In most cases, a DUI is just that: a DUI. You made a mistake, you’ll pay the price, lose your license for a bit, but at the end of the day, everything will be okay. However, when it comes to a felony DUI? The game changes quite quickly. You might not even realize it at the time, but there are certain factors which can take your routine DUI, and change it completely. As I’m sure you know, aggravating factors in a DUI charge can worsen the punishment, and even result in jail time.
Felony DUI: What Factors Aggravate my Charge?
Prior convictions
Having a prior DUI charge can take that simple misdemeanor, and turn it into a felony DUI quite quickly. One DUI is a transgression, and an issue of course. However, the court can typically understand this as a mistake, and you’ll move on. But, when you’re doing it again and again? You’re now what they consider a habitual offender. Therefore, when you have multiple prior DUI convictions, you’ll automatically receive felony status.
Restricted/ suspended or revoked license
If you happen to be driving with a restricted/revoked license and you’re drunk? There’s the added issue that you’re not even supposed to be on the road at all. So, add that to the fact that you’re breaking laws made for legal drivers, and you can see the issue. Furthermore, if that revocation is due to a prior DUI? Well, we already told you about that up top…
Causes bodily harm
If your choice to drive drunk resulted in serious injury or death, your case will inevitably be elevated to a felony status. Ultimately, there isn’t much more to say about this scenario, or further elaboration needed.
Extremely High BAC
Once you reach .08 BAC, you’re intoxication is too high to legally drive. Therefore, you’ll receive a DUI if you do so. But, in the instance where your BAC is extremely high; this can be an aggravating factor. Ultimately, under most circumstances, you’ll just face more severe penalties. But, there is the possibility that your charge will elevate.
