Hamilton County Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a felony DUI in Hamilton County, IN, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. Some of the most common punishments associated with a felony DUI are hefty fines, suspension of driving license, jail time, and community service. Fortunately, an experienced felony DUI lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

At Rathburn Law Office, P.C., we review the facts of your case and determine the best course of action, whether that means negotiating a plea deal or taking the case to trial. In addition, we will provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process. Make sure you get in touch with us at the earliest so that there are higher chances of reducing or dropping the charges against you.

Can I Be Charged with a Felony DWI in Indiana?

In the state of Indiana, a DWI is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, there are some circumstances in which a DWI can be charged as a felony. The state’s criminal laws provide for enhanced penalties for anyone who commits a DWI offense and has a prior conviction for the same offense. Additionally, the state’s laws also have enhanced penalties for anyone who commits a DWI offense and causes serious bodily injury or death to another person. As a result, it is important to be aware of the possible consequences of a DWI arrest before making the decision to drive after drinking. If you are facing charges for a felony DWI in Indiana, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. When you contact Rathburn Law Office, P.C., we will help you understand the charges against you and develop a defense strategy that is tailored to your specific case.

What is Considered a Felony DUI in Indiana?

Even a first-time DUI offense can be a felony in Indiana under the following circumstances:

If the person convicted of DUI seriously injures or kills someone while driving under the influence, it is a felony offense.
Additionally, if the person convicted of DUI drives while intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle, it is also a felony offense.
Finally, if the person convicted of DUI has had a DUI conviction in the last seven years from the date of the current crime.

What is a Habitual DWI Felony Charge?

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Hamilton County. If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, you can be charged with DWI. However, if you have been convicted of DWI in the past, you may be subject to enhanced penalties, including a felony charge.

In Hamilton County, a DWI offense is generally a misdemeanor. However, for habitual DWI offenders, the punishments are harsher. For those who have had four DWI convictions in the past ten years, the charges are much more severe than a mere misdemeanor. You should also remember that, according to the Habitual DWI statute, you will have to serve a minimum active jail term of one year. This charge is non-negotiable and cannot be suspended. It means that habitual DWI offenders will serve a full year in jail, with no possibility of parole or early release. While this may seem like a harsh punishment, it is important to remember that habitual DWI offenders are among the most dangerous drivers on the road. Their repeated offenses show a clear disregard for the law and for the safety of others. By imposing a mandatory jail sentence, the state of Indiana is sending a strong message that habitual DWIs will not be tolerated.

What Other Felony DUI Charges Could I Face?

Many people think that a misdemeanor DUI and a felony DUI are the same. They are not. A DUI comes under Class C misdemeanor if the following happens:

If your BAC level is more than .08 but less than .15.
If there is a Schedule I or Schedule II substance, or their metabolites in your blood while driving.

On the other hand, you will be booked under another felony DUI in the following cases:

If you commit a second DUI offense within 7 years from the date of your current crime.
If you are 21 and have been driving under the influence with at least one passenger who is a minor aged below 18. The punishments will be severe if your BAC level is .15 or higher, you consume a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance before driving and there are metabolites of these substances in your blood, or you were driving the car in a way that would put others at risk.
If you were responsible for the death of a law enforcement animal after drinking and driving and your BAC level was .08 or more.

Felony death by vehicle

This can be charged against you if you drive your car recklessly leading to the untimely death of another person. This is usually a Level 4 felony in Indiana, and you may have to serve a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. However, if this is the second conviction for drinking and driving, it will be a Level 5 felony. In that case, you may have to serve a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Additionally, you may also have to pay as much as $10,000 in fines.

Recidivism is always taken into account when sentencing for any crime, and this is no different when it comes to death by vehicle. A second offense will result in harsher penalties than the first, and a third offense will be even more severe. This is because each successive offense demonstrates a greater disregard for the safety of others and an increased likelihood of future offenses. The goal of the penalties for death by vehicle is to protect the public and to deter people from engaging in this type of behavior.

Misdemeanor death by vehicle

This charge involves causing the death of a person due to reckless driving. It is a Level 4 felony, which means you can get a jail time of up to 6 years. The penalty will be severe if you have a previous DWI case. It will be a Level 5 crime and you may end up in jail for 12 years. Misdemeanor death by vehicle is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for the victim’s family and friends. If you have been charged with this offense, you should contact us immediately. We will do our best to investigate the case and reduce the charges.

Felony serious injury by vehicle

In Indiana, a person can be charged with felony serious injury by vehicle if they cause serious bodily injury to another person while driving a vehicle. In order to be considered serious, the harm caused by the injury must be significant and not simply superficial. For example, a bruise would not typically be considered a serious bodily injury, but a deep cut that requires stitches would. The following will prove a felony serious injury by vehicle:

If you were impaired by a Schedule I or II controlled substance while driving.
If your BAC level was .08 or higher.
If you were intoxicated.

Some of the felony serious injuries considered by Indiana law are as follows:

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

Aggravated felony death by vehicle

The following circumstances come under aggravated felony death by vehicle in Indiana:

If the driver unintentionally caused the death of a person.
If the driver was impaired by aSchedule I or II controlled substance and it caused the death of a person.
If the driver had previous cases of impaired driving within 7 years.

Aggravated felony serious injury by vehicle

The following circumstances come under aggravated felony serious injury by vehicle:

If the driver unintentionally caused bodily injury to a person.
If the driver was impaired by a Schedule I or II controlled substance and it caused bodily injury to a person.
If the driver had previous cases of impaired driving within 7 years.

Contact A Hamilton County Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a DUI charge in Hamilton County, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who understands the state’s laws. A DUI is considered a felony in Indiana if it is your second offense within a 7-year period. If you are convicted of a felony DUI, you could face up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In addition, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year. A felony DUI conviction will also stay on your record for life.

It is essential to work with a lawyer who can help you fight the charges and avoid a conviction. Rathburn Law Office, P.C. has qualified DUI lawyers in Hamilton County who have experience handling these types of cases and know how to build a strong defense. If you are facing a DUI charge, do not hesitate to call us at (463) 465-2401 so that we can help you protect your rights.

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At Rathburn Law Office, P.C., we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (463) 465-2401 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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