California Felony DUI Laws: All You Need to Know About Charges & Defenses

California Felony DUI Laws: All You Need to Know About Charges & Defenses

Facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious matter in California, regardless of the severity of the charges. That said, felony DUI cases often involve harsher punishments, making it all the more important to understand your options in the face of a felony DUI. A skilled DUI attorney in Glendale, California, can help you understand California felony DUI laws, so you can make it through your case.

Felony DUI Charges in California

Being on the road is inherently dangerous even without drivers making bad decisions. Some of the top factors that influence traffic safety in California include driving conditions, posted speed limits, road design, and road quality. That said, arguably the most significant factor impacting road safety is driver behavior. When people don’t follow the rules of the road, they put more than their own lives at risk.

Driving under the influence is a serious decision that drivers make, which can impact not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them, including drivers and passersby. In 2022, 1,479 people were killed in accidents involving an impaired driver. Felony DUIs are reserved for more serious cases, and they typically carry harsher penalties as well. There were a total of 4,227 felony DUI arrests made in California in a single year.

Our job at The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores is to protect the rights of those facing felony DUI charges. Our ultimate goal is to have your charges dropped, but when that’s not possible, you can still count on us to fight for a fair outcome for your case.

Felony DUIs in California

A DUI can become a felony under a number of circumstances. For starters, you can expect to be charged with a felony if this is your fourth or subsequent DUI in a 10-year period.

First, second, and third DUIs are typically charged as misdemeanors as long as the case does not involve any aggravating factors. You can also receive a felony DUI charge if:

• You caused an accident resulting in serious injury or death
• You had a minor in the vehicle
• Your BAC was 0.15 or higher
• You were driving with a suspended or revoked license

It’s more difficult to fight felony DUI charges because they’re typically prosecuted more harshly. Working with a California felony DUI attorney can make all the difference.

Penalties for Felony DUI in California

Felony DUIs typically result in harsher punishments, which means you can expect higher fines, longer sentences, and less leniency when it comes to determining what happens to you. Penalties for a felony DUI can typically include:

• License suspension or revocation
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Substantial fines
• Time in jail or prison

DUIs can result in both civil and criminal penalties, which means you may also be required to pay restitution to victims you injured in an accident through a felony DUI claim.

It’s wise to hire a felony DUI lawyer who understands California felony DUI laws, so you can better understand the potential penalties you face and can give yourself a chance at a better sentence. Your attorney can negotiate plea bargains on your behalf and represent you in court to ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the legal proceedings.

Your Local Rancho Cucamonga Felony DUI Attorney

Our founding attorney, Daniel P. Flores, has over 15 years of experience defending clients in felony DUI cases in California, so he’s confident he can help you build a strong defense for your case.

For felony DUIs, this typically involves building a strong enough defense to have your charges reduced. In some cases, we may be able to have a felony DUI charge dropped completely. Regardless, you can rest assured he’s going to fight for you.

FAQs About California Felony DUI Laws

Do I Have to Work With a California Felony DUI Attorney?

You’re not obligated to work with a DUI lawyer, but it’s recommended that you do, especially if you’re facing a felony DUI. Your attorney can help you build a defense that helps reduce your charges or, hopefully, get them dropped altogether.

Attorney Daniel P. Flores is trained and certified in administering standardized Field Sobriety tests. He can pinpoint issues with your arrest that weaken the prosecution’s case and can secure you a better outcome.

Can I Get a Felony for a DUI in California?

DUI is known as a “wobbler” crime in California. This means it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. You can expect to receive a felony DUI if you have received three or more DUIs in the last 10 years, or if the case involved any aggravating factors. This includes causing serious injury or death, driving with a minor in the vehicle, having a suspended or revoked license, or having a high BAC.

How Long Does a Felony DUI Stay on Your Record in California?

Generally speaking, you can expect a felony DUI to stay on your record indefinitely unless you take the steps yourself to have it removed. The good news is that with the passing of Senate Bill 731, Californians can seal conviction and arrest records after completing their sentence and going four years without incident.

Can I Go to Jail for a Felony DUI in California?

A felony DUI in California comes with a mandatory minimum sentence, so you can expect that to be a part of your punishment if convicted. That said, it’s possible to present a strong enough defense to have your charges reduced. Additionally, your defense attorney can present alternative options to jail time, such as probation and community service.

Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer in California You Can Trust

If you are facing charges, it can be beneficial to work with a California felony DUI attorney to help you through your case. The good news is you don’t have to look any further than The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores.

Our team, led by Attorney Daniel P. Flores, is ready to help you through every phase of the process, so you have a chance at a more favorable outcome. Contact us to speak with a professional about your case today.