Under what circumstances is a DUI considered a felony?

Maybe it’s not your first DUI. You have gotten one before and while the whole experience was unpleasant you may think you know what to expect.

However, if your DUI is treated as a felony this time instead of as a misdemeanor, you are sailing in new waters that you are likely unfamiliar with. When is a DUI considered a felony crime?

When is getting a DUI a felony crime?

Normally a DUI is a misdemeanor offense. This means it will likely penalize you by a year or less in jail, rather than a state prison sentence. You may still incur fines and the loss of your license.

However, a felony DUI can lead to a prison sentence of a year or more in addition to significant fines and the extended loss of your license.

A DUI is considered a felony in the following circumstances. First, if it is your fourth DUI in a decade, it will be considered a felony crime.

Second, if you have incurred a felony DUI in the past, a subsequent DUI will also be a felony crime.

Third, if you injure someone while driving drunk, you will incur a felony DUI. Finally, if you caused a loss of life due to drunk driving, you will incur a felony DUI.

Take your DUI seriously

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI, you must take DUI charges seriously. A conviction could mean jail or prison time, significant fines and the loss of your driver’s license. By fighting DUI charges you can help ensure your life moves forward as you wish.