Mecklenburg County Felony DUI Lawyer
DUI charges are usually misdemeanor offenses, but there are a few ways a DUI can be elevated to a felony. For example, if a person is convicted of their third DUI within ten years, they are looking at a felony. Also, if they have a prior felony DUI, then any subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony. A DUI could also be a felony if an accident was involved, or they caused a serious injury.
If you have been charged with a felony DUI offense, you should reach out to an accomplished DUI defense attorney today. A Mecklenburg County felony DUI lawyer could fight for you to get your charges reduced or dropped.
Felony DUI Case Process
Felony DUI cases have a few additional procedural steps compared to misdemeanor charges. In most felony DUI cases, there will be a preliminary hearing in the General District and a trial in the Circuit Court. In addition, before a felony trial can be heard, a grand jury must review the evidence against the accused to decide whether to indict the accused individual of a felony offense. A felony DUI lawyer in Mecklenburg County could stand by a defendant throughout the legal process and protect their best interests.
Building a Defense Against Felony DUI Charges
To build a strong defense against felony DUI charges, the attorney will interview the defendant to gather as much information as possible. A lawyer will look for any what arguments can be made against the State’s case and if there are any constitutional issues with the DUI stop or arrest. From there, the attorney is going to try to secure a bond hearing and have that defendant released on bond if they have not already been released. The defense attorney will be in touch with the prosecuting attorney to review the evidence that the government has and intends to introduce against the defendant in the trial.
How is Felony DUI Charges More Difficult to Defend?
Felony DUI charges can be more challenging to defend than misdemeanors because prior DUI convictions will have to be introduced into the evidence. Prior convictions could have a negative influence on the judge or jury deciding the case.
Also, the consequences are more serious in these cases and the attorney is going to be working hard to try to prevent some of those serious consequences from falling on the accused.
Felony DUI Penalties
An individual facing DUI penalties could be facing a minimum of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A felony charge could also impact one’s employment and driving privileges. Therefore, it is crucial for an individual facing these penalties to contact a felony DUI attorney in Mecklenburg County who could help.
How a Mecklenburg County Felony DUI Attorney Could Help
A locally experienced DUI lawyer is going to know the best way to proceed in the case. They are also going to know the local judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, and courthouse personnel. A Mecklenburg County felony DUI lawyer could advocate for you if you are facing charges. Call today.
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