In most states, repeated DUI offensestypically, beyond a secondare charged as felonies.
A felony is any offense punishable by death or by imprisonment for more than one year.
Some states enhance the sentence if you’ve had a DUI within the past five or 10 years.
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Others charge a repeated DUI as a felony no matter how long ago the first offense occurred.
The higher your BAC, the worse the penalty is likely to be.
The enhancement applies for minors under age 18, but age cutoffs vary from state to state.
Otherwise, you’re free to refuse these without additional penalties.
Property Damage
If you crash while driving under the influence, yourpenalties will be greaterin most states.
For example, you’ll be financially liable for property damages.
The punishment is even greater if you weren’t carrying required auto insurance at the time.
Furthermore, the associated costs will be your responsibility, and this equipment is quite expensive.
Most states require anyone convicted of drunk driving toundergo an alcohol evaluation.
A counselor will assess whether your drinking behavior can be considered alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse.
Penalties become increasingly severe with every misdemeanor DUI you garner, even without felony convictions.
Your lawyer will know what your charge is based on communication with the court system.
Insurance companies essentially bet on riskand your DUI felony can make you too great of a risk to insure.
or more generally, a crime.
Criminal status of state drunken driving laws.
National Conference of State Legislatures.
National Conference of State Legislatures.Sanctions for Drunk Driving Accidents Resulting in Serious Injuries and/or Death.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).Drunk Driving.
National Conference of State Legislatures.State Law Chart: Impaired Driving with a Child in the Vehicle.
