One thing is truly certain about DUI charges, and that is that they are no laughing matter. DUI cases have dramatically increased throughout the US and with this comes stricter penalties and punishments. Driving under the influence is something many people regret, but after all is said and done those facing future court dates all have one question on their mind: Is a DUI a felony?
This question does not have a simple yes or no answer, as each DUI conviction is different and different states have different laws in force to determine whether a DUI is a misdemeanor or felony. Some factors that affect a conviction of becoming felony charges are if there was injury or death caused by impaired driving, if there are prior convictions within a specified time frame, and the Blood Alcohol Content.
The consequences of felony DUI are truly life altering. The DUI penalty is much higher for those convicted of a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor. While a misdemeanor DUI will cost little to no jail time in your local county jail, a felony DUI is punishable for longer terms in state prison. The time you are sentenced depends on the severity and the state. Some states will require a minimum of 12 months in prison for a fourth time DUI, others will require a much longer period. This will entirely depend on the time that has elapsed from prior convictions, your terms or probation, and the specifics on your prior DUIs.
For those that are going through a first time DUI felony conviction, these are much different. These are generally cases that involve injury or death to a third party or passenger, and although any DUI case is serious, these are far more serious than the others. A prosecutor will charge the criminal offense as a felony, and if death has occurred as a result of the accident, some states allow prosecutors to add on manslaughter charges as well. There will be an in depth investigation for first offenders and multiple offenders that have caused another family the pain of loss or injury.
Sadly, one trip behind the wheel while intoxicated can cost thousands of dollars, years of hard time and most importantly the life of an innocent bystander. No one gets behind the wheel and thinks, “I’m going to hurt or kill someone by driving drunk tonight,” however it does happen far too often. Because of this prosecutors and judges are mandating harsher penalties and fines to try and keep these offenders off the road.
Criminal DUI Felony Charges
One thing is truly certain about DUI charges, and that is that they are no laughing matter. DUI cases have dramatically increased throughout the US and with this comes stricter penalties and punishments. Driving under the influence is something many people regret, but after all is said and done those facing future court dates all have one question on their mind: Is a DUI a felony?
This question does not have a simple yes or no answer, as each DUI conviction is different and different states have different laws in force to determine whether a DUI is a misdemeanor or felony. Some factors that affect a conviction of becoming felony charges are if there was injury or death caused by impaired driving, if there are prior convictions within a specified time frame, and the Blood Alcohol Content.
The consequences of felony DUI are truly life altering. The DUI penalty is much higher for those convicted of a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor. While a misdemeanor DUI will cost little to no jail time in your local county jail, a felony DUI is punishable for longer terms in state prison. The time you are sentenced depends on the severity and the state. Some states will require a minimum of 12 months in prison for a fourth time DUI, others will require a much longer period. This will entirely depend on the time that has elapsed from prior convictions, your terms or probation, and the specifics on your prior DUIs.
For those that are going through a first time DUI felony conviction, these are much different. These are generally cases that involve injury or death to a third party or passenger, and although any DUI case is serious, these are far more serious than the others. A prosecutor will charge the criminal offense as a felony, and if death has occurred as a result of the accident, some states allow prosecutors to add on manslaughter charges as well. There will be an in depth investigation for first offenders and multiple offenders that have caused another family the pain of loss or injury.
Sadly, one trip behind the wheel while intoxicated can cost thousands of dollars, years of hard time and most importantly the life of an innocent bystander. No one gets behind the wheel and thinks, “I’m going to hurt or kill someone by driving drunk tonight,” however it does happen far too often. Because of this prosecutors and judges are mandating harsher penalties and fines to try and keep these offenders off the road.