What is Felony DUI and How to Defend Yourself
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences for your life. If you or a loved one has been accused of felony DUI, you need to act quickly and seek the help of an experienced and aggressive attorney. Ciccarelli Law Offices is a team of dedicated and compassionate lawyers who specialize in felony DUI cases. We can help you understand the charges, the evidence, the possible penalties, and the legal process. We can also protect your rights, challenge any unlawful or improper actions, and argue for the best possible outcome for your case. We have successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the greater Philadelphia metro area and all of the suburban counties, such as Lancaster County and Chester County. We are very familiar with the laws and the courts in each one of these jurisdictions, and we have established good relationships with the judges, the prosecutors, and the police. We also treat you and your case with respect, dignity, and care. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process. We work with you as a team, and we never judge you or your situation.
What is Felony DUI
In Pennsylvania, most DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors, which are less serious than felonies. However, there are some circumstances where a DUI can be charged as a felony, which is a more serious crime that carries harsher penalties. According to Pennsylvania DUI laws12, a DUI can be charged as a felony if:
- It is your fourth or subsequent DUI offense within 10 years
- You caused serious bodily injury or death to another person while driving under the influence
- You were driving under the influence with a minor (under 18 years old) in the vehicle
A felony DUI conviction can have severe consequences for your personal and professional life. You could face prison time, fines, fees, license suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, and other sanctions. You could also suffer damage to your reputation, your relationships, and your future opportunities. You need a skilled and aggressive advocate who can fight for your rights and your interests.
Circumstances Where Somebody Could Be Accused of Felony DUI
There are many situations where somebody could be accused of felony DUI, either by the police or by the victims or their families. Some examples are:
- Driving with a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or under the influence of drugs and getting into an accident that causes serious injury or death to another person
- Driving with a prior DUI conviction or a suspended license and getting stopped by the police for a traffic violation or a checkpoint
- Driving with a child in the car and getting involved in a crash or a police chase
- Driving recklessly or aggressively and causing damage to property or endangering other people
- Driving in a school zone, a construction zone, or a residential area and violating the speed limit or other traffic rules
These are just some of the possible scenarios where felony DUI can occur. However, each case is unique and depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options.
Why You Should Hire Ciccarelli Law Offices
If you or a loved one has been accused of felony DUI, you should not take the matter lightly. Felony DUI is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for your life. You could face prison time, fines, fees, license suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, and other sanctions. You could also suffer damage to your reputation, your relationships, and your future opportunities. You need a skilled and aggressive advocate who can fight for your rights and your interests.
Ciccarelli Law Offices is a team of dedicated and compassionate lawyers who specialize in felony DUI cases. We have the experience, the knowledge, and the passion to handle any felony DUI case. We have successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the greater Philadelphia metro area and all of the suburban counties, such as Lancaster County and Chester County. We are very familiar with the laws and the courts in each one of these jurisdictions, and we have established good relationships with the judges, the prosecutors, and the police. We also treat you and your case with respect, dignity, and care. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process. We work with you as a team, and we never judge you or your situation.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring Ciccarelli Law Offices for your felony DUI case:
- We can help you understand the charges, the evidence, the possible penalties, and the legal process.
- We can advise you on the best course of action for your case, whether it is to negotiate a plea deal, seek a diversion program, or go to trial.
- We can protect your rights and challenge any unlawful or improper actions by the police, the prosecutors, or the court.
- We can gather and present evidence, witnesses, and experts to support your defense and cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
- We can argue for the most favorable outcome for your case, such as dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.
- We can help you avoid or minimize the negative consequences of a felony DUI conviction, such as incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, counseling, or education programs.
- We can help you expunge or seal your record, if eligible, to prevent future problems with employment, education, housing, or licensing.
How to Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been accused of felony DUI, don’t wait. Time is of the essence. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your defense and the better chance we have of achieving a positive result. Call us today at (610) 692-8700 or fill out our online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call and meet with you at our convenient locations across Pennsylvania. We are ready to help you and your case. Don’t let a felony DUI accusation ruin your life. Let Ciccarelli Law Offices fight for your rights and your future.