If you are charged with a felony DUI in Aiken, South Carolina, the results can have a devastating impact on your life. You could lose your job, get your license suspended or revoked, face hefty fines, or worse. If you are facing felony DUI charges, you need a skilled Aiken felony DUI lawyer who will aggressively defend your rights.
Hiring a good felony DUI lawyer can reduce the consequences of a conviction. Your lawyer can make your case less stressful, get your driver’s license back, get your sentence reduced, get your case dismissed, and more. So, seeking experienced legal assistance can make a huge difference in your felony DUI case.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle & Lancer, Attorneys, P.A. (JJWLS), our DUI defense lawyers will protect your rights and interests. We have the skills, experience, and resources necessary to prepare for your hearing. We are dedicated to helping our clients get their charges lessened or dismissed. And we will make sure you understand what you are up against.
Need an Aiken felony DUI lawyer? Contact us today at (803) 649-5338 to schedule your FREE initial consultation.
What is a Felony DUI?
A felony DUI occurs when a DUI offender seriously injures or kills another person as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Therefore, if a serious injury or death results from your DUI, you will face felony charges.
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and Felony DUI?
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony DUI is the severity of penalties you will receive if convicted.
The normal penalties for a misdemeanor are 3 to 4 figures in fines and up to one year in jail. A felony DUI, on the other hand, can result in a longer driver’s license suspension period, hefty fines, and a year or more in jail. A knowledgeable and experienced Aiken felony DUI lawyer can explain the differences in these charges.
What Are the Factors Leading to Felony DUI Charges?
Not all DUIs are the same. A first-time DUI charge, for example, can result in a misdemeanor charge. However, some factors, such as accidents resulting in serious injuries or multiple DUI convictions, can elevate a DUI charge to a felony charge.
Here are the factors leading to felony DUI charges:
Multiple DUI Convictions
If you have a DUI conviction on your record, it can elevate your DUI charge to a felony charge from a misdemeanor. Multiple DUI convictions can, therefore, lead to a felony charge. That is why you need to take a single DUI charge seriously.
Injury or Death Caused by DUI
If your DUI causes a serious injury or death, you will face a felony DUI charge. In some cases, you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Therefore, if your DUI harms other people, it will be taken seriously. If your DUI causes harm to another person, you should call a felony DUI lawyer immediately.
Child Endangerment
South Carolina takes the safety of children seriously. If you are charged with a DUI and have a minor in your vehicle, you will be charged with a felony DUI. In addition, you might be charged with child endangerment. That means you will face serious penalties.
If you think you have any of these factors that could be applied to your charge, call an Aiken felony DUI lawyer immediately.
What Are the Potential Penalties of a Felony DUI?
The potential penalties for a felony DUI are mandatory fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory imprisonment, increased cost of auto insurance, professional license suspension, and many more.
If your DUI causes great bodily injury to another person, the penalties are $5,000 up to a $10,100 mandatory fine, 30 days – 15 years mandatory imprisonment, and driver’s license suspension for at least 3 years.
If, unfortunately, your DUI causes death, the penalties are $10,100 up to $25,100 mandatory fine, 1 year up to 25 years mandatory imprisonment, and driver’s license suspension for at least 5 years.
It is always in your best interest to speak with an experienced Aiken felony DUI lawyer.
What Are Viable Defenses Against a Felony DUI Charge?
If you are facing a felony DUI charge, you are probably facing harsh penalties. The penalties can be life-changing for you and your loved ones. In our opinion, it is in your best interest to hire a seasoned Aiken felony DUI lawyer to help build the possible defense.
Here are some of the viable defenses against a felony DUI charge:
Inadmissible Evidence
If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence, your felony DUI charge can be dismissed. Therefore, the police officers need to provide hard evidence. The arresting officer may claim you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, if they do not have hard evidence, your charge will be dropped.
Inaccurate Test Results
The results of both chemical tests and field sobriety tests can be questioned. Why? These tests can be subjective and inaccurate. If, for example, the police officer did not follow strict procedures, then the results of these tests will not be used against you in court.
