In addition to these, upon a DUI conviction, the prosecutor may recommend a clinical evaluation and completion of a substance abuse treatment program in some cases.
The penalties are even steeper for those who have prior DUI convictions or a criminal record. Facing Roswell DUI charges as a repeat offender can transform your DUI offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases
When a DUI gets treated as something more serious, chances are that certain aggravating factors have contributed. Although DUI offenses are most often treated as misdemeanors, many circumstances can contribute to and elevate misdemeanors into felony DUI charges.
One type of aggravated DUI charge would be DUI with injury. When driving under the influence results in an injury to another person, that would typically be considered a felony DUI. On the other hand, if one’s impaired driving results in the death of another person, they will most likely face vehicular homicide charges.
If an impaired driver travels with a minor passenger, the driver can face a separate offense of DUI child endangerment. If convicted, that can add up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines to regular DUI penalties.
Consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction
The consequences of a drunk driving conviction can be life-changing, but working with an experienced Roswell GA DUI lawyer can give you a better chance of minimizing these penalties. DUI lawyers are familiar with the laws relevant to your case and can help you present a solid defense to your DUI charge. They have the skills, experience, and resources to help you mitigate your liability and perhaps even secure an acquittal.
The right Roswell DUI defense lawyers can help you with cases of DUI drug arrests, vehicular homicide, underage DUI, reckless driving, and other driving-related offenses. After reviewing your DUI case, they can represent you in court or at bond hearings and help ensure your rights are protected after DUI arrests. If you and your attorney decide it is the best course of action, they can attempt to negotiate plea deals as part of your DUI case.
When you consider the worst-case situation of being convicted and perhaps jailed for a long time, it makes sense to do everything you can to prevent a DUI conviction.
If you are considering hiring a DUI defense lawyer, the team at Chehimi Law is ready to speak with you about your DUI arrest today.