Sioux City Felony DUI Defense Attorney

Facing Felony DUI Charges in Sioux City, IA

If you are facing a felony DUI charge in Sioux City, IA, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. A DUI conviction of this nature may result in substantial fines, imprisonment, loss of your driver’s license, and other long-term effects on your future. At Goodman Law Firm, we specialize in defending clients against felony DUI charges and ensuring their rights are protected. If you need a skilled Sioux City felony DUI lawyer, we are here to offer professional legal assistance. Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Call (712) 373-2621 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a confidential consultation.

What is a Felony DUI?

In Iowa, DUI stands for "driving under the influence," which refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. While most DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors, certain situations can elevate a DUI charge to a felony. A felony DUI charge is much more serious and can carry far harsher consequences than a misdemeanor.

A felony DUI typically occurs when certain aggravating factors are present, such as repeat offenses, causing serious injury or death, or having a particularly high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A felony DUI conviction can result in significant penalties, including extended jail time, hefty fines, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and permanent damage to your criminal record.

Common Types of Felony DUI in Iowa

There are a few circumstances in which a DUI charge can be elevated to a felony in Iowa. Below are some of the most common situations where this may happen:

• Third Offense DUI: In Iowa, a third or subsequent DUI offense within a 12-year period is classified as a felony. If you have been convicted of two previous DUI offenses, any subsequent DUI charge will be considered a felony, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident. This is one of the most common reasons people face felony DUI charges in Iowa.
• DUI Resulting in Injury or Death: If you are involved in a DUI accident that causes serious injury or death to another person, you can face felony charges. Iowa law is particularly strict when it comes to DUI-related injuries or fatalities, and even a first offense can lead to felony charges in these cases.
• High BAC or Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test: In Iowa, if your BAC is 0.08% or higher, you can be arrested for a DUI. However, if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you may face felony charges. Additionally, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or chemical test when asked by a police officer, you could face increased penalties, including the potential for a felony charge.
• Child Endangerment DUI: If you are arrested for a DUI while a child under the age of 16 is present in your vehicle, you can be charged with felony child endangerment. This crime is a serious offense and can result in additional penalties on top of the DUI charge.
• DUI with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL): If you are a commercial driver and you are arrested for DUI, the penalties are much harsher, especially if your BAC is found to be 0.04% or higher. In some instances, this can lead to felony charges, particularly if the incident involves aggravating factors such as injury or repeat offenses.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Iowa

The penalties for felony DUI convictions in Iowa can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and whether it is your first, second, or third offense. Below are some of the potential penalties you could face if convicted of a felony DUI in Iowa:

• Fines: Felony DUI convictions typically carry hefty fines. For a third offense DUI, the fine can range between $3,125 and $9,375, depending on the circumstances. If your DUI involves injury or death, the fines could be even higher. Additionally, you may be responsible for paying restitution to any victims of the accident.
• Imprisonment: A felony DUI conviction can lead to lengthy prison sentences. For a third offense DUI, you could face up to five years in prison. If the DUI caused injury or death, the sentence could be even longer. In some cases, you may be eligible for probation or parole, but the reality of facing time behind bars is a significant concern for anyone facing felony DUI charges.
• Driver’s License Revocation: If you are convicted of a felony DUI, your driver's license may be revoked for a lengthy period, or even permanently in certain cases. The length of the revocation will depend on factors such as your prior DUI history, the specifics of your case, and whether the offense involved injury or death. If your license is revoked, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device if you are granted a restricted license.
• Alcohol Treatment Programs: As part of your sentence, you may be required to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program. These programs are designed to help individuals with substance abuse issues and can include inpatient or outpatient treatment, counseling, and education.
• Probation: In some cases, you may be eligible for probation instead of serving time in prison. Probation is a form of supervised release that comes with certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and participation in treatment programs. However, violating the terms of probation can result in additional penalties, including jail time.

Defending Against Felony DUI Charges

If you have been charged with a felony DUI in Sioux City, it is essential to consult with a skilled and experienced DUI attorney to explore your legal options. At Goodman Law Firm, we provide a range of defense strategies that may help reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Common defense strategies for DUI cases include:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop or arrest
• Questioning the accuracy of BAC tests and field sobriety tests
• Arguing that the DUI was not the direct cause of injury or death
• Asserting that there was a lack of evidence to support the charge

Our legal team at Goodman Law Firm has the experience and knowledge to thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf.

To let our firm get started on your defense, contact us today at (712) 373-2621.