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Is a DUI ever a felony charge?
Question:
Is a DUI ever a felony charge?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Yes, felony DUI does exist and is a much more serious charge than a misdemeanor DUI. What makes a DUI a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor is different in every state, but in general someone may be charged with felony DUI if:
Multiple Priors
If you were safely pulled over for reckless driving, speeding or swerving in and out of traffic and then charged with DUI, chances are you are being charged with a misdemeanor crime punishable by less than one year imprisonment. However, if this arrest is your fourth one and you live in California you will probably be charged with a felony. Even when your blood alcohol tests barely over the legal limit, if you have a history of prior DUI convictions the likelihood of being charged with a felony increases dramatically.
Aggravating Circumstances
When you are driving under the influence and your impairment results in an accident that causes serious harm or kills one or more other people, you should expect that you will be charged with a felony. You can also be charged with a felony in many states if you are found to have an extremely high blood alcohol content. Georgia is an example of a state where you can be charged with a felony for testing .15 or higher.
Get Legal Help
Facing felony charges is scary, and serious. You face more than just embarrassment, you are facing loss of your freedom, hefty fines and a criminal record that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney and discuss your situation and begin to prepare to defend yourself against the charges.
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