What is the Difference Between a Felony DUI and a Misdemeanor in Georgia?

The seriousness of a drunk driving crime in Georgia depends on the situation. In Athens, GA your blood alcohol content affects whether you have a felony DUI charge. The extent of damage caused also plays a role. Usually, a misdemeanor or lesser charge ties to being drunk in public or petty theft. A felony DUI is for more serious DUI crimes.

Understanding Georgia Felony DUI Law

In the state of GA, you need to know DUI law. A felony offense can impact your ability to get into a school or get financial aid. There are a lot of drawbacks to a DUI charge. You can suffer consequences such as:

• License suspension
• School expulsion
• Inability to rent a house
• Problems getting auto insurance
• Jail time
• Fines

These aren’t the only pitfalls of a DUI either. A felony can leave you unable to vote, carry or own a gun, or work at some jobs. You should work with a lawyer who knows Georgia DUI law. The laws about DUI cases in Athens, GA are not always simple.

A person will usually face charges for a felony after many DUI charges or after causing harm. A felony case can result in significant penalties. Multiple DUI charges can lead to a person going to jail for up to 10 years and paying $5,000 in fines. These fines do not include court charges or restitution fees that you may have to pay. If you have a felony DUI charge, you need the help of an Athens, GA lawyer.

Driving Under the Influence in GA

Driving under the influence is not always a felony. But, a DUI can lead to a felony. The facts of your case are part of the charge whether it is a felony or not. Usually, a DUI charge leads to an arrest and lesser charges. However, many people face felony charges they don’t think they deserve.

You can always contact a lawyer in GA to help you understand your charges. You can fight a felony DUI charge if you think that your case is not a felony.

Talk with a DUI lawyer to know why your case is now a felony instead of a misdemeanor. A lawyer may be able to help guide you through the legal process.

Penalties of a Felony DUI Charge in GA

A lesser charge for a DUI in GA will include fines ranging from $300 to $1000. You can also expect to spend anywhere from 10 days to 1 year in jail. Jail time for a lesser charge may not cost you your right to vote or carry a gun. A lesser charge will usually require some time spent doing community service. Additionally, you will have a restricted or suspended license to drive.

Fines, fees and penalties for felony DUI charge are much more severe. A felony charge can result in years of time spent in a state jail. A conviction on a felony charge will remove your right to vote. You would also lose your right to own or carry a gun.

After you are out of jail, you will have a long period of probation. During this time, you would have to keep regular appointments. You will likely not have a license for a certain amount of time as well. Felony DUI charges will usually require people to take part in a drug and alcohol rehab program.

The most damaging aspect of a felony charge can be the job limitations. Because you must check the “yes” box on job forms, you may have a hard time finding employment.

Call an Athens DUI Lawyer for Help Now

If you are going through a DUI felony charge, you need the help of a lawyer. A DUI charge can be a felony because of other charges such as:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Physical injury from a DUI car wreck
• Repeat charges

These issues can follow you for years. Make sure you know the options you have and get the legal help that you need. Call an Athens DUI lawyer now to learn how they can help your case. You can call the Athens DUI lawyers directly or visit their website for a review of your case.