Felony DUI

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:

1. The driver's blood alcohol concentration limit was substantially higher than a predetermined state level.
2. The driver caused bodily harm to another person.
3. The driver killed another person.
4. The driver had multiple convictions for driving under the influence within a specified time period.
5. 5. The driver had a previous conviction for felony DUI (regardless of the number of years since the prior DUI conviction).
6. 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.