Understanding the serious consequences of felony DUI

Both DWI and DUI are acronyms for other sets of words which are driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence. DUI lawyers or DUI law firms help in these matters. DWI or driving while intoxicated is the more severe of the two types of charges that you could receive. If you have been charged with DWI, it means that you are above the legal intoxication limit.

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 ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). FSTs are 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.

All over the United States and in most jurisdictions across the world, it is a criminal offense and not a simple offense. This is because at the time of applying for a driver’s license, you must clear a written exam which includes full hand knowledge of the problems that happen due to DUI. Also this is extremely dangerous to the unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians whose only fault is being in the wrong place at the wrong time. DUI is often fatal. Your license may be permanently revoked.

If you drive drunk and cause a collision, you may be charged with a felony. 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. If convicted for a felony DUI, you can face:

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

Clearly a felony DUI charge carries a number of costly penalties that can haunt you long into your future. If you have been charged with a felony DUI, you should immediately contact a DUI attorney and built a defense strategy. Facing a DUI charge can be a harrowing experience. Any DUI lawyer can tell you that. Whatever may be your side of the story the consequences for of a DUI are purposefully inconvenient and should be taken quite seriously. Defense to DUI charges may arise from different areas, and consultation with a DUI lawyer is critical to determine which may apply in a given case.