| You were in an accident and someone was hurt. | | | | result of a repeat offender. If someone died as a |
| Maybe you don't feel it was your fault, but you failed a | | | | result of you drinking and driving, it's even worse. |
| breathalyzer and possibly a sobriety test. What are | | | | Multiple DWI |
| your rights? What if this is your first time getting a DWI | | | | Felony charges are used in many states for repeat |
| or or DUI (driving while intoxicated or driving under the | | | | offenders--if you get multiple DWI violations. If you are |
| influence)? What if someone was killed or injured | | | | pulled over on a suspended license... if you're arrested |
| severally as a result of the accident? This guide gives | | | | for a second or third drinking and driving... and if you |
| answers. | | | | also hurt someone, you can be charged with a felony. |
| Charges for a First Time DWI | | | | If Someone Dies |
| For first time offenders, driving while intoxicated | | | | If someone dies, you may face manslaughter charges. |
| arrests are still very strict but not as bad as most | | | | This is the biggest penalty in DWI law for most states. |
| other charges. You will typically face fines, license | | | | If you hit someone's car, hit a a pedestrian, or hit a car |
| suspension, and potential jail time. You won't always | | | | with a child in it, and a person dies, states will do far |
| get jail time, but all states suspend licenses for some | | | | more than fine you and suspend your license. |
| time even for first time offenders. This is termed a | | | | Manslaughter charges are very serious and come with |
| misdemeanor violation, a lesser charge than a felony. | | | | long jail time. |
| Felony Charges | | | | What do you do? |
| Felony charges can be used even in a first time | | | | This all isn't meant to make you feel like it's a lost |
| offender case. Why? If you were in an accident and | | | | cause. Laws are never simple, and you need an |
| considered to be under the influence, felony charges | | | | experienced DWI attorney no matter your situation. It's |
| can be made, especially if someone was hurt. If | | | | recommended even for first time DWI offenders. |
| someone was in the car with you... if you ran a red light | | | | However, if you face felony or manslaughter charges, |
| and hit a car with someone underage... even if you | | | | you simply must hire an experienced attorney. |
| barely hit them--you can be charged with a felony. | | | | Whether you think you're guilty or not is considered, but |
| Some states call this an aggravated DUI, and you can | | | | more importable, what you did, what the officers did, |
| expect major penalties. | | | | what the other drivers or person you hit did, and |
| What Felony Means | | | | whether you truly were over the legal limit can be |
| Felony charges are much worse than misdemeanor | | | | called into play. |
| charges. In most cases, you will spend time in jail. The | | | | The important thing to do is take that first step and hire |
| minimum time is usually one year. A felony charge | | | | an experienced attorney. |
| occurs if you hurt someone, but can also come as a | | | | |