DUI Felony

Under Tennessee law, the majority of DUI charges are not felonies, but rather, misdemeanors, which means that they have a maximum punishment of less than a year in jail. Any DUI charge is very serious though and includes the threat of mandatory jail time, fines and loss of driving privileges.
 
In some cases felony charges can arise out of a DUI. For example, if a person driving under the influence is involved in an accident that results in the serious injury of another they can be charged with Vehicular Assault, a Class D felony carrying between 2-12 years in prison.
 
After a person has received three DUI convictions, any subsequent DUI charge will be a Class E Felony. In adding up previous DUI convictions, the State will look back 10 years. If any convictions are found they can look back another 10 years. A conviction of a fourth (or more) DUI carries punishments by law of:

• Jail time of a minimum of 150 days (day for day) to up to six years
• $3,000 - $15,000 fine
• Attendance at DUI School and an alcohol rehabilitation program
• Alcohol and drug addiction assessments
• Installation of ignition interlock device
• License revocation for 8 years
• Vehicle forfeiture

In addition to the extensive punishments mandated by law for DUI felony convictions, a felony on your record will severely affect your ability to find employment, attend a university and even pass a credit check. If you are facing a DUI felony charge, it is important to contact a leading DUI attorney immediately. Please contact the Law Office of Jay A. Perry today for your free, no-obligation consultation.