Carmel Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

What Other Felony DUI Charges Could I Face?

If you are charged with a DUI case in Indiana, you may also be charged with other offenses, depending on the circumstances. The most common additional charge is driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but it can be upgraded to a felony if you have multiple prior DUI offenses. Here are some of the other felony DUI charges that you may face:

• You were caught the second time for a DUI offense within 7 years of your previous case.
• Your age is at least 21 and already had a DUI offense with a minor in the car. Your case will be a felony charge if you were driving the vehicle with a BAC level of at least .15. You were driving the car after consuming a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance. Even the metabolite of those controlled substances in your blood may result in a felony charge. You were driving the vehicle in a way that would harm a person.
• You were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or Schedule I or II controlled substances and caused the death of a law enforcement animal and your BAC level was .08 or more.

Felony death by vehicle

In Indiana, a person can be charged with felony death by vehicle if they cause the death of another person while operating a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner. This offense is usually charged as a Level 4 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. However, if the defendant has a prior conviction for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, the offense will be charged as a Level 5 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. In either case, the offense is punishable by up to $10,000 in fines.

Misdemeanor death by vehicle

Misdemeanor death by vehicle is defined as causing the death of another person while driving recklessly. This offense is classified as a Level 4 felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to six years in prison. The penalty for this offense can be enhanced if the offender has a prior conviction for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. In such cases, the penalty may be increased to a Level 5 felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to twelve years in prison. If you have been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle in Indiana, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Rathburn Law can help you understand the charges against you and the possible consequences of a conviction.

Felony serious injury by vehicle

Felony serious injury by vehicle in Indiana is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious and permanent disfigurement or long-term impairment of bodily function. According to Statute IC 9-30-5-4, a person is held guilty if he causes serious bodily injury to another person while driving a vehicle. It is a Level 6 felony if the following happens:

• The driver is intoxicated.
• He has a BAC level of 0.08% or more.
• The driver is impaired by a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance.

As per Indiana law, felony serious injury covers the following:

• Extreme pain
• Unconsciousness
• Substantial risk of death
• Serious permanent disfigurement
• Impairment of a body part or organ or protracted loss
• Loss of a fetus

Aggravated felony death by vehicle

You will be charged with aggravated felony death by vehicle in Indiana for the following circumstances:

• If you unintentionally cause the death of another person.
• If you were impaired by a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance while driving and it caused the death of another person.
• If you had a previous DWI conviction within seven years from the incident date.

Aggravated felony serious injury by vehicle

The circumstances for aggravated felony serious injury by vehicle are almost similar to aggravated felony death by vehicle.

• If you unintentionally cause a serious bodily injury to another person.
• If you were impaired by a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance while driving and it caused bodily injury to another person
• If you had a previous impaired driving condition within seven years from the incident date.

Contact A Carmel Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a DUI, you may be feeling panicked and uncertain about what to do next. The first step is to contact a qualified DUI defense lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. DUI laws in Indiana are complex, and our experienced lawyers know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defense on your behalf.

A DUI conviction in Carmel, IN can result in serious penalties, including jail time, probation, and the loss of your driver’s license. A skilled DUI defense lawyer from Rathburn Law Office, P.C. will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome in your case and help you avoid the most serious consequences. 

Don’t try to face the legal system alone; contact us at (463) 465-2401so that we can represent you and do our best to reduce the charges.