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