Whenever you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after you consumed alcohol, you put both yourself and others at risk. Consequently, law enforcement officials take strategic and calculated measures to capture and crack down on DUI offenders. If you are facing a misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI, a conviction means you can expect to receive the maximum penalties allowed under the law.
Misdemeanor DUI or Felony DUI?
Charges stemming from driving under the influence of intoxicants can be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the laws of the state and jurisdiction. Although DUI laws can vary from state to state, often times first or possibly second offense DUIs are classified as misdemeanors. A majority of drunk driving arrests involve misdemeanor charges.
In some cases, certain factors can elevate misdemeanor DUI to Felony DUI charges.
Factors Which Can Elevate a Misdemeanor to a Felony
After repeated offenses, usually the third or fourth, DUI charges are typically considered to be felony DUIs. this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Injuring or killing someone while being drunk behind the wheel is almost always a felony. If the drunk driver is the one who caused the accident that resulted in bodily harm, it is more likely the charges will be raised to a felony.
A child under a certain age being in the vehicle while the operator is drunk may cause a misdemeanor charge to be raised to a felony in some states.
Breaking other laws while driving intoxicated
In some jurisdictions, if you are arrested for DUI and also violate other laws at the same time, the charge can be escalated to felony level. A case in point: If your license is restricted, suspended, or revoked and you are caught driving under the influence of intoxicants, it is regrettable for you as the offense is likely to be considered a felony.
Each state sets levels about the standard of impairment, measured in blood alcohol levels. A higher blood alcohol content (BAC) can result in a harsher punishment when convicted of misdemeanor DUI. You can expect that the higher your blood alcohol level, the worse your penalty will be.
If you have a prior conviction for DUI, it can be used to justify a felony DUI charge. Different states have different standards that take into account how many convictions and over what period of time in which they occur.
Felony DUI convictions are often life-altering in the extreme. Most people convicted will lose their professional licenses and their voting rights as well. Plus, it is not possible to adopt a child. Furthermore, access to public housing and benefits might be lost.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, you’ll likely want to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. With the possibility of adverse impacts on your life looming in the future, you will be well-advised to secure the personalized attention and aggressive representation you deserve from a criminal defense lawyer.
Contact a criminal defense attorney today to schedule your confidential consultation.
Felony DUI convictions are often life-altering in the extreme. Most people convicted will lose their professional licenses and their voting rights as well. Plus, it is not possible to adopt a child. Furthermore, access to public housing and benefits might be lost.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges, you’ll likely want to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. With the possibility of adverse impacts on your life looming in the future, you will be well-advised to secure the personalized attention and aggressive representation you deserve from a criminal defense lawyer.