| While most people believe that a driving under the | | | | All states have an elevated charge for offenders who |
| influence (DUI) charge is a minor offense, it actually | | | | commit multiple drunk driving offenses in a set period |
| carries very serious penalties, even for just a first or | | | | of time. In Rhode Island, for example, you may be |
| second misdemeanor offense. For more serious drunk | | | | charged with a felony for your third DUI arrest in five |
| driving accidents and repeat offenses, the charge and | | | | years. While the first two charges were classified as |
| punishment become much more severe. If you are a | | | | misdemeanor, the third will be treated as a felony. All |
| recurring drunk driver or are responsible for a drunk | | | | states have a similar law for repeat offenders. Typical |
| driving accident, you may be charged with a Felony | | | | punishment for a Felony DUI conviction includes: |
| DUI. | | | | - Incarceration: at least 1 year in jail or prison, depending |
| Drunk driving is first and foremost a crime, not just a | | | | on the level of intoxication and severity of the accident, |
| driving offense. When you are convicted of a DUI, you | | | | if any |
| will have a criminal record, which could hurt your | | | | - Driver's license suspension: at least 2 years |
| professional, financial, and educational opportunities | | | | - Fines of $400 or more |
| now and in the future. A Felony DUI carries similar | | | | - Vehicle impound and possible sale of your vehicle by |
| penalties to a misdemeanor DUI but may also result in | | | | the state |
| a prison sentence and even more limited freedoms. | | | | - Ignition interlock installed on your car for at least 2 |
| Causing an Accident While Intoxicated | | | | years after incarceration release |
| If you drive drunk and cause a collision, you may be | | | | - Mandatory DUI education course |
| charged with a felony. When you cause | | | | - Probation or parole |
| life-threatening or life-ending injury to another driver or | | | | - Felony conviction on your criminal record |
| passenger, or flee the scene of the accident, you are | | | | Clearly a Felony DUI charge carries a number of |
| committing an aggravated offense. Some states will | | | | costly penalties that can haunt you long into your |
| refer to the offense as an Aggravated DUI instead of | | | | future. If you are facing a Felony DUI, consider |
| a Felony DUI, but both are felony charges with | | | | contacting a DUI defense lawyer immediately to begin |
| elevated sentences. | | | | preparing your defense. |
| Felony DUI from Recurring Charges | | | | |