Skip to Content
Morris Law Firm, P.A. Morris Law Firm, P.A.
ATTORNEYS ON CALL 24/7 727-592-5885
Top
DUI With Serious Bodily Injury DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

DUI with Serious Bodily Injury

It is a terrible tragedy when someone is injured by a drunk driver. In most cases, the person under the influence had no intention of causing any harm. The driver just wanted to make it safely to their destination, and an unfortunate accident happened. You should not be punished for your mistake. If you have been charged with a DUI with serious bodily injury, you should contact a criminal defense attorney right away.

A Florida criminal defense attorney will be able to either build a defense against the charges or plea bargain to have the charges reduced. Contact a criminal defense attorney to make sure that your rights are protected.

St. Petersburg DUI with Serious Bodily Injury Attorney

Melinda Morris is the founding partner of the Morris Law Firm which exclusively deals with criminal defense. As a former prosecutor, Ms. Morris has insight into how the Pinellas County prosecutors build their cases. 

If you have been charged with a DUI with serious bodily injury, contact the Morris Law Firm at (727) 592-5885 for a consultation about your DUI with serious bodily injury case.

Florida DUI Laws

Section 316.193 in the Florida Statutes lays out the driving under the influence laws. Under the law a person is guilty of driving under the influence if:

  • The individual is driving or in control of a motor vehicle
  • The individual is under the influence of alcoholic beverages
  • The individual has a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater
  • The individual has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or greater

In order to be convicted of a DUI with serious bodily injury, the prosecution must prove that you were drunk, and then must show that you caused serious bodily injury to another person. Serious bodily injury means that the person has severe injuries resulting in disfigurement or permanent disability.

Penalties for DUI with Serious Bodily Injury

DUI with serious bodily injury is classified as a third-degree felony under Florida law. The punishment for a third-degree felony is:

  • 5 years in prison
  • $5,000 fine
  • Up to 96 points added to your driving record

Even if you have no prior criminal history, you can still serve jail time and get your driving privileges revoked for a DUI with serious bodily injury. It is important to contact an experienced lawyer right away if you are charged with DUI with serious bodily injury.

Defenses to DUI with Serious Bodily Injury

Only a licensed Florida attorney can create a defense for your case. It is important to contact a criminal defense attorney familiar with the court system in Pinellas County and St. Petersburg.

The most common defenses are:

  • Show that you were not under the influence of alcohol
  • Show that you were not the cause of the serious bodily injury

In most DUI cases, the police officers give either a breath test or take a blood test. It is possible to challenge these tests. The machines may not be properly calibrated or you could have some underlying medical condition that caused false results.

As for the serious bodily injury, sometimes the “drunk” driver did not cause the accident. If the injured party received their injuries due to their own negligence, then it is possible to get the serious bodily injury charge removed.

Every DUI with serious bodily case is different, so you should tell the attorney the facts of your case in order to get the best defense.

Morris Law Firm | St. Petersburg DUI with Serious Bodily Injury Attorney

The Morris Law Firm, P.A. is committed to representing persons who are accused of DUI with serious bodily injury. Contact the Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 if you have been charged with DUI with serious bodily injury in Pinellas County or St. Petersburg. You need to talk with a St. Petersburg drunk driving defense lawyer. Our goal is to get the charges dismissed or greatly reduced.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro
Attorney Profiles

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google