Felony DUI charges can change the course of your life, leaving you with severe limitations on your freedoms and financial challenges. Defending against those charges is critical to making the most of your future. A dedicated DUI attorney could help work toward achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Whether through negotiating reduced charges, challenging the evidence, or representing you in court, Pickens County felony DUI lawyer Christopher L. Jones could strive to protect your rights and preserve your future.
What Is a Felony DUI?
A felony DUI in Pickens County can occur under several circumstances. Each one carries its own set of potential penalties and consequences.
Severe Bodily Injury
When you get into an accident because of driving while intoxicated and cause severe injury to someone else, it can result in felony DUI charges. Severe injury generally includes injuries with long-term or permanent consequences to the injured party, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, or disfigurement.
If you are convicted of a DUI with severe bodily injury, you can face a fine of $5,100 to $10,100 and between 30 days and 15 years imprisonment.
Death
A DUI that results in death can carry immense penalties, including a mandatory fine of between $10,100 and $25,000, as well as one to 25 years imprisonment.
Fourth or Greater DUI Offense
South Carolina law considers a fourth DUI a felony offense. As a result, individuals can face imprisonment for:
- One to five years in jail for a BAC of less than .10%
- Two to six years in jail for a BAC of .10% to .15%
- Three to seven years in jail for a BAC of more than .15%
South Carolina will look back ten years to determine how many DUI offenses an individual has. Charges over ten years old will not appear in the lookback or count toward felony DUI charges.
Other Penalties for Felony DUI
In addition to imprisonment and fines for a felony DUI, you can face penalties such as:
- Court costs, fees, and assessments
- License suspension, including long-term or permanent license suspension
- Carrying SR-22 insurance, or high-risk insurance, for at least three years
- An ignition interlock device requirement on your vehicle, which will test your BAC before you can drive
Many individuals convicted of a felony DUI will also experience significant costs in their personal lives, including loss of job or professional licensing, difficulty securing some types of housing and auto insurance, or the need to complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. In addition, a felony DUI remains on your record, which can make it difficult to secure employment in some fields for many years after the initial incident.
Mounting a comprehensive defense with the help of a Pickens County felony DUI attorney could make a significant difference in your ability to protect your future after a felony DUI.
Call a Pickens County Attorney for Help Following a Felony DUI
Whether driving under the influence led to severe injuries or death or you have reached your fourth DUI offense, a Pickens County felony DUI lawyer could prove essential in helping you navigate your defense and protect your freedoms.
With Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, you will find the support you need to navigate these complex proceedings. Reach out to a former prosecutor today to discuss your felony DUI case and how you can defend yourself. Schedule a consultation today.
