Bradenton Felony DUI Lawyer
A DUI is a felony in Manatee County in four situations: a third conviction within 10 years of a prior one, a fourth conviction at any time, a crash that causes serious bodily injury, or a crash that causes a death. Felony DUI cases are prosecuted in circuit court at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, and each carries possible prison time.
Daniel D. Nawara is a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which includes Manatee County. He spent three years at the State Attorney's Office, where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases, and has since handled hundreds of DUI cases as a defense lawyer. Call or text (941) 920-5514, 24/7, or request a free consultation.
When a DUI is a felony in Florida
Under section 316.193:
Third DUI within 10 years of a prior conviction. Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison. At least 30 days in jail, a 90-day vehicle impoundment, an ignition interlock for at least 2 years and license revocation of at least 10 years.
Fourth or later DUI, at any time. Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison, a fine of at least $2,000 and permanent license revocation.
DUI causing serious bodily injury. Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison. License revocation of at least 3 years.
DUI manslaughter. Second-degree felony, up to 15 years in prison, with a 4-year mandatory minimum and permanent license revocation.
DUI manslaughter with failure to give information or render aid, or with a qualifying prior conviction. First-degree felony, up to 30 years in prison. The prior-conviction enhancement applies to offenses on or after October 1, 2025 (ch. 2025-121).
These are statutory ranges, not predictions. The sentence in a particular case depends on the facts, the scoresheet and the court.
A third DUI in Manatee County is not always a felony
The dates of the earlier convictions decide the charge. A third DUI more than 10 years after the last conviction is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. The State must prove each prior conviction, including its date and that it belongs to you. Convictions from other states can count, and a prior boating under the influence conviction counts as a prior DUI. Getting the certified records of every earlier case is one of the first steps in the defense.
DUI with serious bodily injury or death
The State must prove two things beyond impairment: that you were the driver, and that your driving caused or contributed to the injury or death. A DUI crash with only property damage or a lesser injury is a first-degree misdemeanor. In serious crashes on I-75, US 41, US 301, State Road 64 or State Road 70, the Florida Highway Patrol usually leads the investigation, and its traffic homicide investigators may take months to finish a report. Blood draws, crash reconstruction, vehicle data and medical records are the central evidence, and each can be challenged.
First appearance and release in a Manatee felony DUI
People arrested in Manatee County are taken to the Manatee County Central Jail, 14470 Harlee Road, Palmetto. Anyone who does not bond out routinely sees a judge within 24 hours. In a felony DUI the judge can set a higher bond and add conditions such as alcohol monitoring and no driving. Those conditions can be reviewed later by motion. See the Manatee criminal court guide.
How Daniel evaluates a felony DUI defense
The stop or the crash investigation. Whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop, detain and arrest.
The testing. How a breath or blood sample was taken, handled and analyzed, and whether the result is admissible.
The prior convictions. Whether each one is proven, falls inside the 10-year period and can lawfully be used.
Who was driving. In crash cases the State must prove who was behind the wheel.
Causation. In injury cases, whether impairment caused the crash.
Three things to do now
Do not discuss the case with investigators, insurance adjusters or anyone involved in the crash before speaking with a lawyer.
Check the date on your notice of suspension. The 10-day deadline to request review of the administrative suspension applies in felony cases too.
Gather the paperwork from every earlier DUI case, including cases from other states.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a felony DUI heard in Manatee County?
In circuit court at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. Check your notice for the courtroom and time.
Is a third DUI a felony in Florida?
Yes, if it happens within 10 years of a prior DUI conviction. A third DUI more than 10 years after the last conviction is a misdemeanor. A fourth DUI is a felony no matter how much time has passed.
How much jail time does a third DUI carry?
A third DUI within 10 years has a maximum of five years in prison and a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail. A third DUI outside the 10-year period carries up to 12 months in jail.
Will I lose my license permanently?
A fourth DUI conviction and a DUI manslaughter conviction each bring permanent revocation. A third DUI within 10 years brings at least 10 years. DUI with serious bodily injury brings at least 3 years.
Does an out-of-state DUI count as a prior?
Generally yes. The State must prove each one with proper records.
Can a felony DUI be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Sometimes. It depends on whether the State can prove each prior conviction and the other elements of the charge. No outcome can be promised.
Talk with a felony DUI lawyer serving Bradenton
Call or text (941) 920-5514, available 24/7, or request a free consultation. The fee is flat and payment plans are available. Have your charging documents, court date and prior-case paperwork ready if you have them. For Sarasota County cases, see Sarasota felony DUI. For the misdemeanor charge, see Bradenton DUI lawyer.
Reviewed by Daniel D. Nawara, Florida Bar No. 123626. Updated October 2026. General information only, not legal advice. The law that applies depends on the offense date and circumstances. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.
Sources: Fla. Stat. § 316.193, § 322.28, § 322.2615; Ch. 2025-121; Manatee County Judicial Center; Manatee Sheriff jail and first appearance information.