Home  >  Articles  >  Felony DUI

Felony DUI

Driving while intoxicated is generally classified as a misdemeanor offense, but under certain circumstances it may be charged as a felony. If you are a recurring offender or caused an accident while driving drunk, you may find yourself facing felony DUI charges.

A felony DUI charge is much more serious than a usual misdemeanor DUI charge and could result in severe penalties, including a minimum mandatory prison sentence. It is important to considering hiring a lawyer as soon as possible to begin preparing your case for court. If you are facing felony DUI charges, don’t hesitate to contact Rhode Island DUI defense attorney Matthew Marin today at 401-287-4384.

Collisions and Felony DUI

A felony DUI charge may be issued if you are driving drunk and you cause a collision as a result. This type of severe DUI charge is sometimes referred to as aggravated DUI. Accidents in which a car crash victim sustains severe life-threatening or life-ending injuries may warrant a felony DUI charge for the drunk driver. A hit and run accident may also result in a felony DUI arrest, even if no one is injured.

Recurring DUI Charges

If you are arrested for a third DUI charge within five years of your first and second offenses, you will be charged with a felony. While your first two offenses were misdemeanors and carried relatively light punishment and likely no jail time, a third DUI carries a number of serious penalties, including:

  • Jail sentence: At least 1 year in jail
  • License suspension: At least 2 years and up to 3 years
  • Fines: $400 mandatory fine
  • Mandatory DUI educational course
  • Ignition interlock device installed in your car for 2 years
  • Possible seizure and sale of your vehicle by the state
  • Felony conviction on your criminal record

If you face a felony DUI either from recurring DUI charges or from an aggravated DUI case, consider contacting a DUI defense attorney immediately. A DUI defense lawyer will review the details of your case to look for weaknesses in the evidence against you and will fight to protect you from an overzealous prosecution.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance with your felony DUI case, please contact aggressive, experienced Rhode Island DUI lawyer Matthew Marin today at 401-287-4384.