If you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, you may end up facing a DUI charge. DUI charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony; the circumstances of your case will determine the specific charges. When charged as a felony, a DUI carries stiffer penalties than when charged as a misdemeanor. Felonies are punishable by over a year in jail. If you have been arrested for DUI, you may be wondering whether you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. A DUI attorney in the jurisdiction in which you were pulled over can help you determine whether your particular situation will result in felony charges.
The penalties for DUI charges, which can include fines, jail sentences, alcohol counseling, and other requirements, vary greatly between states. Some states refer to such cases as aggravated DUI rather than felony DUI charges, but it is important to realize that both are felony charges, and therefore carry more severe penalties than misdemeanors. When you are pulled over for a DUI, it is crucial that you contact a DUI lawyer immediately to reduce the chances that you will be charged with felony DUI.
There are certain factors that can elevate DUI charges to felonies. All states have similar laws for repeat offenders; if this is not your first DUI offense, you will likely be charged with a felony. In some cases, blood alcohol level may also impact whether DUI is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Previous charges of vehicular homicide or vehicular assault also elevate DUI charges, especially if these offenses were committed while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the current DUI charges are related to an incident of vehicular assault or homicide, they will likely be felony DUI charges. If these additional felony actions are involved, it is crucial that you contact a criminal defense attorney, not only for the DUI charges but for any other charges related to your arrest.
Depending on the particulars of your case, a conviction for felony DUI can carry a fine of up to $20,000 or even more, and a jail term of up to 10 years, in addition to driver’s license suspension, an ignition interlock device, required classes, and other requirements, not to mention a felony conviction on your criminal record. Because of the severity of these penalties, it is essential that you hire a DUI attorney to defend you. Such an attorney can help you get the charges or penalties reduced by negotiating for you to plead to a lesser offense rather than being found guilty of a felony DUI. A plea bargain may be able to significantly reduce your penalties, but you’ll need a skilled DUI lawyer to make it happen.
While even your first misdemeanor DUI offense can carry very serious penalties, the stakes are much higher when felony DUI charges are involved. For series drunk driving accidents or repeat offenses, hiring a DUI lawyer should be one of your first actions following your arrest. You must prepare to defend yourself against felony DUI charges to avoid costly penalties.
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December 24th, 2009
The important thing here is that this method of contrasting has worked well for me in countless situations. Simply by telling suspects that they may have acted in a “normal” fashion usually gets acceptance, agreement and admissions.
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December 23rd, 2009
In recent years criminology degree courses have risen in popularity alongside criminal justice and the onset of highly publicised acts of terrorism in the western world during the 21st Century. It is perhaps surprising then that the subject has its roots in social philosophy established in the 18th Century and now encompasses several respective schools of thought including the Italian School - as founded by Cesare Lombroso, who is often regarded as the ‘father’ of criminology.
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December 22nd, 2009
DUI (Driving under the Influence) is a serious crime and if anyone has been charged with a DUI, he should seek legal help from a DUI attorney. DUI penalties may involve a fine, revocation of license of vehicle, DUI School, and time spent in jail. Recently, in many states courts began to enact harsher DUI penalties, especially for repeat offenders. Because the DUI laws are so complex and vary by location, it is important to consult with DUI attorney who can help. DUI attorneys practice concentrates in drunken driving defense - someone who knows the DUI Laws and rights of those arrested for driving under the influence. In initial consultation, a DUI lawyer collects some or all of the following:
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December 21st, 2009
It is these rights that form the foundation of our legal system and are in place to protect those accused of crimes. Therefore, it is imperative to hire the services of a criminal attorney very early on in the process.
Obviously, there is going to be anxiety and stress for any individual thrown into the criminal process as it can be very confusing. However, it is because of such a situation that the assistance of a criminal lawyer is your best option. A criminal attorney will be able to comprehend the challenges and other various issues you are facing, and then be able to accurately evaluate your specific situation in order to resolve your case in the most favorable manner. Furthermore, it is important to hire a Minnesota criminal lawyer who also understands and can appreciate the effect criminal charges can have on your extended family, as well.
Facing a lengthy jail sentence is not something that needs to occur if you have the assistance of a qualified and experienced Minneapolis criminal lawyer as such a lawyer will have the knowledge of the best defenses that may be able to be raised in your particular case. A good criminal attorney will also advise you of the potential pit-falls that may relate to your case so you will be able to make the most informed decisions. As stated, since going through the criminal process and making court appearances can be a very frightening experience for an individual, you will want the assistance of a criminal lawyer that can be your voice in court and help relieve this tension and anxiety.
In Summary, it is very important to select a Minneapolis criminal attorney that best understands you and the particular situation you face. If a quick resolution is what you seek in resolving your matter, than this need to be relayed to your attorney so he can guide you through the process appropriately. If a trial is what your case requires, make sure your lawyer understands your desire and has the ability for success in litigation.
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