If you would like to learn more about the differences between a DUI and a Felony DUI, please watch this video on our Youtube Channel.
You may be thinking all DUIs are the same. However, this is not exactly the case. In general, misdemeanors are usually for a minor crime. They can lead to only a short time in jail, to nothing at all. A felony, on the other hand, is much more serious. Once you have a felony, you may face more time in jail, and see other consequences like difficulty finding a job or purchasing a firearm. While most DUIs are treated as a misdemeanor, there are situations where they can lead to a felony instead. The difference between a DUI and a Felony DUI is not as confusing as you would imagine.
How-to Differentiate Between a DUI and a Felony DUI: The Cost of Driving Drunk
Misdemeanor DUI
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol limit for being behind the wheel of a vehicle is 0.08. You can be charged with a DUI with anything higher than that. It is surprising how quickly you can get to the legal limit while drinking. Typically, DUIs are a misdemeanor. The penalty for this would be fines, and little to no jail time. In fact, the maximum jail sentence for a misdemeanor is one year. This is the type of charge most people think about when they term ‘DUI’. However, at a certain point, a misdemeanor can escalate to a felony. There are certainly differences between a DUI and a Felony DUI.
Felony DUI
A Felony DUI is a much more serious charge. Keep in mind that laws can vary by state, however it is typical that a felony is more severe than a misdemeanor. There are several different ways that you could receive this more serious offense. For example, some people end up being a repeat offender and are charged multiple times with a DUI. This could lead to them receiving a felony instead.
Additionally, a DUI offender who kills or seriously injures another person is typically looking at felony charges. This can be the case even if it is the person’s first offense. This could lead to far greater penalties, including time in prison. It does not matter that you did not have any intention to hurt other people. The law is more concerned with the fact that you did in fact hurt or kill someone. This is especially true since there is such a large amount of public awareness about drunk driving. We all have an obligation to drink responsible. When you fail to do that, you will have to pay the consequences, especially if you injure or kill someone else.
