| In many states a first time driving under the influence | | | | will never learn their lesson and should be punished to |
| offender is going to be charged with a misdemeanor | | | | the maximum degree of the law. |
| offense instead of a felony offense. However, as the | | | | A person found guilty of a misdemeanor DUI will most |
| saying goes, "there are exceptions to the rule" and | | | | likely need to spend a small length of time, up to a few |
| drunk driving isn't any different. In reality, there are | | | | months, in the county jail. An individual convicted of a |
| numerous exceptions depending on the situation and | | | | felony driving under the influence offense will be |
| circumstances. | | | | required to spend a set number of years in a state |
| Some states allow for a misdemeanor offense to be | | | | penitentiary. |
| increased to a felony drunk driving criminal offense if | | | | So to answer the question: Is a DUI a Felony or a |
| someone other than the drunk driver suffered injuries | | | | Misdemeanor? It would depend fully on the situation |
| or trauma because of the accident. This needless to | | | | and conditions surrounding the arrest. When you are in |
| say doesn't apply in all states. Even in states which | | | | a scenario where you've just been arrested for drunk |
| permit this type of charge, it isn't often utilized. | | | | driving, it is very important that you understand as |
| Generally in most states a misdemeanor drunk driving | | | | much as you are able to about your state's specified |
| offense will be elevated to a felony DUI offense if | | | | aws and regulations. |
| someone was killed because of the accident caused | | | | It is also very important to hire an experienced Seattle |
| by the driver's actions. Always take a look at your | | | | DUI attorney who understands your state's drunk |
| state's drunk driving laws and regulations to learn what | | | | driving laws inside and out and possesses an |
| is applicable. | | | | established history of defending clients successfully in |
| Another reason a misdemeanor could be increased to | | | | their drunk driving cases. |
| a felony DUI offense can be in the matter of an | | | | If you are stopped for a DUI in the state of |
| individual with several drunk driving offenses on their | | | | Washington, for example, you are facing potentially |
| legal record. Someone who has received multiple | | | | serious consequences. A drunk driving arrest in |
| drunk driving offenses is categorized as a "habitual | | | | Washington State is recognized as a criminal act. You |
| offender". | | | | will most certainly require assistance from Seattle DUI |
| For an individual to be labeled as a "habitual offender", | | | | lawyers to ensure your rights are defended to the |
| that particular person will have been convicted of at | | | | greatest extent possible. If you do not have a Seattle |
| least three DUI offenses over a given time frame. | | | | DUI attorney you can be taken straight to jail until you |
| When an individual has been defined as a habitual | | | | are able to post bail. A Seattle DUI lawyer is a |
| offender, the state has essentially decided that person | | | | necessity. |