Any DUI conviction can have serious consequences, but some factors can cause your DUI to be treated as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Felony convictions can make it more difficult to get a job, get funding for education, or rent an apartment. Because the consequences of a felony DUI are so significant, hiring an experienced DUI attorney is essential. A Greenville felony DUI lawyer could help you understand what to expect from the legal process and get the best possible outcome.
What Makes a DUI a Felony?
DUIs in South Carolina are usually misdemeanors, but some circumstances can make a DUI a felony. SC Code § 56-5-2945 lists these situations, including those involving multiple DUI convictions and causing death or injury to someone else while driving drunk. To be charged with felony DUI without causing a serious crash, you would need to have been convicted of DUI three times within the previous 10 years. Penalties for a fourth DUI will depend on your BAC at the time of arrest. Possible prison time ranges from one to five years for a BAC under 0.10%, two to six years for a BAC between 0.10% and 0.15%, and three to seven years for a BAC over 0.15%. Your driver’s license may also be permanently revoked.
If you cause death or great bodily injury to someone else while driving drunk, you can also be charged with a felony DUI in Greenville. South Carolina considers great bodily injury to be any permanent injury or injury that puts a person at risk of death. Penalties for a DUI that caused great bodily injury range from 30 days to 15 years in prison and $5,100 to $10,000 in fines. DUIs that cause a death can result in a sentence between one and 25 years in prison and $10,100 to $25,100 in fines. After being released from prison, you would be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for three years for causing an injury and five years for causing a death.
When Do You Need a Felony DUI Lawyer?
If you have been charged with a felony DUI, hiring a Greenville lawyer is important. Many factors can influence how serious a penalty you receive or if you are convicted at all. Your lawyer will review all the details of your case to make any possible arguments in your favor. This is especially important if any aspects of your case are unclear or may fall between levels of severity.
For example, if you caused an accident that injured someone, and it is uncertain whether the injuries meet the great bodily injury standard, your lawyer could argue on your side. An attorney could also help you avoid mistakes that can hurt your case. For example, it is easy to unintentionally say something that can be taken as a confession of guilt.
Consult With a Felony DUI Lawyer in Greenville Today
A felony charge brings stress and uncertainty. It can be difficult to predict exactly how your felony DUI might affect your life going forward. A Greenville felony DUI lawyer has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the process while providing strong representation. If you are facing a felony DUI charge, do not wait to contact a lawyer. Schedule a free consultation with Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law today.
