Is Drunk Driving a Felony?
For many families facing the aftermath of a DUI, questions like is drunk driving a felony or when was drunk driving made illegal become urgently relevant. If someone you love is struggling with alcohol misuse, understanding the legal risks can help you recognize when it’s time to intervene—and how our interventionists at Intervention Help can support the next step toward sobriety.
In this blog, we’ll answer: is drunk driving a felony? We’ll also explain when was drunk driving made illegal, and share how professional guidance like sober coaching can help prevent future legal troubles and support long-term recovery.
Is Drunk Driving a Felony?
In many cases, the answer to is drunk driving a felony depends on the circumstances. Across most U.S. states, a first-time DUI is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, there are situations where drunk driving is a felony, including:
If it’s your third or fourth DUI offense
If someone is seriously injured or killed (vehicular assault or homicide)
If you’re driving with a suspended license or have certain aggravating factors
For example, in Washington State, a DUI becomes a felony after four prior offenses within ten years or if the driver is involved in a serious crash.
So, is drunk driving a felony? Sometimes. And when it is, the penalties are life-altering: prison time, significant fines, and a long-term criminal record.
When Was Drunk Driving Made Illegal?
So, when was drunk driving made illegal nationwide? Over the decades, every state passed its own regulations, with stricter laws emerging in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Today, all 50 states have laws prohibiting impaired driving, with specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits typically set at 0.08%.
Now, you might also wonder: when was drunk driving made illegal in the first place? Interestingly, the first laws against drunk driving in the U.S. date back to the early 1900s. In 1910, New York became the first state to make drunk driving illegal.
Why This Matters for Families
If you’re researching is drunk driving a felony or when was drunk driving made illegal, chances are you’re worried about someone you love. A DUI arrest isn’t just a legal problem—it’s often a symptom of a deeper struggle with alcohol.
At Intervention Help, we know that legal consequences alone rarely stop someone from drinking. That’s why we offer sober coaching, a compassionate service that supports individuals as they rebuild their lives and navigate the challenges of early sobriety.
Our services provide:
Daily structure and accountability
Personalized guidance to prevent relapse
Emotional support during life’s toughest moments
Long-term strategies for sustainable sobriety
Whether someone is facing charges or just had a close call, professional support can help prevent another arrest—and another crisis.
Next Steps: Support Beyond the Courtroom
Wondering whether drunk driving is a felony is a legal question. But understanding why your loved one got behind the wheel impaired? That’s a human one.
At Intervention Help, we’re here to guide families beyond fear and into action. Our interventions, coaching, and compassionate guidance help people move from addiction to recovery—one choice at a time.
If you’re ready to help someone you love, learn more about our sober coaching today. Together, we can build a better future for you and your family.