According to Forbes, about 37 people in America die each day in drunk-driving accidents, which is equivalent to one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 39 minutes. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense and the charges could be severe, potentially impacting your driving privileges or even employment opportunities.
Many people may not realize that there are different types of DUI charges. Columbia SC DUI lawyer Charles T. Brooks III says that these charges will depend on the level of impairment, the substance involved, whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or both, the driver’s age, and whether any prior offenses exist.
Let’s learn the different types of DUI charges to help you understand the risks and legal outcomes associated with impaired driving.
Overview of DUI Categories
In most states, DUI is classified as a misdemeanor. If driving under the influence caused you to harm others, you may be charged with a crime. A felony DUI usually involves aggravating factors such as multiple DUI offenses, driving with a suspended license, causing injury or death while under the influence, or having a very high blood alcohol concentration.
Felony DUI convictions can lead to substantial fines, lengthy license suspensions, and even jail time. Although in some states, like GA, roughly two-thirds of DUI cases get dismissed or dropped, you still need legal guidance to be able to deal with a DUI charge effectively.
Understanding misdemeanor and felony DUI charges is vital because they can affect the judicial procedure, sanctions, and long-term implications.
Misdemeanor DUI Charges
Misdemeanor DUI charges typically involve driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs without causing significant harm or damage. In these cases, the level of impairment is usually lower compared to felony DUI offenses. However, this doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the offense.
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor DUI, you may face consequences such as fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI classes, community service, and even a short jail sentence. Having a misdemeanor DUI on your record can impact your future employment opportunities and auto insurance rates.
You must take these charges seriously and get a lawyer to manage the legal procedure. Even though a misdemeanor DUI is less serious than a felony, it has serious consequences. Keep yourself and others safe by not driving drunk to avoid such charges.
Felony DUI Offenses
As mentioned, a felony DUI may result from aggravating factors, including many prior convictions or catastrophic injury. Due to the higher risk and injury, felony DUI charges are more serious than misdemeanors. A felony DUI can result in high fines, lengthy license bans, and state jail time. A felony conviction might also affect your career and reputation.
To handle felony DUI accusations, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer who can help you reduce the potential repercussions of a felony DUI conviction.
Aggravated DUI Circumstances
Aggravated DUI charges incorporate factors that increase the severity of the charge. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.15%, driving with a minor, causing bodily harm or death while driving, or having numerous DUI charges in a certain timeframe are examples.
Refusing to submit a breathalyzer test or having a suspended license at the time of the DUI arrest can also lead to an aggravated DUI charge. Each state has its own laws regarding what constitutes an aggravated DUI, so it’s crucial to be aware of the specific regulations in your area.
Understanding the aggravating factors that can elevate a standard DUI charge to an aggravated one is essential for avoiding severe legal consequences.
Conclusion
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor DUI charge, a felony DUI offense, or an aggravated DUI, you should not underestimate the consequences of these charges. It’s important to understand the different types of DUI charges and the potential penalties you may face.
By seeking legal guidance and taking proactive steps to address your situation, you can handle the legal process more effectively and work towards minimizing the impact of a DUI conviction on your life.
