Even First Offense DUIs Can Result in Felony Charges

 Posted on September 20, 2017 in DUI

When one is arrested for their first DUI, they might assume that the charges will be minor. Unfortunately, this is not always true. In fact, under the right circumstances, even a first-offense DUI could become a felony. Learn more about the situations that may lead to such a charge, and discover how an experienced attorney can help you fight the charges.

First-Offense DUIs Typically Charged as Misdemeanors

In most instances, a first-offense DUI is considered a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, the consequences could include up to one year of jail time, fines, civil penalties, and a one-year suspension of your license. You may have an option for restoring your driving privileges, but you would be required to have a breathalyzer interlock device on all your vehicles. Because these consequences can have a significant impact on your life, it is advised that you seek legal assistance, even at this lower level of DUI consequence.

First Offense Aggravated DUI

First-time offenders are not usually charged with a felony DUI, but certain circumstances can immediately elevate a misdemeanor to an aggravated DUI felony charge. The most common situation is when an intoxicated driver causes the death or disfigurement of another individual. Others instances may include:

• Driving a school bus while under the influence;
• Previous conviction of alcohol-related reckless homicide;
• Driving in a school zone and being in an accident while intoxicated;
• Driving on a suspended, expired, or revoked license while intoxicated;
• Driving without automobile insurance while intoxicated; and
• Being in an accident that resulted in great bodily harm to a passenger under the age of 16.

Although the exact consequences of a conviction will vary, depending on the charge and exact details of the case, all the above situations are considered felonies. At the bare minimum, one could face imprisonment of up to one year, suspension of their driver’s license, fines, and a permanent scar on their criminal record. To reduce the risk of this happening to you or your loved one, ensure you have experienced legal protection on your side.

Contact Our DuPage County DUI Defense Lawyers

If you or someone you love is facing felony DUI charges, do not delay! Contact Davi Law Group, LLC for assistance. Experienced and dedicated to your best interest, our DuPage County DUI defense lawyers will aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome possible in your case. No matter what the situation, we strive to mitigate the situation in your favor. Schedule your personalized consultation to get started. Call 630-580-6373 today.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf