A felony DUI conviction can have far reaching consequences

DWI is the acronym for Driving While Intoxicated while DUI is the acronym for Driving Under the Influence. DUI attorneys handle these kinds of cases. DWI is a far more serious charge than DUI. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. If you are above the legal intoxication limit, you will be charged with DWI.

When a police officer stops a car on suspicion of DUI, the officer will generally ask the driver for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may subject the driver to one of the many field sobriety tests (FSTs). FSTs consist of quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. At the initial stop, the officer may administer a breathalyzer test or perform a blood or urine test after taking the driver to the police station.

In all states across the United States, it is considered a criminal offense. It is not a simple offense. This is because of the fact that when you are issued a license you clear a written exam which includes full hand knowledge of the problems that happen due to DUI. Moreover this is dangerous to the unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians whose only fault is being in the wrong place at the wrong time. DUI is often fatal. You may loose your license.

You will be charged with a felony if you drive drunk and cause a collision. You will be charged with an aggravated offense if you you cause life-threatening or life-ending injury to another driver or passenger, or flee the scene of the accident. In few states, a felony DUI is known as aggravated DUI but both are felony offenses with elevated sentences. Typical punishment for a felony DUI conviction includes:

Incarceration: at least 1 year in jail or prison, depending on the level of intoxication and severity of the accident, if any
Driver's license suspension: at least 2 years
Fines of $400 or more
Vehicle impound and possible sale of your vehicle by the state
Ignition interlock installed on your car for at least 2 years after incarceration release
Mandatory DUI education course
Probation or parole
Felony conviction on your criminal record

The consequences of a felony DUI conviction can haunt you for a long time. If you have been charged with felony DUI, you should get in touch with a DUI law firm and start working on your defense strategy. There is nothing pleasant about being charged with a DUI. Any DUI law firm can second that. No matter what you believe to be fair, the consequences for of a DUI are purposefully inconvenient and should be taken quite seriously. You may have many defenses to a DUI charge.