What is the immediate consequence of causing serious injury while driving under the influence?

Causing serious injury while driving under the influence typically results in felony charges and the potential for prison time. This legal consequence arises because driving under the influence poses a significant risk to public safety, and when an individual causes injury to another person in such a state, it is treated with heightened severity under the law. Felony charges reflect the serious nature of the offense, which not only endangers the driver but also endangers others on the road. The legal system aims to deter such reckless behavior by imposing substantial penalties, which can include significant fines and imprisonment.

While loss of driving privileges, civil lawsuits, and increased insurance premiums are indeed serious consequences of impaired driving, they are secondary to the immediate legal ramifications of facing felony charges. Felony accountability serves as a strong message about the dangers of drunk driving and the need for responsible behavior when operating a vehicle.