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How Serious is a Felony DUI Charge?
If you’ve previously gotten a DUI, then you may believe that you know what the process is like and exactly what to expect. However, many things change from the first time you are charged to the subsequent charges. While both of the charges are technically criminal charges, it is from your second DUI charge that you have to start worrying about it being a felony. That is a much more serious situation than the first charge, and it needs to be treated with the severity that its punishments can bring.
If there are previous charges in what is referred to as the lookback period from when you got your current DUI, the charges become considerably more severe.
For example, a second DUI offense, which is not necessarily a felony, can bring with it:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- A one-year suspension of your driver’s license
- The mandatory installation of an ignition locking device
- A potential year of jail time
Those are serious charges, even without the felony charge. However, once a third DUI charge happens within the lookback period, it becomes a felony and can bring with it:
- Fines reaching as much as $5,000
- Loss of driver’s license for up to 5 years
- The mandatory installation of an ignition locking device
- Up to 10 years in prison
The sharp rise in severity of punishment makes it clear what a serious development this is, which is why it’s crucial to have a responsible, compassionate, and skilled legal team like the one at Tatum Wysocki Law, P.C., by your side to get the best result from an unfortunate and challenging situation.
Are There Severe Long-Term Impacts from a Felony DUI Charge?
As mentioned above, the very real threat of an extended jail sentence is possible when it comes to felony DUI charges. However, that is not the only long-term negative impact that a felony DUI charge can cause. There can be devastating personal and professional setbacks that come with the conviction.
Losing a driver’s license can seem inconvenient, but it can also severely limit the number and type of jobs you can take. Without the ability to travel to work (and for work), you may be limiting the growth and earning potential you would otherwise have. Also, a driver’s license isn’t the only type of license you can lose. If you are in a medical field or drive large vehicles for a living, you can also lose your specialized licenses in those fields and others.
The impact on your reputation can also be difficult to overcome, given that DUI cases are a matter of public record. Not to mention that when you serve time in jail, it stops your social and professional progress for the entire time you’re in prison. Everything slows to a stop, and you must restart your life afterwards. That challenge can sometimes be the hardest to face.
What Are Aggravating Factors in a Felony DUI Charge?
Certain things signal to the court that the punishment can or should be increased, and these are called aggravating factors. When these are present, they can make smaller or lower fines and jail time more severe. Some of the more apparent examples of aggravating factors are:
- Causing Injury or Death– if your DUI incident led to someone’s injury or death, it can lead to an extended prison term.
- High Blood Alcohol Content Levels– when your BAC level is 2.0% or higher, that can result in added penalties.
- Suspended License- if your DUI happened while driving with a suspended license, it can lead to an extended suspension period.
- Presence of a Minor– if you received your DUI at a time when you had a minor present in your vehicle, the court takes that seriously and will consider additional charges and increased sentencing.
Do I Need an Attorney for My Felony DUI Charge?
The truth is that, like many aspects of the law in the United States and particularly in Idaho, you are not required by law to have an attorney help you with your defense. However, we cannot stress strongly enough how important having an attorney is for charges as serious as a DUI charge, especially if it is not the first one you have gotten.
Reading the rest of this article has impressed on you the severe ways it can affect you, not only in the immediate short term, but also how it can have a lasting impact on your life and career for years to come. The best chance you have in battling the worst of what may be coming is to work with someone who has extensive experience and knowledge in this arena. When you went through the DUI process previously, it was different because the potential punishments were not as severe. The last thing you want to have happen is a mistake is made in paperwork, filing times, or requesting the proper thing from the appropriate government office. Every one of those things can have a profound and adverse effect on the outcome of your case.
In addition, you should also remember how it will look for the court if you are handling a serious DUI case with no legal representation. If the judge feels that you are not taking this process seriously and attempting to put your best effort forward, that can create the impression that you aren’t concerned about the outcome. That can only lead to a worse experience and result for you.
That’s why you need a reliable, knowledgeable, and passionate partner like the legal team at Tatum Wysocki Law, P.C. We’ve helped hundreds of people deal with DUI issues similar to yours, and we’re ready to meet with you to learn the details of your situation and devise a strategy that provides you with the best possible outcome.
This is a serious charge with severe potential punishments. Don’t risk your freedom, finances, and future by moving forward without the right team by your side. Call us today at 208-584-2590 so we can start helping you right away.
