Felony DUI Defense Attorneys
Aggressive defense against felony DUI charges in Clark County and throughout Washington State.
Free Case EvaluationFelony Washington State DUI
If you have been convicted of four "priors" within ten years, you may be facing a Washington Felony DUI. If you have been convicted of one prior Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault within 10 years, you may also be facing felony DUI charges.
Depending on the circumstances of your driving under the influence (DUI) case, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you could face serious penalties if convicted, including jail time, probation, community service, fines, increased insurance costs, and a driver's license suspension. You should speak with an experienced DUI defense lawyer immediately if you are facing drunk-driving charges.
Felony DUI Carries Life-Altering Consequences
A felony DUI conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and your civil rights. If you have a felony on your record, you may be ineligible to work for a school, government agency, or any company that deals with classified information. Convicted felons are also prohibited from owning firearms.
When DUI Becomes a Felony
In Washington, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or higher. A first offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, depending on the number of prior offenses on your record or whether other people were injured during an accident, you may be charged with a felony DUI.
- Four or more prior DUI-related convictions within ten years
- Prior vehicular homicide or vehicular assault conviction within 10 years
- Injury or death to another person as a result of a DUI-related accident (vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charges)
Felony vs. Misdemeanor DUI Penalties
| Charge | Classification | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Misdemeanor DUI | Gross Misdemeanor | 364 days in jail | $5,000 |
| Felony DUI | Felony | Years in state prison | Varies by charge |
| Vehicular Assault (DUI) | Felony | Lengthy prison sentence | Substantial |
| Vehicular Homicide (DUI) | Felony | Lengthy prison sentence | Substantial |
Aggravating Factors
In Washington, you may face increased penalties under the following circumstances:
- BAC of .15 or higher at the time of arrest
- Prior DUI charges on your record
- Refusal to take a chemical test, resulting in a lengthy driver's license suspension
- Injury or death to another person as a result of the incident
Felony DUI Defense Attorney
If you have recently been arrested for drunk driving, you should speak with an experienced Washington DUI defense attorney to learn if you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges. Your attorney can explain the DUI process to you, as well as the potential penalties you may face if convicted.
The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer will fight to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome in your court case. Call today at (360) 334-6277 to schedule an immediate confidential consultation and protect your rights in Washington State.