Getting arrested for a DUI is a serious offence, even more so if it escalates into a felony charge. A felony charge can occur due to multiple reasons, and it always carries serious legal implications for the at-fault driver. The truth is, the impact of a felony DUI is wide-ranging, and its consequences can be life-altering. In this article, we’ll define felony DUI, when it occurs, and the different ways it can impact your life.
The definition of felony DUI
We’re already aware of the consequences that come with a misdemeanor DUI. From jail time to fines to probation, there are different legal penalties drivers face depending on the state. But the question is: what is a felony DUI and under which circumstances does a standard DUI become a felony?
A felony DUI is a drunk driving offence that escalated into a much more serious offence due to particular circumstances. Many felony DUIs occur as a result of multiple previous DUI convictions that took place in a ten-year period. Some of them occur as a result of intoxicated driving with a minor present in the vehicle (child endangerment). Others occur when there are serious injuries involved, or in the case of fatal outcomes.
Financial impact of felony DUI
There’s no denying the financial burden of facing a felony DUI. Such a charge can result in hefty court fees and rather substantial fines, some of which may cost you anywhere from several thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the state. Your car insurance rates are also going to go up significantly as a result of your felony DUI charge.
Add to that the fact that you will also need to install an interlock ignition device (IID) on your vehicle, and you can begin to imagine the weight of the financial burden that comes with a felony DUI. All this can make it rather difficult for you to bounce back financially and regain stability. The bad news? The financial impact is just the tip of the iceberg.
Impact on employment and professional licensure
Due to its seriousness, a felony DUI leads to licence suspension or revocation. This means that you are no longer able to drive, which might affect your personal life to some degree. But what if your career directly depends on driving? Even if it doesn’t, the loss of driving privileges can make it impossible for you to maintain your employment along with taking care of daily tasks and errands.
Job hunting may also become rather difficult considering the fact that many employers now do a background check as a part of the hiring process. What’s more, certain professions may require obtaining professional licensure from the state beforehand. With a DUI on your criminal record, you might be unable to obtain licensing, which can limit your career choices.
Impact on mental health
Other than hurting your finances and reducing your employment opportunities, felony DUI can also take a toll on your mental health. From not being able to function normally on a daily basis to the numerous financial and legal troubles they’re facing, all the stress that’s involved in the process can be quite draining for an individual.
Once you’re charged with a felony DUI, it can wreak havoc on everything from your social life to your overall well-being. A person may start to feel like they can not live a normal life anymore, and that the emotional consequences are too difficult to handle. In some circumstances, addressing these issues can be done with the help of support groups, counseling, rehabilitation programs, and focus on personal growth.
Impact on personal relationships and reputation
Due to social stigma, your relationships along with your reputation may suffer greatly because of your conviction. You may notice that your family members, friends, and colleagues treat you differently now, and you may feel like you’re constantly being judged. This can be difficult to take for some individuals, so much so that handling their emotions becomes a daily struggle.
Some people develop self-esteem issues due to all the shame and guilt they’re feeling, which often results in isolation from what’s supposed to be their support system. While it is possible to move on and repair what’s been damaged in the process, it can take quite a while to do so.
Avoiding felony DUI as a way of protecting your future
While the legal penalties for felony DUI such as jail time, fines, and license suspension are important, they’re not the only negative outcomes. A felony DUI charge affects many different areas of life, and in some cases, the consequences are completely life-altering. By understanding the potential consequences and taking steps to avoid such charges, you’ll be ensuring a better future for yourself and your loved ones.