Felony DUI Lawyer in Omaha

Serious Felony DUI Charges Need Focused Defense

A felony DUI charge can change the course of your life. Prison time, a long term loss of your license, and a permanent felony record are all possible outcomes. If you are facing this level of drunk driving charge here, you need a clear plan and a steady legal team.

At Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law, we focus our entire practice on criminal defense, including serious DUI cases. Our attorney, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, has spent more than 20 years inside the justice system as a former Omaha city prosecutor and former Omaha police officer. He is also certified in field sobriety and breath testing, so we understand how these cases are built from the moment of the traffic stop.

To discuss your case with our Omaha felony DUI attorney, call (402) 809-5008.

What a Felony DUI Means for You

Many people are shocked to learn their latest drunk driving arrest is not a misdemeanor but a felony. In Nebraska, that often happens when someone has multiple prior DUI convictions on their record or when a DUI involves serious injury. The charge you face depends on your specific history and the facts of the incident.

A felony DUI conviction can lead to significant jail or prison time, long license revocations, ignition interlock requirements, substantial fines, and lengthy probation. You may be ordered to complete treatment and face intensive monitoring. For many, the felony label has even greater impact than the sentence itself.

This type of conviction can appear on background checks for jobs, housing, and professional licenses. If you are a nurse, teacher, commercial driver, or law enforcement officer, a felony can place your entire career at risk. Even those not in licensed professions often worry about current employers learning about the charge and future employers judging their record.

Why Our Firm Handles Felony DUI Cases in Omaha

Michael J. Fitzpatrick brings a rare perspective as a former Omaha city prosecutor. He has stood on the other side of the courtroom and understands how the Douglas County Attorney’s Office may evaluate felony DUI files, what factors they weigh heavily, and how they sometimes approach negotiations. That insight helps us anticipate arguments and pressure points that can matter in your case.

Before his work as a prosecutor, Michael served as an Omaha police officer. He knows how traffic stops are conducted, how officers are trained to administer field sobriety tests, and how reports are written. This background helps us spot gaps or inconsistencies in the state’s version of events that might not be obvious from paperwork alone.

Our attorney is also certified in field sobriety and breath testing. That certification means we have formal training in the same testing procedures officers use on the street and in the station. We use that training to evaluate whether tests were given correctly and whether the results are reliable enough for the state to rely on in a felony case.

How We Defend Felony DUI Charges

Felony DUI is a process that starts with a detailed review of what actually happened before, during, and after your arrest. We begin by examining why you were stopped in the first place, whether there was a reported traffic violation, a checkpoint, or a welfare check. The legality of the stop can affect what evidence the prosecution may use.

Breath and blood testing receive the same level of attention. We review available maintenance and calibration information, operator training, test timing, and any potential issues with sample handling. Our knowledge of breath testing procedures allows us to identify weaknesses that might not be obvious from a few lines in a police report.

In felony DUI cases, priors matter. We carefully examine the prior convictions the state is using to enhance your charge. This can involve reviewing how old those cases are, what their level was, and whether they meet the legal requirements for use as enhancement in Nebraska courts.

What To Do After a Felony DUI Arrest

Here are some immediate steps you can take after a felony DUI arrest:

• Collect and keep all paperwork from your arrest and release.
• Write down your memory of the stop, tests, and conversations with officers.
• Avoid posting about the incident online or discussing details with others.
• Mark your court dates on a calendar and plan to attend every hearing.
• Contact our firm to schedule a confidential consultation as soon as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a felony DUI?

Jail or prison time is a real possibility with a felony DUI, but the outcome depends on your record and the facts. Prior convictions, any injury claims, and your history with the court can all influence sentencing. We work to present your circumstances in a way that supports the best available result.

Can a felony DUI ever be reduced or dismissed?

Some felony DUI charges are reduced or dismissed, although this is never guaranteed. Outcomes depend on the strength of the evidence, any legal issues with the stop or testing, and your history. Our attorney examines each part of the case to identify leverage for negotiations or motions.

How will a felony DUI affect my job or license?

A felony DUI can place your employment and professional licenses at risk, especially in regulated fields. It may also lead to long-term license revocation and ignition interlock requirements. We discuss how the law applies to your work and help you understand options for protecting your ability to earn a living.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

Bring all court papers, bond documents, and anything you received from officers at the time of arrest. Notes about what you remember from the stop and testing are also helpful. Having these materials ready allows us to review your situation and give more specific guidance during the consultation.

How does your prosecutor and police background help me?

Michael’s experience as a former prosecutor and former Omaha police officer gives us insight into how felony DUI cases are investigated and charged. We understand how officers are trained, how reports are written, and how prosecutors think about evidence. That perspective shapes how we challenge the case and plan your defense.

Talk With Our Felony DUI Defense Team in Omaha

A felony DUI charge here is serious, but you are not without options. With the right information and focused representation, you can make choices that protect your future as much as possible. Our firm is here to explain the process, review the evidence, and help you understand realistic paths forward.

At Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law, you work with an attorney who has more than 20 years of experience in the justice system, including service as a former Omaha city prosecutor and former Omaha police officer. 

To discuss your felony DUI case in Omaha with our team, call (402) 809-5008.