Felony DUI

A Felony Charges Lawyer in Phoenix Who Knows The System

It should come as no surprise that Arizona treats felony DUI charges seriously, just like the State does for misdemeanor charges. A felony DUI charge is similar to a misdemeanor DUI charge in that both have the same requirements for a charge: driving while impaired or with a BAC of .08 or more. However, a felony charge can result from a DUI when there are aggravating factors present.

If you’ve been charged with a felony DUI, you are facing potential penalties such as prison time, lost driving privileges and thousands of dollars in fines. You need an honest advocate for you who can help you through the system and act in your best interest. Edwin A. Molina III will be in your corner throughout the entire process, and you won’t need to take a second mortgage on your home for his help.

Aggravating Factors for Felony DUIs

An aggravating factor for a DUI is a factor that elevates a DUI charge to a felony charge from a misdemeanor. The most common aggravating factors in Phoenix, Arizona are:

• Having a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of arrest;
• The driver was driving on a suspended or revoked license; or
• Convicted of two or more DUIs in the previous seven years, or 84 months.

Felony Penalties

Penalties for a felony DUI in Arizona are harsher than misdemeanor penalties. Sentences are dependent on the particular circumstances surrounding a charge, but typically include:

• A minimum of four months in prison;
• Installation of an ignition interlock system;
• Mandatory revocation of your driving privileges for up to three years;
• Fines and court costs(generally thousands of dollars);
• Court ordered drug/alcohol screening, education, and testing;
• If not your first felony DUI or felony conviction, then prison is mandatory.

The DUI attorneys at Molina Law Group are here to help you with all of your DUI/DWI needs in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact us today for an aggressive defense.

Arizona DUI Felonies vs Misdemeanors

An aggravating factor for a DUI is a factor that elevates a DUI charge to a felony charge from a misdemeanor. The most common aggravating factors in Phoenix, Arizona are:

• Having a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of arrest;
• The driver was driving on a suspended or revoked license;
• Convicted of two or more DUIs in the previous seven years, or 84 months; or
• Driving the wrong way on a highway

DUI Felony Penalties in Arizona

Penalties for a felony DUI in Arizona are harsher than misdemeanor penalties. Sentences are dependent on the particular circumstances surrounding a charge, but typically include:

• A minimum of four months in prison (no work release, house arrest, etc.);
• Installation of an ignition interlock system;
• Mandatory revocation of your driving privileges for up to three years;
• Fines, court costs, and incarceration costs (generally thousands of dollars);
• Court ordered drug/alcohol screening, education, and testing;
• If not your first felony DUI or felony conviction, then prison is mandatory.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony DUI

In addition to the penalties above, there are other things that could be impacted by your case, including:

• Putting your employment at risk
• Losing security clearance
• Higher insurance rates
• Child custody rights

When Can You Be Charged With A DUI?

Felony DUI charges don’t always immediately follow an arrest. Instances in which you may receive a delayed charge include:

• Delayed laboratory results
• “Long form” submission, in which a written statement is submitted to the county attorney to allege an offense
• Car accidents, where there are multiple issues at-play that may cause delay
• Wrong address leads to court paperwork not being able to be served timely

The statute of limitations of a felony DUI is 7 years from the date of the offense.

Get Help With Your Felony DUI Today

The DUI attorneys at The Molina Law Group are here to help you with all of your DUI/DWI needs in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact us today for an aggressive defense. We specialize in felony charges throughout the state of Arizona, including Maricopa County, Yuma County and Pinal County. Some of the cities we most commonly serve include Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Flagstaff, Surprise, Chandler, and Gilbert.