Drunk driving is a crime, no matter where you live. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, also known as DUI, can result in serious punishment and fines. But you may wonder, is DUI a felony? A DUI can be a felony, depending on the driver’s history of drunk driving arrests, blood alcohol content, nature of the arrest, among other factors. In every state, it is a crime, but the punishment is not always the same.
If you are facing a DUI arrest and conviction in Montgomery County, you can hire an attorney to represent you in court and guide you through the process. Do not hesitate to get a lawyer on your side to protect your rights.
DUI Could Be a Felony
The penalties you could be facing for a DUI can vary based on your location, blood alcohol content, history of arrest, and more. Driving under the influence could be either a misdemeanor or a felony.
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony. A misdemeanor can include crimes such as trespassing, minor theft, and traffic violations. Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor can face fines and some jail time. Felonies are more serious. Examples would be crimes such as murder or grand theft. These can come with much steeper penalties if the accused is found guilty.
A DUI can fall into either of these categories, depending on the extenuating circumstances. The state you live in, the number of times you have been arrested for DUI, and your driving record can all come into play.
For instance, in some states, if you are arrested for a second time for DUI, you could already be facing a felony charge. In other states, you have until your fourth arrest to be convicted of a felony. Your blood alcohol content could also determine the relative seriousness of your crime. In Pennsylvania, for instance, the punishment for DUI is tiered, based not only on the number of offenses but on the blood alcohol content of the accused at the time of the arrest.
If there is a serious injury or death as the result of a crash in which a driver was impaired, that could introduce steeper punishment and fines. It is a serious charge with serious implications. Get a lawyer on your side who knows the law and can help you defend your rights.
Drunk Driving Is a Major Problem in the United States
Driving is a privilege and responsibility, as we all know. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is irresponsible. Not only can it result in fines and other costs for the driver, but it could also result in jail time. And that is the least of the concern. Any kind of negligent driving can result in serious injury and death. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common form of negligent driving and a very dangerous one at that.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 10,000 lives are lost to DUI each day in the United States. Drinking and driving can cause poor judgment, delayed reaction, loss of consciousness, and loss of balance and muscle control. This makes safe driving impossible.
According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, there were over 1 million arrests for driving under the influence across the country in 2018. These incidents are common. You have the option to work with a lawyer who is familiar with DUI law in your state and can help you figure out what to do. You can speak with a member of the team today. We can tell you how the laws apply to you and your particular case.
Let Us Help You Through Your Case
Is DUI a felony? It can be. It could also be a misdemeanor. A driver convicted of DUI could be facing fines, license suspension, and even jail time. You probably have several questions about your DUI case. You can speak with someone on our team today to get some answers. Just call us at (610) 991-7219. We can help you figure out how the law in your area applies to your case and advise on your best strategies going forward.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will be by your side the entire time. Your attorney will be available to you through various forms of communication. We want to be there for you, our client, at any time to answer questions. Give us a call today to learn what we can do to help you.
