What State is a DUI a Felony?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and even loss of driving privileges. While most states consider DUI a misdemeanor, some states treat it as a felony. In this article, we will explore which states consider a DUI a felony and what the consequences are.
What is a Felony DUI?
A felony DUI is a more severe charge than a misdemeanor DUI. In a felony DUI case, the defendant is accused of causing serious bodily harm or death to another person while driving under the influence. The consequences of a felony DUI conviction are typically more severe than those of a misdemeanor DUI conviction.
Which States Consider a DUI a Felony?
The following states consider a DUI a felony:
- Alabama: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Arizona: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 5 years.
- California: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years and the current offense involves great bodily injury or death.
- Florida: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 15 years and the current offense involves great bodily harm or death.
- Georgia: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Idaho: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Illinois: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 20 years and the current offense involves great bodily harm or death.
- Indiana: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Kentucky: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Louisiana: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Michigan: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Minnesota: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Mississippi: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Missouri: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Montana: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Nebraska: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Nevada: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- New Hampshire: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- New Jersey: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- New Mexico: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- New York: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- North Carolina: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- North Dakota: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Ohio: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Oklahoma: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Oregon: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Pennsylvania: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Rhode Island: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- South Carolina: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- South Dakota: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Tennessee: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Texas: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Utah: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Vermont: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Virginia: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Washington: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- West Virginia: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Wisconsin: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
- Wyoming: A DUI is a felony if the defendant has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years.
Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction
A felony DUI conviction can have severe consequences, including:
- Imprisonment: A felony DUI conviction can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years or more, depending on the state and the circumstances of the offense.
- Fines: A felony DUI conviction can result in fines of up to $10,000 or more, depending on the state and the circumstances of the offense.
- Loss of Driving Privileges: A felony DUI conviction can result in the loss of driving privileges for a period of time, or even permanently.
- Criminal Record: A felony DUI conviction can result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for the defendant’s future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a DUI can be a felony in some states, depending on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history. It is important for individuals who have been charged with a DUI to understand the potential consequences of a felony conviction and to seek legal representation from an experienced DUI attorney.