The first time my son got into some legal trouble, I didn't hire an attorney. I figured that he would just get a slap on the wrist and that he should accept his punishment, and that's what happened. The second time he got into trouble, I had to hire an attorney. I knew that since he had a record, the judge would not be so lenient about his punishment and he could suffer some serious consequences that could haunt him for his entire life. If you have a troubled child, my blog could help you understand the value of hiring an attorney for him or her.
the value of hiring an attorney for your troubled child
When A Traffic Offense Results In A Felony Charge
Owen Bertrand
Most traffic matters result in a ticket (or citation) and a fine to be paid within a certain time. Some traffic offenses, however, are more serious. Read on to find out more about what makes an ordinary ticket into a felony.
Felony Traffic Charges
Though things can vary by state, felony charges are as serious as things can possibly get. When a traffic situation turns serious, it can involve destruction to property and physical harm to others. Accidents and drunk driving situations often make up most of the felony traffic charges. To give you a better idea of what felony traffic offenses are, take a look at a few common examples:
- Fleeing to allude or fleeing from law enforcement. As you might imagine, several violations during the course of this type of crime are likely to be felonies and present a danger to others
- Vehicular wounding or vehicular assault. It's not necessary for the offender to act purposely – it can be an accident if they are found to be negligent
- Vehicular manslaughter or homicide. This is a case of someone intentionally killing (or trying to kill) another using a vehicle
- Second or more driving under the influence (DUI) convictions
- Leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) involving bodily injury
- Second or more convictions of driving with a suspended license or without a valid license
- Reckless driving, which means exceeding the speed limit by a certain amount
- Street racing
Felony Traffic Convictions
If you get convicted of a felony traffic charge, you might face prison time. Some states assign mandatory sentencing guidelines to felony charges. In addition to that, the punishment can include the below possibilities:
- Fines of several thousand dollars
- Loss of your driving privileges (and driver's license) for a time or permanently in severe cases
- Loss of the vehicle or high towing and storage fees
- Probation or parole
- Requirements to take classes (if you avoid jail time) about driving, alcohol or drug use while driving, etc
- Victim restitution. This is when the judge orders the offender to pay the victim or the survivors a sum of money
- Job loss if the job involved driving
- Breathalyzer (ignition interlock devises) attached to the car in the case of a DUI
Speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer
This serious crime deserves serious help. No matter what the charge is or how innocent you think you are, you need legal help to get you through this situation. A lawyer will evaluate the circumstances of the arrest and check that everything law enforcement did was legal and by the letter. They will also review the evidence the state has against you to determine whether or not a plea bargain would be in your best interest.
For further information, reach out to a local criminal defense lawyer.
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