What is Felony Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), is a serious offense that can have severe consequences. While most DUI charges are considered misdemeanors, felony drunk driving is a more severe and serious offense that can result in longer imprisonment and heavier fines.
What is Felony Drunk Driving?
Felony drunk driving is a criminal offense that occurs when a person is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, or if they have previous DUI convictions within a certain time period (usually 5-7 years). In some states, felony drunk driving is also known as aggravated DUI.
Consequences of Felony Drunk Driving
The consequences of felony drunk driving are severe and can include:
- Imprisonment: 1-10 years in prison, depending on the state and the number of previous DUI convictions
- Fines: Thousands of dollars in fines, including court costs and administrative fees
- Loss of Driver’s License: Suspension or revocation of driver’s license for a period of time
- Vehicle Impoundment: Vehicle impounded or seized by the authorities
- Criminal Record: A felony conviction on your criminal record, which can impact future employment, education, and other opportunities
Factors that Contribute to Felony Drunk Driving
Several factors can contribute to a felony drunk driving charge, including:
- High BAC: A BAC of 0.15 or higher
- Previous DUI Convictions: Previous DUI convictions within a certain time period
- Injury or Death: Causing injury or death to another person while driving under the influence
- Reckless Driving: Engaging in reckless driving behavior while under the influence
- Passenger Under 18: Having a passenger under the age of 18 while driving under the influence
- Commercial Vehicle: Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence
Examples of Felony Drunk Driving
Here are some examples of felony drunk driving:
- A person with a previous DUI conviction in 2015 is arrested for DUI again in 2022 with a BAC of 0.18.
- A driver with a BAC of 0.22 crashes into a pedestrian, causing serious injury.
- A person with a BAC of 0.17 is arrested for DUI after being involved in a hit-and-run accident.
How to Avoid Felony Drunk Driving
To avoid felony drunk driving, follow these tips:
- Never Drink and Drive: If you plan to drink, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
- Designate a Sober Driver: Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before going out.
- Use Public Transportation: Use public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services if you don’t have a sober driver.
- Call a Friend or Family Member: Call a friend or family member for a ride if you don’t have access to public transportation.
- Take a Breath Test: Refuse to take a breath test or agree to a blood test if you are stopped by law enforcement.
Table: Felony Drunk Driving Laws by State
| State | Felony BAC | Previous Convictions | Injury or Death | Reckless Driving | Passenger Under 18 | Commercial Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 0.15 | 2 within 7 years | ||||
| California | 0.15 | 2 within 10 years | ||||
| Florida | 0.15 | 2 within 10 years | ||||
| Illinois | 0.16 | 2 within 5 years | ||||
| New York | 0.18 | 2 within 5 years |
Conclusion
Felony drunk driving is a serious offense that can have severe consequences. It is important to understand the laws and penalties associated with felony drunk driving in your state and to take steps to avoid it. By making responsible choices and planning ahead, you can help prevent felony drunk driving and keep our roads safe. Remember, drunk driving is never worth the risk.
