Laws and Penalties Regarding a Felony DUI Charge

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense as per the laws of the United States. It is an offense that can be categorized into a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances, the consequences, and the past record of the offender. While a misdemeanor DUI charge is relatively less serious in nature, a felony DUI charge can have serious consequences.

Usually a DUI offense is considered to be a felony if one or more individuals have been bodily harmed because of the offense. In some cases, a misdemeanor charge can be elevated to a felony if the offender is convicted of a repeat DUI offense within a certain time period. A DUI offense by a past felony offender is also considered as a felony DUI.

Different US states have varying rules about felony DUIs and penalties. Some of the details are discussed below.

Florida Felony DUI Laws

In the state of Florida, a DUI is considered to be a third degree felony if it is a third, fourth, or subsequent offense within a time period of 10 years. It is also considered to be a third degree felony if the offender causes bodily harm to any individual(s). All of these guidelines are outlined in the 316.193 (2), (3) F.S.

The penalty for felony DUI in Florida is either a prison term of not more than 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. All details in regards to Florida felony DUIs are available at http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/http://www.peoplepublicrecords.org/duilaws.html.

Alaska Felony DUI Laws

For felony DUI details in the state of Alaska, visit http://www.courts.alaska.gov/forms/pub-11.pdf. There you can read that the a third time or subsequent DUI offense is a felony, and the appropriate penalty should be given accordingly.

Any offense by a felony offender, or any offense that results in bodily harm of an individual, is also considered to be a felony DUI. In such cases, the imprisonment term exceeds one year, and the fines imposed must be more than $7,000. Moreover, driving privileges are taken away, and the vehicle is also forfeited.

Idaho Felony DUI Laws

Idaho DUI laws dictate that an offense is treated as a felony if it is a third or subsequent offense within a span of 10 years. It is also considered as a felony DUI if the blood alcohol content is more than 0.20%.

The penalty for the same would be a jail term of not less than 30 days and not more than 5 years. Fines of up to $5,000 would be imposed. Driver’s license and driving privileges are also taken away for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. For more details, please visit http://www.isp.state.id.us/citizen/documents/DUI-English.pdf.

Minnesota Felony DUI Laws

In the state of Minnesota, you can avail all details with regards to felony DUI at http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/dwiover.pdf.

The Fourth Degree DUI is considered to be a felony. This occurs when the DUI offense is the fourth offense by the individual, or it is a subsequent felony conviction. The felony DUI is punishable by imposition of fines (not to exceed $14,000) and/or imprisonment (not to exceed 7 years).

Every state has specific laws about what can be considered to be a felony DUI and its probable penalties. The period of incarceration for a felony DUI offender is to be served at a state correctional facility. Other additional penalties may also be included, like participation in an alcohol abuse program, enrollment in safe driving courses, suspension of driver’s license, and/or revocation of driving privileges.

More State-Specific Felony DUI Information:

Arizona Felony DUI

California Felony DUI

Florida Felony DUI