When Family and Law Mix

It should come as no surprise that a felony charge stirs up a lot of anxiety and fear for those being charged. It is natural to have a lot of fear about felony charges, especially if you are still trying to see what you will be charged with after an arrest. In many cases, misdemeanors have been bumped up to felonies.

So, how does this apply to a DUI charge? Here's what to know if you fear getting charged with a felony for your DUI arrest.

Every State Is Different

There is one thing to keep in mind: laws differ from state to state. This means that what constitutes a felony DUI in some states does not equate to a felony in others. This is why it is important to hire a felony lawyer who is familiar with your state's specific laws.

Did Somebody Get Hurt?

If somebody got hurt in the accident, it's possible that you could face a felony charge. The charge is especially likely to be amplified if somebody was killed. If somebody was injured at first, you might face a misdemeanor DUI. That charge could become a felony if the individual who was injured passes away.

How Many DUI Convictions Do You Have?

If this is your second or third DUI, you might face a felony. Multiple DUIs are taken seriously in many states, so you could face harsher penalties if the court considers that the first convictions did not act as deterrents.

What Was Your BAC?

If your blood-alcohol levels were very high, you could face a felony. Each state sets different rules for this, and a felony lawyer will work hard to demonstrate that the method used to collect the BAC was not appropriate or not accurate.

Was a Child in the Car?

Many people are surprised when their misdemeanor DUI becomes a felony because children were in the vehicle at the time of the arrest. When children are in danger, the state takes DUIs very seriously, which means you could face harsher penalties. If you do not face a felony DUI in this instance, you could face a felony child endangerment charge.

Speak With a Felony Lawyer Today

The best time to get assistance with a potential felony charge is today. Whether you are charged with a DUI or something else just as serious, you should consult with a felony attorney, such as Peter A. Garin, Attorney At Law. You deserve a strong defense in the courtroom.