Felony DUI Attorney in Murrysville, Pennsylvania

If you or a loved one is facing a felony DUI charge, we understand the fear and confusion that may be overwhelming you right now. The potential consequences of a felony DUI conviction are severe, including significant fines, loss of driving privileges, and even imprisonment. It's a difficult situation that can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of your next steps. But remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

At the Law Offices of James Crosby, we're more than just attorneys. Our team, led by Attorney James Crosby, is committed to standing by your side during this challenging time. Located in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, our firm serves clients throughout Harrison City, Greensburg, Latrobe, and Westmoreland County.

We're here to provide the guidance, support, and aggressive representation you need to navigate the complexities of felony DUI charges. 

What Constitutes a Felony DUI Charge?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries severe consequences. But did you know that not all DUI charges are created equal? While a DUI charge is often classified as a misdemeanor, certain circumstances can elevate it to a felony. This distinction is critical because a felony DUI carries more significant penalties and long-term repercussions. 

So, what exactly leads to a DUI charge being classified as a felony? The primary factor is typically the presence of multiple previous DUI convictions on your record. If you've been convicted of DUI offenses in the past, the court views subsequent offenses more gravely. However, it's important to note that the number of prior convictions required to trigger a felony DUI charge varies from state to state. Some states may escalate a charge to a felony after two prior convictions, while others might require three or more. 

Another factor is the age of your previous convictions. Some states have what's known as a "washout" or "lookback" period. This means that DUI convictions older than a certain age won't count as prior offenses when considering whether to escalate a current charge to a felony. For instance, if a state has a ten-year lookback period, a DUI conviction that occurred 11 years ago would not count as a prior offense. However, these rules can vary widely from state to state, making it crucial to seek legal counsel who understands these nuances. 

Additionally, the severity of the incident can also lead to a DUI charge being escalated to a felony. If your DUI resulted in an accident that caused serious injury or death to another person, the charge is likely to be a felony, regardless of whether you have any prior convictions. This is due to the perceived increased risk you pose to public safety. 

It's clear that the laws around felony DUI charges are complex and can vary significantly based on your location and specific circumstances. That's why it's crucial to have a legal team on your side who understands these complexities.  

The Impact of Prior Felony DUI Convictions 

Being convicted of a DUI sets a precedent for any future DUI violations, which will generally be charged as felonies. Even in states with a washout rule for prior DUIs, this usually doesn't apply to prior felony DUI convictions. This means that a prior felony DUI conviction remains on your record indefinitely, regardless of when it occurred. With higher fines, stricter license-related penalties, and potentially significant jail time, the consequences of a felony DUI conviction are severe. 

Felony DUI Charges Involving Minors 

Having a minor in the vehicle during a DUI can lead to enhanced penalties. In some states, this situation can result in a felony charge. Even in states without specific laws regarding minor passengers during a DUI, charges of felony child endangerment may still be possible. Awareness of your state's laws concerning DUIs involving minors is crucial, particularly given the severe potential repercussions. 

DUI While Operating a School Bus

School bus drivers found to be operating under the influence are often subject to harsh penalties due to the potential risk to children. In many states, driving a school bus under the influence is considered a felony. The legal alcohol limit for bus drivers is typically lower than that for other drivers, often at or below 0.04% BAC. 

Understanding the specific regulations and penalties for DUI while operating a school bus is critical for ensuring the safety of our children. 

Felony DUI Charges Resulting from Injuries and Deaths

DUI offenses resulting in serious injury or death are generally charged as felonies. State laws vary in how they handle these offenses; some states treat injuries and fatalities as aggravating factors, leading to enhanced penalties, while others may charge the driver with separate felony offenses such as vehicular assault or manslaughter. 

Penalties for Felony DUI Convictions

Felony DUI convictions carry more severe penalties than misdemeanor DUIs. The defining characteristic of a felony offense is that it carries a minimum one-year jail sentence. However, the severity of penalties can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the offense. Here are some potential penalties: 

• For less severe felonies, offenders may face a sentence near the one-year minimum and fines in the thousands of dollars. 

• The most serious felony DUIs can lead to life imprisonment and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

• A felony DUI can also result in serious license-related penalties such as permanent license revocation. 

• Drivers who are convicted of a felony DUI can expect to spend a substantial amount of time behind bars. 

In the face of a felony DUI charge, you need a legal team that understands the complexity of the situation and is prepared to fight for your rights.