DUI Lawyers Can Help With Felony DUI Charges
16.06 Posted In DUI Lawyers Edit This 0 Comments »Charges for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can be either misdemeanor charges or felony charges. The circumstances of the case and the background of the suspect will determine what kind of charges are filed by the state against the individual. DUI felony charges carry much stiffer consequences and are always more serious cases than felony charges. If you find yourself facing DUI charges wondering what kind of charges the state will file against you, contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with the guidance you need to take the right steps to ensure you do not harm your case any further while in police custody. While in police custody, do not answer any questions until you speak with a lawyer. Be polite and courteous to the officers, but do not do anything that might further incriminate you - which included making "small talk" with the officers.
DUI charges have a number of penalties, such as fines, jail time, counseling, and numerous other things that vary between different jurisdictions. In some states, felony DUI charges are referred to as "aggravated DUI" but the two are one in the same and will always carry stiffer penalties. Any time that you are arrested for DUI, it is imperative that you contact an attorney immediately to reduce your chances of potentially facing felony/aggravated DUI charges.
What elevates a misdemeanor DUI to a felony? Of course, every state is different, so you will always need to check your local laws. However, there are some commonalities. Repeat DUI offenders are often charged with felonies. Some states have a certain blood-alcohol level that raises the case from a misdemeanor to a felony if the individual's blood alcohol level is above that number. Individuals with previous vehicle-related assault or homicide convictions may also be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor. And cases that resulted in vehicular assault or homicide charges are also normally filed as felony DUI cases in addition to the assault or homicide charge.
Felony DUI charges will always carry more, and stiffer, consequences. Fines above $20,000 are not uncommon for convictions and jail terms of up to 10 years are possible. Other consequences are suspended drivers licenses, mandatory counseling/alcohol classes, ignition interlock devices (expensive devices that you have to pay to install on your car that require you to pass a breathalyzer before starting the engine), and numerous others - in addition to having a felony conviction on your record which will impact your ability to get a job. Do you really want to have to check the box that says "Yes" next to the question "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" on your next application or employment screening? DUI attorneys can help reduce the consequences in all of these areas by negotiating with prosecutors, making plea bargains, and arguing the case in court.
That is not to say that misdemeanor DUI offenses should be taken lightly. These can also carry stiff penalties that will undoubtedly impact one's quality of life in a negative way. That is why it is so important to contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested - regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Failing to do so will only hurt your chances of success in court or for a plea bargain.
DUI charges have a number of penalties, such as fines, jail time, counseling, and numerous other things that vary between different jurisdictions. In some states, felony DUI charges are referred to as "aggravated DUI" but the two are one in the same and will always carry stiffer penalties. Any time that you are arrested for DUI, it is imperative that you contact an attorney immediately to reduce your chances of potentially facing felony/aggravated DUI charges.
What elevates a misdemeanor DUI to a felony? Of course, every state is different, so you will always need to check your local laws. However, there are some commonalities. Repeat DUI offenders are often charged with felonies. Some states have a certain blood-alcohol level that raises the case from a misdemeanor to a felony if the individual's blood alcohol level is above that number. Individuals with previous vehicle-related assault or homicide convictions may also be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor. And cases that resulted in vehicular assault or homicide charges are also normally filed as felony DUI cases in addition to the assault or homicide charge.
Felony DUI charges will always carry more, and stiffer, consequences. Fines above $20,000 are not uncommon for convictions and jail terms of up to 10 years are possible. Other consequences are suspended drivers licenses, mandatory counseling/alcohol classes, ignition interlock devices (expensive devices that you have to pay to install on your car that require you to pass a breathalyzer before starting the engine), and numerous others - in addition to having a felony conviction on your record which will impact your ability to get a job. Do you really want to have to check the box that says "Yes" next to the question "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" on your next application or employment screening? DUI attorneys can help reduce the consequences in all of these areas by negotiating with prosecutors, making plea bargains, and arguing the case in court.
That is not to say that misdemeanor DUI offenses should be taken lightly. These can also carry stiff penalties that will undoubtedly impact one's quality of life in a negative way. That is why it is so important to contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested - regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Failing to do so will only hurt your chances of success in court or for a plea bargain.
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