| Often enough we don't look at the real numbers, or | | | | come, but lives are on the line. The more times you |
| you may think it won't happen to you. In DUI cases, | | | | drink and drive, the greater the chance this will |
| the penalties are based upon a basic system: the | | | | happen. |
| more dangerous you are, the more damage you do, | | | | Penalties |
| the more mistakes you make, the worse the | | | | Criminal law is defined by infractions, misdemeanors, |
| penalties you'll receive. Many articles point out the | | | | and felonies, each a level up of punishment. Many |
| basic penalties you get for a DUI case. But they | | | | multiple offenders for what's sometimes called an |
| sometimes ignore how the great majority of DUI | | | | aggravated DUI face felony charges. Felony charges |
| cases are not one-time offenders, but those getting | | | | include prison time. Misdemeanors are very common |
| a second, third, fourth, or worse violation. That's not | | | | for first or second time offenders, but if you drink so |
| to say this is some secret. This article will define the | | | | much you hurt someone else or are clearly far over |
| dangers of continuing to drink and drive, the penalties | | | | the limit, you can still be charged with a felony. |
| you will receive, and what happens in a court of law | | | | What kind of prison time are we talking about? |
| when you defend your actions. | | | | Felonies for DUI offenses typically mean several |
| Dangers | | | | years prison time. If you endanger a minor, or hurt |
| In most states the rate of traffic related deaths | | | | someone else, you can face stiffer penalties. If |
| every year are quite high. Over 10,000 people die in | | | | you've had your license taken away, you continue to |
| accidents related to abusing alcohol or drugs. That's | | | | drive, and you are caught abusing alcohol or drugs |
| may not seem like a huge number, but that's | | | | again, you can face felony charges. |
| because deaths don't include minor and major injuries, | | | | Who can help? |
| not to mention the mental effects. Drinking and | | | | There are many substance abuse programs which |
| driving once is enough to get charges, but by hurting | | | | can help. Alcoholism is a big problem worldwide, not |
| someone else, you may face serious crimes. If you | | | | just in the U.S. Some simply cannot make the right |
| commit what's called vehicular homicide, accidentally | | | | decisions after drinking - such as deciding not to drive. |
| killing someone because of abusing drugs or alcohol | | | | If you have to drink every single day, if you can't |
| and driving, you can face felony charges and a lot of | | | | get through the day otherwise, you may have a |
| jail time. | | | | problem. |
| You are also putting yourself in danger. Many of the | | | | On the other side, you always need legal counsel |
| deaths every year involve no other car. Many die | | | | when facing anything stiffer than an infraction. If you |
| simply from hitting parked cars, running off the road, | | | | are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, having a |
| or a variety of other situations. | | | | professional DUI lawyer is a must. He or she can be |
| The problem is you are putting yourself and others in | | | | invaluable in avoiding the maximum penalties. |
| mortal danger. This is not about penalties. Those will | | | | |