Felony and Aggravated DUI – Your Future is at Stake

DUI conviction in Washington results in harsh penalties. However, a DUI charge can be misdemeanor, felony, or aggravated. Depending on the charge, a conviction can be extremely serious and follow you for the rest of your life. You need knowledgeable DUI defense attorneys on your side to help with your case, so you are not burdened with even more emotional stress and turmoil.

In order to understand your case, you also need to understand the charges against you. Let's start with explaining what felony and aggravated DUI means.

Typically, a DUI is a misdemeanor. However, it becomes a Class C felony under the following circumstances:

• You have had four or more DUI offenses in the last 10 years
• The DUI results in conviction of vehicular homicide or assault

Class C felony punishments include:

• Up to five years in prison
• $10,000 in fines
• Revocation of license
• Registration as a convicted felon, which can affect the rest of your life

Aggravated DUI is slightly different than a regular DUI. It is a DUI, but with "aggravated" factors that ramp up the penalties against you. Aggravated factors include:

• Accidents or injuries incurred when DUI
• Previous criminal offenses, especially previous DUI
• Refusal to submit to breath or chemical test
• Presence of minor children in the vehicle

Any of these can impose additional penalties to your DUI case, including:

• Fines
• Suspension of license
• Jail time

Felony and aggravated charges are much harsher than misdemeanors. A felony conviction can follow you for your entire life, reducing your ability to secure employment or even certain kinds of housing. You must protect your rights and your freedom, and the well being of your family.

Only an experienced Tacoma DUI defense lawyer can help work to reduce or even dismiss the charges against you. Contact a DUI defense attorney today.