Which of the following is a condition that may escalate an OWI charge to a felony?

A charge of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) can escalate to a felony under certain conditions. In particular, involvement in serious bodily injury or death is a significant factor that can elevate the severity of the charge. When an incident results in serious bodily harm to another person or fatalities, the law considers this a more severe crime due to the potential consequences of impaired driving. This reflects the intent of the law to deter dangerous behavior that can lead to tragic outcomes and ensure that those who cause harm while under the influence face appropriate legal repercussions.

Factors such as prior convictions or the presence of passengers do not automatically escalate an OWI to a felony. While having a previous OWI conviction may contribute to the severity of the charge, it is the involvement of serious injury or death that is a clear and direct cause for the classification as a felony. The law prioritizes the protection of public safety, especially in situations that lead to physical harm or loss of life.