What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor charge for a DWI?
In Florida, a Driving Under the Influence (DWI) charge can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation. A misdemeanor charge is less serious than a felony charge. A person can be charged with a misdemeanor DWI if they are found to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or above while they are operating a vehicle. A person can also be charged with a misdemeanor if they are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle. A felony DWI charge is more serious than a misdemeanor charge. Felony charges can be brought if the accused has three prior DWI convictions within 10 years of the current offense, if there is serious bodily harm or property damage due to the DWI, or if the accused is found to have a BAC of 0.15 or higher. The consequences of a DWI charge can be severe, regardless of whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to jail time, a fine, and other penalties such as license suspension, community service, and alcohol education courses. A felony conviction can lead to more serious jail time, larger fines, other harsh penalties, and even a permanent loss of driving privileges.
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