Manassas, Virginia Felony DUI Attorneys

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an arrest, all DUI/DWI charges should be taken seriously. Even a first-time DUI offense can result in penalties that could affect your life, your ability to drive, and your freedom. However, the charges against you will be even more serious if DUI is charged as a felony. In addition to the threat of jail time and fines, a felony conviction can impact your life long after you have completed any court-ordered sentence. You will need to make sure you have legal representation as you defend against Felony DUI charges.

At Robinson Law, PLLC, our attorneys regularly handle felony DUI/DWI cases for our clients. We have the experience needed to protect your rights, examine the evidence for weaknesses, and build strategies to help you avoid a conviction or reduce the charges you are facing. Because the penalties you are facing are severe, you need skilled legal guidance from the very beginning of your case. We can provide you with effective representation while working to achieve the best possible results.

When DUI/DWI May Be Charged as a Felony in Virginia

Charges of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony when certain aggravating factors are present. Examples of cases where felony charges may apply include:

• Third or Subsequent DUI/DWI: A third conviction within 10 years is a Class 6 felony.
• DUI/DWI Causing Serious Bodily Injury: If intoxicated driving allegedly resulted in severe injuries to another person, a driver can face felony charges. This offense is usually charged as a Class 6 felony, but if the injuries suffered by an alleged victim result in permanent disabilities or impairments, an offense may be charged as a Class 4 felony.
• DUI/DWI Causing Death (Involuntary Manslaughter): When a crash that was allegedly caused by intoxicated driving results in a fatality, a person may face Class 5 felony charges. If a person is accused of acting in a way that showed a reckless disregard for human life, they may be charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, and increased penalties may apply.

Penalties for Felony DUI/DWI in Virginia

Felony DUI/DWI convictions can lead to consequences such as:

• Lengthy Jail or Prison Sentences: The maximum sentence for a Class 6 felony is five years. A Class 4 felony conviction could lead to a sentence ranging from one to 10 years, while the sentence for a Class 5 felony may be between two and 10 years. A conviction for aggravated involuntary manslaughter could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years.
• Substantial Fines: The minimum fine for a felony DUI conviction is $1,000. For Class 6 or Class 5 felonies, the maximum fine is $2,500. However, the maximum fine for a Class 4 felony is $100,000.
• Indefinite License Revocation: A felony conviction will typically result in a person's license being revoked. This could result in permanent loss of driving privileges, although a person may be able to petition for reinstatement and provide proof of rehabilitation.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony DUI/DWI Conviction

In addition to court-imposed penalties, a felony conviction can create a variety of other lasting challenges, such as:

• Loss of voting rights and firearm possession rights until restoration is granted
• Difficulty securing employment, housing, or professional licenses due to a permanent criminal record
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including possible removal from the United States
• Strained personal and professional relationships

These consequences can persist for years or even decades, limiting opportunities and causing difficulties in multiple areas of a person's life. Because of these issues, it is critical to avoid a felony conviction whenever possible.