Felony vs. Misdemeanor DUI
All criminal acts can be classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. Of the two, misdemeanor crimes are less serious. Consequently, the punishments for those convicted of a misdemeanor are typically less severe than those associated with felony crimes. Many people may not realize that DUI charges can be misdemeanors or felonies, but in both cases, the help of a knowledgeable defense attorney is important.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, it is important that you have tenacious legal representation in order to ensure that your rights are given the fullest protection of the law. Contact Rhode Island DUI attorney James Powderly today at 401-662-9006 to discuss the details of your case with an experienced legal professional.
Differences Between DUI Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
There are a number of differences between felonies and misdemeanors, both legally and socially. These are as follows:
- Fines – misdemeanor crimes can be punished with a maximum of $1000 in fines, whereas felonies involve fines above $1000.
- Jail time – imprisonment for misdemeanor offenses cannot exceed one year, whereas felony crimes carry prison terms of one year or longer.
- Social consequences – having a felony conviction on your criminal record can lead to a range of negative social consequences which aren’t typically associated with misdemeanor convictions.
These crucial distinctions can lead to significantly different outcomes for those convicted of felony crimes as opposed to those who commit misdemeanors.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been arrested for misdemeanor or felony DUI, an experienced legal professional can help you to defend yourself against this damaging accusation. Contact Rhode Island DUI lawyer James Powderly at 401-662-9006 today to begin formulating your defense with a qualified member of our legal team.
