These are very serious crimes and a person charged or likely to be charged with one of these DUI offenses should consult with an attorney immediately. There are few crimes that threaten a loss of freedom and impact every aspect of a person’s life – emotional, financial and professional – more strongly than a DUI felony. When serious bodily injury or death are a factor, there is no more critical time to speak with a very experienced DUI lawyer.

The least serious felony charge aimed at repeat offenders (third DUI within ten years or a fourth or subsequent DUI) is a Third Degree Felony. The penalties are a fine of not less than $5,000 and/or five years imprisonment.

Anyone who causes serious bodily injury while driving under the influence, is also facing incarceration (not more than five years) and a fine of up to $5,000. Because of the added element of serious bodily injury, this third degree felony is more difficult to defend and therefore will require more financial resources to avoid than a simple first time DUI does.

The most serious DUI-related offenses are as follows:

• DUI Manslaughter: A Second Degree Felony with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and/or not more than $10,000 fine.
• DUI Manslaughter/Leaving the Scene: A driver convicted of DUI Manslaughter who knew or should have known an accident occurred involving serious bodily injury and failed to stop to give information or render aid is guilty of a First Degree Felony. This is punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years in prison followed by up to 30 years imprisonment and/or not more than $10,000 fine.