Felony Traffic Offenses

March 22 2021

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!