• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Ignition Interlock Help

Ignition Interlock Help

The One Stop Place For All Your Ignition Interlock Needs!

  • Interlock Device
  • Locations
  • State Laws
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • 888-958-8140

Misdemeanor and Felony DUI and DWI Charges

You are here: Home / Law / Misdemeanor and Felony DUI and DWI Charges
January 6, 2014 by Editorial Staff

bigstock-Shot-glass-with-car-keys-and-h-47497273There are many different circumstances that go into the arrest and conviction of someone who has been driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or any other alcohol-related driving charges. Despite the different mitigating and aggravating circumstances involved in these charges, one of the biggest factors in these charges is whether a person is facing a misdemeanor or felony charge.

A misdemeanor DUI or DWI charge is typically a first-time charge where a person has made a poor judgment call when it comes to driving while intoxicated. Rarely does a person with several DUI/DWI charges receive a misdemeanor, nor is he or she considered a danger to others. A misdemeanor charge and penalties are designed to keep an offender from committing the same crime, which is why there is little jail time, lower court costs and fees and less time involved with community service, probation and ignition interlock requirements in many states.

Felony DUI and DWI charges are designed to penalize those with multiple offenses. Since habitual drunk drivers are seen as more of a serious threat to public safety, it is likely that after a first conviction, anyone who is found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol will receive a felony DUI or DWI charge. Additionally, felony charges are often applied to drivers who have a high, or “hardcore” blood alcohol concentration when tested at a traffic stop, cause serious injury or death to others, endanger minors and many other factors. The felony penalties are much stricter than those for a misdemeanor, and a felony charge, in general, has life-long consequences.

Keeping the roads safe from the dangers of those who would drive while intoxicated is a priority of law enforcement officers, legislators and public safety officials across the country. No matter if a person is facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI charge, the action of driving while intoxicated is serious and can impact the lives of everyone on the roads, as well as their families and loved ones.

 

Category: LawTag: Drunk Driving

About Editorial Staff

The editorial staff is a group of writers and contributors with wide-ranging areas of expertise. The editorial staff provides news and analysis of topics that are focused on community and driver safety.

Previous Post:Alcohol Dangers for Pets
Next Post:Nebraska Taxi Service Lowers DUI

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Installation Calls

Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable staff to get answers to your questions and to schedule your Ignition Interlock Device Installation.

Call Today
Interlock Basics

Device Info
Locations
State Laws

Company

FAQs
Contact Us
Resource Library

Call Toll-Free

888-958-8140


Copyright © 2025 Ignition Interlock Help

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy