Felony Traffic Offenses
The majority of traffic offenses are considered minor infractions resulting in a traffic ticket or maybe a small fine. More serious traffic violations are considered misdemeanors and others are classified as felonies.
A felony traffic offense is usually a result if there is an injury to a person or the destruction of property. It may also occur if the traffic violation creates a threat of injury to a person or property. Usually, the most common felony traffic violations involve DUI-related charges.
What Types of Traffic Violations are Considered Felonies?
Felonies are typically considered to be the most serious crimes in any jurisdiction. The majority of jurisdictions will classify the following offenses to be felonies:
- Vehicular homicide or manslaughter
- Other repeat offenses such as repeatedly driving without a license
- Some forms of reckless driving such as racing or other offenses that can cause injury or property damage
- Hit and run. Especially involving bodily harm or property damage
- Fleeing law enforcement
- Multiple DUI convictions
Some states have misdemeanors labeled as “aggravated” or “gross”. This means that, even though these violations are misdemeanors, they can result in harsher penalties that are comparable to felony penalties.
What are the Consequences of Being Convicted of a Traffic Felony?
A felony is punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year. Traffic felonies will typically involve fines as well as a prison sentence. The fine can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the case and jurisdiction.
Traffic felonies can carry other negative consequences:
- Suspension or loss of the driver’s license permanently
- Points added to a driver’s license record
- Increased insurance payments
- Loss of citizen’s privileges (voting or being allowed to teach in a professionally)
- Towing or impounding of the car
- Prohibition on the ownership of firearms
- Permanent mark on the driver’s criminal record
- A person may be required to install a breathalyzer in their vehicle in a DUI case
- Life sentence in prison in jurisdictions that have a “three strikes” felony rule
If you are facing felony traffic violations, contact Mr. Ticket today!
