Is Driving Under The Influence a Felony?

Newsflash from your Hollywood Attorney:

Like many things related to the law, misdemeanors and felonies are a complicated matter. So, is driving under the influence a felony? Well, that depends. Under the current laws of California (and subject to change at any time by the legislature), a fourth DUI within ten years of the first conviction is considered an automatic felony, no matter what your blood alcohol level tested.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be additional circumstances to the DUI charge that would make it a felony even if it’s an earlier charge. For example, you may be involved with a hit and run situation, even if you don’t know it at the time. Many drunk drivers really aren’t paying attention and have no idea if they hit things, so the news that they might have struck a person can come as a huge shock later that evening or, potentially, the next day.

You might also encounter situations like excessive property damage that could bring the idea of a felony up. On the whole, though, you can usually work with the idea that a DUI charge isn’t a felony until your fourth charge in ten years as long as there are no additional circumstances making it worse. However, laws can change, so you’ll probably want to double-check with a lawyer if you are charged with a DUI just to be certain of where you’re at.

More Information...  http://duidaily.com/is-driving-under-the-influence-a-felony/

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To schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you, contact Beverly Hills DUI Attorney Jonathan Franklin today.

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