The most common, vehicle related, criminal charges (misdemeanor or felony) are Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.  A DWI conviction can result in the restriction, suspension or revocation of your license, and the imposition of heavy fines and/or jail time.  It can also result in your insurance company dropping your auto insurance (which will force you into the 'assigned risk' pool and easily double your insurance costs).  DWI and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) are specialized areas of law and require representation by an attorney that understands all the potential technical and legal defenses.   Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (known as "AUO") is also a very commonly charged offense.  AUO is almost always charged if a driver with a suspended or revoked license is stopped by the police.  As a result, even a minor traffic infraction can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge if your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked.  AUO can be charged as a  misdemeanor or, in unusual cases it can be charged as a felony offense.  There are very solid defenses available when "AUO" is charged.  An attorney with experience and a good knowledge of recent appellate decisions can often get the charges reduced to a simple violation or even get the charges dismissed.

Other vehicular related criminal offenses include: Driving With Suspended or Revoked Registration, Failing to Turn In Revoked or Suspended Driver's License and Reckless Driving.  Many driver's don't understand that even though they have been given what appears to be a simple "ticket" they have actually been charged with a criminal offense and that if they are convicted of that offense they will end up with a permanent criminal record!