Westerly Felony DUI Lawyer

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Westerly Felony DUI Attorney

If you are navigating a felony DUI charge, it is important that you receive swift support from a trusted Westerly felony DUI lawyer from Ellison Law. DUI charges are taken seriously in Rhode Island and can have serious long-term repercussions on your life moving forward, as a conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely. A Westerly DUI lawyer can help you understand your legal options, guide you through the process, and work to protect your rights.

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What Does a Felony DUI Lawyer Do?

A felony DUI lawyer works specifically with clients who are facing serious DUI charges, where the consequences of a conviction can include prison time, serious fines, and a lasting criminal record. Their role goes beyond a typical misdemeanor DUI case, as felony DUI charges often result in higher stakes and more complex legal issues.

Below are key services that a felony DUI lawyer can offer their clients:

  • Case Evaluation and Legal Strategy: A lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of their client’s unique situation and review relevant case details such as arrest reports, evidence, and prior convictions. They can use this information to develop a defense strategy that is tailored to achieving an ideal outcome given the circumstances. A lawyer can inform their client on what to expect in the legal process so that they can be adequately prepared.
  • Challenge Procedures and Evidence: A lawyer can thoroughly examine all aspects of a case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of the breathalyzer and blood tests. They can identify any procedural mistakes, such as an unlawful stop or improper handling of evidence. If they find any mistakes, it may be grounds for reduced charges or dismissal of the case entirely.
  • Negotiate With Prosecutors: If the relevant evidence against their client is substantial, lawyers can negotiate with the prosecution to try and reduce the felony DUI charge to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, which often carries less severe penalties and repercussions.
  • Court Representation: A key component of a felony DUI lawyer’s role is to represent their clients in court proceedings by arguing motions, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting a solid defense in the effort to reduce or dismiss the charges against their client.
  • Protect Client’s Rights: Ultimately, a felony DUI lawyer’s goal is to see that their client’s constitutional rights are respected throughout the entire process, including protections against unlawful search and seizure, and ensure due process.

The role that a felony DUI lawyer can provide is vital and essential as they can help clients not only understand the potential long-term impact of a felony DUI conviction but also provide guidance on minimizing these effects. A felony DUI lawyer is an advocate, strategist, and legal protector who works to help clients navigate complex legal proceedings and achieve favorable outcomes in high-stakes DUI cases in Westerly, RI.

Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in DUI Cases

The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor DUI lies in the severity of the offense and the penalties that are involved. In DUI cases, a charge may be classified as a misdemeanor or elevated to a felony based on specific circumstances, such as prior DUI history, injury to others, and the level of impairment.

Typically, a first or second DUI offense, without the presence of aggravating factors like injury to others, may be charged as a misdemeanor and considered a less severe offense with less severe penalties. A DUI may become a felony if aggravating factors are present or if it is a third DUI offense within a certain period of time. Felony DUI charges are harsher and more serious than misdemeanors.

Westerly Felony DUI FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Felony DUI Lawyer Cost in Rhode Island?

A: How much a felony DUI lawyer costs in Rhode Island can differ from case to case, as their rate may be based on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience level, whether the case goes to trial, and other individual factors. While there is a cost associated with having legal representation for your DUI case, having an experienced and trusted legal advocate working on your behalf cannot be overlooked, given the high stakes of a felony DUI charge.

Q: How Do You Get Out of a Felony DUI in Rhode Island?

A: Getting out of a felony DUI in Rhode Island can be challenging but not impossible, especially with the support of an experienced DUI lawyer. There are several common strategies for challenging a DUI charge, including questioning the police officer’s stop, as they are required to have reasonable suspicion to stop a driver. If there was no valid reason for the stop, any of the evidence they collected may be considered unviable, and the case may be dismissed.

Q: What Makes a DUI a Felony in Rhode Island?

A: In Rhode Island, a DUI can be charged as a felony if it is your third or subsequent offense within a certain period, you received the DUI while driving with a license that is suspended or revoked due to a prior DUI offense, or if you were driving with a minor under the age of 13 in the vehicle at the time of your DUI arrest.

Q: Can You Get a Felony DUI Expunged in Rhode Island?

A: Felony DUI convictions usually cannot be expunged from an individual’s criminal record in Rhode Island; they are permanent. This applies to both misdemeanors and felonies. While there are ways to minimize the impact of a felony DUI conviction, expungement is not currently an option for repeat or violent offenders. A DUI conviction on your criminal record can have long-term impacts, such as high insurance rates and trouble finding employment and housing.

Speak With a Local Westerly Felony DUI Lawyer as Soon as Possible

As you are navigating the aftermath of your DUI arrest, it is vital that you consult with trusted legal support as soon as possible to begin building a solid defense to mitigate the impact of the charge on your life. Ellison Law invites you to set up an initial consultation so that our felony DUI lawyers can review your case and help you understand your rights so that you can make informed decisions that support your ideal interests throughout the case.

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