Drunk Driving Accidents Resulting in Injury May Be a Misdemeanor or Felony

 Posted on April 13, 2022 in DUI

Alcoholic beverages are an everyday part of our culture, so it is easy to forget just how profoundly they impact our bodies and minds. Alcohol decreases our reaction time, our impulse control, and impairs memory and concentration. Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can be extremely dangerous for the driver and everyone else on the road. Consequently, drunk driving is penalized harshly in California – especially if there is an accident resulting in injury.

If you or a loved one were charged with DUI resulting in injury, it is important to know what you are up against.

DUI Resulting in Injury to Another Person

In California, DUI with injury is a “wobbler” offense meaning it can be a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. The offender’s criminal history and the circumstances of the DUI accident impact the type of charge the person faces. Often, DUI resulting in injury to another person is a felony due to the nature of the offense. However, a skilled DUI defense lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced to a misdemeanor.

Criminal Penalties for DUI With Injury

If a DUI with injury is considered a misdemeanor, the offender faces penalties including:

• Five days to one year in jail

• Up to five years of probation

• Up to $5,000 in fines

• Mandatory participation in an alcohol program

• Mandatory interlock ignition device (IID) for six months

• A one-year driver’s license suspension

• Financial restitution to the injured party

If DUI resulting in injury is considered a felony, penalties include up to ten years in prison. Additional prison time may be ordered based on how many people were injured in the accident and the severity of their injuries. Penalties also include up to $5,000 in fines, enrollment in a mandatory drug/alcohol program, mandatory installation of an IID for up to three years, and financial restitution to the injured parties.

Contact a San Francisco DUI Defense Lawyer

Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, DUI resulting in injury is a serious offense punishable by significant prison time. If you or a loved one were charged with DUI with injury, it is crucial that you retain skilled legal counsel. Napa criminal defense lawyer Paul Burglin is highly experienced, having represented over 5,000 individuals charged with drunk driving. He advocates fiercely on behalf of his clients, ensuring that their rights are fully protected throughout the case. Call Burglin Law Offices, P.C. today at 415-729-7300 to set up a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/alcohol-and-the-brain