The consequences of a first-time DUI are harsh enough, but they only become more serious for each subsequent offense. If you are convicted of more than one DUI, your charge could escalate from a misdemeanor to a felony DUI, resulting in a state prison sentence instead of county jail, and fines of up to $5,000 instead of no more than $2,000. The purpose of these compounded penalties is to discourage individuals from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated even one time, let alone multiple times. Drunk driving endangers the lives of everyone in the car with the drunk driver, as well as all other motorists on the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs becomes particularly serious upon a third conviction within 10 years of a prior, or upon a fourth conviction. These offenses are charged and convicted as felonies and can land an individual in state prison. Additionally, Florida uses the Three Strikes Law, meaning that three felony convictions, or “strikes,” could result in a life sentence in state prison. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, don’t settle for less than the best DUI defense in your area. Hire a Jacksonville DUI lawyer from Parks & Braxton, PA, Jacksonville’s DUI defense firm.