a friend of mine just got a felony DUI, she actually rear ended a police car. She has no record, and is a prominent member of our community. She has retained a lawyer. Whats the worst that could happen?
2006-10-13 13:54:55 · 8 answers · asked by joyce82367 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Different states have different laws. Depending on where you live, she will definitely lose her license for a period no less than 90 days (probably more like a year) and pay a hefty fine. She will probably have a probation period lasting a couple of years. She will have to obtain high-risk (very expensive) auto insurance for several years. She may have to attend AA and perform community service. She may have to serve jail time. Was anyone hurt or killed??? If so, the penalties will be worse. It really depends on the judge and how her lawyers approach it. In your friend's case, I don't care how good her attorney is -- she will probably end up with very harsh penalty.
The thing you have to realize is that any harm done to other people/property while a person is driving drunk is considered exceptionally bad. That's why she's being charged with a FELONY DUI and not with a misdemeanor. A drunk driver can be charged with vehicular homicide if they kill someone. (This has, unfortunately, actually happened in my city). Since her actions resulted in an accident, she faces much stiffer penalties.
Her prominence and/or influence in the community won't help her escape the wheels of justice -- nor should it. The penalties for DUI are very harsh for a reason: To protect people.
I understand your concern for your friend but you should be glad that the worst case scenario didn't happen to her. She could've died or killed others. Many people aren't given a second chance. You should also realize that this question is rather insulting to the families and loved ones of drunk driving victims.
2006-10-13 17:46:47 · answer #1 · answered by happibun8 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how pissed the cop was it's not unrealistic for her to expect jail time. Police aren't without influence in courts, the fact that she hit a cop may have torpedoed any good will she had from being a first-time offender. It's very likely she's going to lose her licence even with an amazing lawyer. That's standard in DUI cases.
2006-10-13 21:00:39 · answer #2 · answered by W0LF 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, she will probably just get a fine for the dui, i suppose she might have done a night in jail that would count as time served. I think it also calls for losing her liscence for a couple months, and taking a class to get it back. The accident is gonna cost her for the insurance, but in itself i dont think it is a crime. There may be some community service involved, but probably not.
2006-10-13 20:59:55 · answer #3 · answered by rand a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will go with what rbob523 said my dad was killed by a drunk - but way back then they ( the courts) didn't do much about it- anyone who drinks and drives needs to do some time.
Your friend was lucky it was a car what if it had been a person she hit - she could be up on manslaughter charges.
Tell your friend next time call someone sober or a cab !!!!!
2006-10-13 21:22:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
DUI's, regardless of their standing in the community (as if that should really make a difference) should rot in jail for a MINIMUM of 1 year and have their licenses revoked forever.
2006-10-13 21:03:37 · answer #5 · answered by rbob523 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
2-5 years probation, a heavy fine, points on the license, and have to pay costs and restitution!
2006-10-13 22:16:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
prominent member of your community hahahhahahha
2006-10-13 23:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by aldo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
im not an attorney
2006-10-13 20:58:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