Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are sometimes levied after collisions. They can also be the result of erratic driving. Some people even get arrested for alleged drunk driving after a traffic stop for an unrelated issue.
Many motorists want to resolve DUI allegations as quickly as possible. In many cases, they may consider pleading guilty to the charges they face as a means of resolving the matter promptly. However, a guilty plea may leave the defendant at risk of a variety of penalties. They could also struggle with the consequences of having a criminal record. In some cases, a guilty plea or verdict might even result in a felony record or increase the likelihood of felony prosecution in the future.
What scenarios may warrant treating a DUI like a felony?
When a driver has multiple prior offenses
The state looks back at prior DUI arrests when determining how to sentence an individual. Repeat prior violations can even affect the severity of the charges, not just the penalties imposed.
If a motorist has three prior DUI convictions from within the last decade, state prosecutors can treat a fourth DUI within 10 years as a felony offense. The defendant faces more serious consequences and may also endure more scrutiny because of the severity of the criminal record generated.
When a crash has serious consequences
Impaired driving can easily result in a preventable collision. Drivers who have had too much to drink have longer reaction times and impaired decision-making capabilities.
Not only do motorists face liability for any crashes that they cause while under the influence, but they may also face felony charges if the collision has serious consequences for other people. State prosecutors can pursue felony DUI charges in cases where an impaired driver causes a collision that leads to serious injury or death.
Pleading guilty to a first, second or third DUI offense not only puts a person at risk of criminal penalties but also future felony DUI charges. A decision to respond assertively to pending DUI charges can limit the long-term consequences the defendant may face. Otherwise, even misdemeanor charges can impact a person’s reputation and future opportunities, and felony DUI charges could cause lasting personal and professional challenges.