Is a DUI a criminal or civil charge?

In North Carolina, a DUI (driving under the influence) is considered a criminal charge. This means that if someone is arrested and convicted of a DUI, it will show up as a criminal record. This type of charge is taken seriously by the court, and can result in severe punishments such as fines, jail time, and revocation of the driver’s license. A criminal DUI charge is a misdemeanor in North Carolina, and depending on the specific circumstances, it may be elevated to a felony charge. This means that the punishments, including fines and jail time, are much harsher. Additionally, a felony DUI charge can stay on someone’s record for life. On the other hand, a civil DUI charge is typically less severe. It is usually a ticket or citation that carries a fine but not jail time. A civil DUI does not appear on a criminal record and it has no effect on a driver’s license. In conclusion, a DUI in North Carolina is a criminal charge and can have serious consequences. It is treated as a misdemeanor, but can be elevated to a felony in some cases. If a person receives a civil charge for a DUI, it will carry a fine but will not be reflected on their criminal record.

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Is a DUI a criminal or civil charge?

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