Wrongful Arrest
Police officers can make mistakes, especially if they do not follow correct procedures. If you were wrongfully arrested by a police officer, you still need to hire a skilled lawyer. Remember, you are still facing criminal charges. And the prosecutor and the jury will not care. So, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the arresting officer.
If you want to build a strong defense against a felony DUI charge, consult with our Aiken felony DUI lawyer by dialing (803) 649-5338 today.
Why Choose Our Aiken Felony DUI Lawyers?
We will review your case, evaluate the specifics of your situation, collect evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. Our Aiken felony DUI lawyers have the skills and knowledge to challenge the evidence, protect your constitutional rights, interview witnesses, and examine field sobriety tests.
What is the Process for a Felony DUI case?
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, you probably do not know what to do. Remember, if you make a mistake, you may get convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will, therefore, be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines or go to jail for several years. It is best to call a skilled Aiken felony DUI lawyer to help you.
Here is the process for felony DUI cases:
- Arrest and Booking – If a police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will arrest you after pulling you over. They will, then, book you. They may take your photographs, fingerprints, or even a BAC test.
- Bail and Release – In some cases, you could be released on bail. However, your bail will depend on your previous offenses and the specifics of your case. You will be given a date that you need to appear in court.
- Court Arraignment – Your court arraignment is your first official court date. It is the formal act of going in front of a judge to have your felony DUI case decided. The charge will be read to you, and the penalties explained. You will be advised of your right to trial.
- Enter a Plea – If you retained the services of a skilled and knowledgeable Aiken felony DUI lawyer, a plea of no guilty is entered. If you enter no guilty plea, a trial date will be set. If, however, you plead guilty, a date will be set for sentencing or the judge may impose fines immediately.
- Trial Process – If you do not reach a plea deal, your felony DUI case will go to trial. You will present your evidence and the verdict will be determined.
- Sentencing – If you are found guilty, you will learn of your penalties. The penalties could be prison time, fines, etc.
Why Choose Johnson, Johnson, Whittle & Lancer, Attorneys, P.A. for Your Felony DUI Defense?
JJWLS serves clients across South Carolina. We are renowned for our comprehensive legal services designed to meet the needs of our clients. We are dedicated to delivering the best legal counsel. Here is why you should choose our Aiken felony DUI lawyers for your defense:
Specialized DUI Defense Expertise
We will defend your rights and construct a formidable defense against your felony DUI charges. In fact, we have a successful track record in handling felony DUI cases. So, if you are facing a first-time DUI charge or multiple DUI convictions, our Aiken felony DUI lawyers will work hard to secure you the most favorable outcome in your case.
Strategic Defense Planning
Not all felony DUI cases are the same. Therefore, we will carefully review your felony DUI case. And our Aiken felony DUI lawyers craft a strategic defense plan that is specifically tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of your DUI case. For example, we could question the accuracy of the tests or the legality of your traffic stop.
Experience in Negotiation and Litigation
We have your best interest at heart. So, we will advocate for you through negotiation or litigation. Our Aiken felony DUI lawyers have successfully helped our clients secure favorable plea bargains and reduced charges. We can even get your DUI charge dismissed. If litigation is necessary, we are ready to defend your rights in court.
Contact Our Aiken Felony DUI Lawyers Today to Help You
Are you facing a felony DUI charge? You are probably anxious and overwhelmed. Why? A felony DUI charge conviction can leave you facing revoked driving privileges, hefty fines, and jail times. It is, therefore, crucial to take a felony DUI charge seriously.
If you want to get the best possible outcome, we recommend retaining the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Aiken felony DUI lawyer. Your lawyer will support you throughout the legal process. You can trust your lawyer to help you make informed decisions.
Looking for a good felony DUI lawyer in Aiken? JJWLS is here to provide the strong legal representation you need. We are committed and dedicated to protecting your rights. We are ready to help you and your family move forward with your lives.
Contact us today at (803) 649-5338 for a confidential consultation.
