matters: Choosing the Right Felony DUI Lawyer

The lawyer you select after a felony DUI arrest can make a real difference in how your case advances. DUI law is highly technical in Florida, and prosecutors in Volusia and Brevard Counties are known for being assertive in felony drunk driving cases. Attorney Flem Whited is one of only a handful of attorneys statewide with Board Certification in DUI Defense. This rare distinction is the result of advanced training, peer review, and a long-standing record with complex felony DUI cases. He also served as President of the National College for DUI Defense, and has taught other felony drunk driving attorneys in Daytona Beach and across the state.

Whited Law Firm is dedicated exclusively to drug DUI. Unlike general criminal firms, every tool, strategy, and resource we use serves DUI clients only. We bring a deep familiarity with the judges, case tactics, and policies specific to Volusia and Brevard courts. Our commitment is clear: we leverage all available legal defenses, forensic knowledge, and local connections on your behalf—working for the best possible result for your unique case.

Urgent Steps After a Felony DUI Arrest

Taking the right steps after a felony DUI arrest in Daytona Beach is critical. The days immediately following your arrest will shape your legal options, so acting swiftly is key. It is important not to make statements to police or insurance companies before speaking with a felony DUI defense attorney in Daytona Beach. You may also need to save receipts, text messages, or witness information connected to your arrest.

If you have been arrested for felony DUI, here are important steps to take right away:

• Contact a felony DUI lawyer promptly to discuss your rights
• Avoid making statements about your case without legal counsel
• Preserve any evidence or documents related to the incident
• Respect all bond or release conditions set by the court

Our team is available 24/7 to respond when you need immediate help. We offer free, confidential consultations at our Daytona Beach office or remotely. Once you reach out, we begin reviewing the case details, gathering key facts, and mapping an early defense strategy. Taking quick action often prevents mistakes that could complicate your case later.

How Our Team Fights Felony DUI Charges in Volusia & Brevard Counties

No two felony DUI cases in Daytona Beach are exactly alike, which is why we build a custom defense for each client. At Whited Law Firm, our approach starts with a thorough review of the arrest, the breath or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test procedures, and all police interactions. If officers mishandled evidence or skipped steps—such as improper sample storage or missed procedural safeguards—our team moves quickly to raise these issues in court.

Our defense strategies for felony DUI charges frequently involve:

• Challenging the validity or administration of BAC tests
• Analyzing traffic stop legality and police conduct
• Reviewing the reliability of forensic evidence
• Preparing for hearings or trials in Volusia County Courthouse or Brevard court facilities

Our familiarity with Daytona Beach law enforcement and the nuances of local courtrooms shapes our advocacy. Attorney Whited and our team use decades of experience to anticipate prosecution tactics and present a well-prepared defense for our clients.

Felony DUI Consequences & How We Work to Protect You

Understanding the Risks

Consequences for felony DUI in Daytona Beach can be serious and long-lasting. Convictions can mean state prison, permanent loss of your driver’s license, substantial fines, and mandatory treatment or probation. People also face hardships outside the legal system, such as employment problems and increased insurance costs. These are life-changing outcomes, but a strong defense can influence the final result.

Our Commitment to Clients

The exact penalty in a felony DUI case depends on many details, including your prior record and the case facts, such as injury or aggravating factors. We work to examine every variable—looking for errors, conducting our own investigations, and presenting well-built arguments aimed at minimizing negative consequences. While we cannot make promises about specific outcomes, our board-certified defense and commitment to second chances means we fight for a fair, just result for every client, every time.

Take Action Now: Confidential Consultation with a Daytona Beach Felony DUI Attorney

If you are facing felony DUI charges in Daytona Beach, it is important to have trusted legal support as soon as possible. Reaching out to Whited Law Firm connects you with a Board Certified DUI Defense attorney who has devoted more than 40 years to protecting local clients. Our team is ready to respond to urgent cases and can arrange a free, confidential meeting in person or online—whichever works best for you.

Our role is to make a difficult moment as manageable as possible. When you contact us, you receive prompt answers, straight talk about your situation, and a clear plan for what comes next. There is absolutely no obligation, and your privacy is always protected.

Call (386) 339-0702 for a free, confidential consultation with a felony DUI attorney in Daytona Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a felony DUI lawyer if I already have a prior DUI?

Yes, it is especially important to work with a felony DUI lawyer if you have a previous DUI. Repeat offenses greatly increase the risk of harsher charges and sentencing, and prosecutors in Volusia and Brevard counties often pursue significant penalties in these cases. Our exclusive focus on DUI cases means we bring depth and experience to defending complex matters involving multiple offenses. Early legal intervention can help widen your defense options and may affect the overall outcome.

What makes a DUI a felony in Daytona Beach?

Several factors can turn a DUI into a felony in Daytona Beach, according to Florida law. These include having multiple DUI offenses within a certain timeframe, causing serious injury or death in an accident, or being arrested while driving with a suspended or revoked license. Felony DUI cases are generally heard at the Volusia County Courthouse or Brevard County Courthouse. You can get clarity on your specific charges by discussing your case with a felony drunk driving attorney in Daytona Beach who understands local prosecutions.

How fast should I contact a felony DUI attorney after arrest?

It is best to contact a felony DUI attorney right after your arrest. The first several days are critical for protecting your rights, preserving important evidence, and shaping your defense. Our team is available 24/7 and can begin guiding you quickly, whether you are in custody or released. Fast action is important in Daytona Beach felony DUI cases, as court events can be scheduled quickly and early mistakes are hard to correct.

Will my case be handled in Daytona Beach courts?

Felony DUI cases arising in Daytona Beach or elsewhere in Volusia and Brevard counties are typically assigned to the Seventh Judicial Circuit courts, specifically the Volusia County Courthouse or Brevard County Courthouse. The exact court depends on where the alleged offense took place. Working with a defense team that knows these courts and the local legal system can give your case strategic advantages in preparation and presentation.

How does Whited Law Firm approach defending felony DUI cases?

We take a thorough, evidence-driven approach to defending felony DUI cases. This includes reviewing the validity of BAC testing, the legality of the traffic stop, and how police handled every aspect of the arrest. Attorney Whited's board certification means we stay up to date on the latest strategies and legal standards. Our defenses are tailored to the facts of each case and to the realities of practicing in Volusia and Brevard counties. Our team works to uncover and raise every available defense to protect our clients’ futures.

What are the possible penalties for felony DUI in Florida?

Felony DUI penalties in Florida are severe and last well beyond any court date. The law allows for prison time, permanent driver’s license loss, large fines, court-ordered treatment, and long periods of probation. The outcome in your case will be shaped by the facts, prior offenses, and presentation of your defense. Consulting a felony dui defense attorney Daytona Beach residents trust can open up options for reducing or challenging charges and penalties, but each situation is unique.

Call (386) 339-0702 today. We can meet in person or virtually, whichever is most convenient for you. Use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.