Felony DUI
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Definition - What does Felony DUI mean?
Driving under the influence may be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. Drivers may be charged with felony DUI when there are aggravating circumstances such as:
- The driver's blood alcohol concentration limit was substantially higher than a predetermined state level.
- The driver caused bodily harm to another person.
- The driver killed another person.
- The driver had multiple convictions for driving under the influence within a specified time period.
- 5. The driver had a previous conviction for felony DUI (regardless of the number of years since the prior DUI conviction).
- The driver had a minor in the car at the time of the DUI arrest.
Felony DUI charges can have very serious legal consequences and the penalties for a felony DUI are much harsher than for a misdemeanor DUI. Common penalties for felony DUI can include:
- Lengthy prison sentence
- Steep DUI fines
- Lost civil rights such as the right to bare arms or to vote
- Revocation of the driver's license
- Required to pay financial compensation to the injured individual or their family
- Potential mandatory attendance in a recovery program such as Alcoholics Anonymous
- Potential mandatory attendance in drug and/or alcohol program
- Required to purchase SR-22 Insurance
- Probation
Felony DUI convictions are very serious. Drivers arrested for DUI may have difficulty finding a job. It can severely affect your family and other personal relationships. Talk to a DUI lawyer for more information if you have been arrested for felony DUI.
Related Links
- Alcoholics Anonymous -- official site of the alcoholics anonymous organization.
- SR-22 -- great definition of the SR-22 insurance.
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