fHampton Roads Felony DUI Lawyer

What Are the Penalties for Felony DUI Charges?

You can be charged with a felony DUI if this is your 3rd or 4th DUI offense, or if any person died of injuries that are alleged to have been the result of DUI driving. The penalties for a felony DUI conviction are far more severe than those imposed in a misdemeanor DUI conviction. With the possibility of incarceration, fines, loss of driving privileges as well as a felony conviction on your criminal record, it is imperative that you get in touch with our Hampton Roads felony DUI attorney as soon as possible.

Attorney Shawn M. Cline at the Law Office of Shawn M. Cline, PC is a former active duty Judge Advocate General's Corps officer, and has experience in prosecuting and defending cases in military court - one of the toughest legal venues. Our firm is very qualified to take on a felony DUI case, and to fight for your defense. We are skilled, experienced, dedicated and have an uncommon level of discipline to bring to the table.

Penalties for a 3rd DUI Offense:

• Up to 6 months in jail if the offense occurred within 5 years of the previous offense or up to 90 days in jail if the offense occurred within 10 years of the previous offense;
• Administrative license suspension until your trial, and then indefinite license revocation with the possibility of having a restricted license;
• A $1,000 minimum fine;
• Possibility of the installation of an ignition interlock device;
• Possibility of attending an Alcohol Safety Action Program;
• Payment for restitution;
• Vehicle is subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Penalties for a 4th DUI Offense:

• A minimum jail sentence of 1 year;
• A minimum fine of $1,000;
• Indefinite license revocation with the possibility of having a restricted license after the administrative license suspension until your trial;
• Possible attendance of an Alcohol Safety Action Program;
• Possible ignition interlock device installment;
• Payment of any court-ordered restitution;
• Seizure and forfeiture of vehicle is possible.

For a DUI offense charged as involuntary manslaughter the penalties can increase to a prison sentence of up 20 years in a state correctional facility.

What Are My DUI Defense Options?

To determine the best strategy for your defense against a felony DUI, a full analysis of the case should be undertaken immediately. It is often possible to present evidence to the court that your rights were violated, or that there was improper police procedure in some aspect of the police stop, arrest, testing or other part of the case.

There may be the ability to successfully challenge breath or blood test evidence - testing units are not infallible, and there are various medical conditions that could affect the BAC level that registers on one of these devices. We are very familiar with the science behind DUI testing, and how to challenge even the most solid evidence.

Contact us today. Even if another firm told you your case was hopeless, bring it to our Virginia Beach DUI attorney.