Georgia DUI Felony
Did you know that if you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Lawrenceville, your case may be considered a felony offense? Indeed, while most DUI violations are classified as misdemeanors, many others are taken more seriously due to the circumstances surrounding the crime. In these cases, you can expect to be charged with Georgia DUI felony and in turn, face much tougher penalties as a result.In order for a DUI to be classified as a felony offense, the law requires there to be “extenuating circumstances” surrounding your arrest. To meet this requirement, you must do more than just drive drunk; you must also display gross negligence or criminal misconduct.
For example, if you were involved in a serious auto accident that resulted in another person’s death or injury, you will probably be charged with felony DUI. Likewise, if you were traveling with a child or caused significant damage to someone else’s property, your DUI may be considered a felony offense. Repeat offenders and individuals arrested with an extremely high blood alcohol content (BAC) could also face felony charges.
If you are charged with a Georgia DUI felony, you will face much harsher sentencing guidelines than a person charged with a misdemeanor DUI. In addition to a longer license suspension and more expensive fines, you could spend more than a year behind bars and be required to complete treatment for substance abuse. You may even have to install an ignition interlock device—a mechanism that requires you to perform a breath test any time you try to start your vehicle—if the judge feels it is necessary.
It is also important to remember that the long-term effects of a felony conviction will continue to haunt you long after you complete the terms of your sentence. As a convicted felon, you will be unable to vote, own a gun, or travel outside of the country unless your conviction is expunged from your criminal record—a process that can be extremely difficult, if not altogether impossible, for Georgia offenders. You can also expect to have trouble finding a job, as most employers are reluctant to hire a person who has been convicted of a felony crime.
Fortunately, an experienced DUI defense attorney may be able to help you avoid a number of these consequences. With the right legal strategy, many drivers are able to reduce their felony DUI to a misdemeanor or even get their charges dismissed entirely.
As one of the most successful DUI defense firms in the state, the Law Offices of Webb and Willis has what it takes to help you fight your case and reduce or eliminate the charges against you. We will review the facts of your arrest to determine the ideal defense strategy and help improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome for your case.
To learn how attorneys Lee Webb and Greg Willis can help you, contact our firm for your free case evaluation. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text message, email, and Facebook, so there’s no reason to wait a second more—contact us today to start planning your defense.
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