Compton Felony DUI Lawyer

Have you recently been charged with a felony DUI in Compton? Felony-level DUI charges in California often come with some of the harshest penalties, and it’s normal to feel like your situation is impossible to overcome. 

However, even in the face of such serious charges, try not to lose hope. You still have options, and a Compton felony DUI lawyer can defend you in the face of these allegations. It all starts with reaching out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer as soon as possible.

We have decades of experience connecting thousands of clients with attorneys who know how to handle cases just like yours. We’ll provide you with resources that can help you find the right Compton DUI lawyer to represent you. 

When a DUI Becomes a Felony in California

California Vehicle Code §23152 outlines the basic definition of driving under the influence (DUI). However, Vehicle Code §23153 is what covers DUI offenses resulting in injuries, and this is often where misdemeanor charges are elevated to felonies. 

Let’s take a look at several different scenarios in which a DUI can be charged as a felony. 

DUI Causing Injury or Death

If a driver under the influence causes bodily injury to another person, the offense may be charged as a felony.

If a DUI results in a fatal accident, prosecutors might pursue more serious charges. This could include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. 

It could also include second-degree murder under the “Watson murder” rule if the driver had prior knowledge of the dangers of drunk driving.

Fourth DUI Offense Within 10 Years

California uses a ten-year lookback period. As a result, if a driver has three prior DUI or “wet reckless” convictions in the past decade, a fourth offense is automatically charged as a felony.

Prior Felony DUI Conviction

If a driver has ever been convicted of a felony DUI, any subsequent DUI charge will also be filed as a felony, regardless of the circumstances.

These rules mean that even if no one was injured in a current case, any prior DUI-related history on your record can elevate what would normally be a misdemeanor DUI to a felony.

Felony DUI Penalties in California

Felony DUI cases carry much harsher punishments than misdemeanors. Sentences are influenced by the specific circumstances of the case, including whether anyone was injured, the extent of injuries, the driver’s BAC at the time of the crash, and the defendant’s criminal history.

Prison Time

A felony DUI without injury—such as a fourth offense—is punishable by time spent in state prison. A DUI causing injury may carry up to four years in state prison, with additional time added depending on the severity of the injuries and the number of victims who were hurt.

If great bodily injury took place as a direct result of the driver’s decision to drive under the influence, sentencing enhancements can add three more years per injured person. In cases of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, prison sentences can increase by 10 years or more.

Fines

Base fines range from $390 to $5,000. With penalty assessments, restitution to victims, and court fees, the financial burden can easily rise into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Driver’s License Revocation

A felony DUI conviction often leads to a four-year license revocation. In some cases, it can result in permanent revocation. Unlike misdemeanor cases, reinstatement after a felony DUI can be much more difficult, not to mention heavily restricted.

DUI Education Programs

Felony DUI convictions require participation in lengthy DUI education programs, which are often between 18 and 30 months long. Attendance is mandatory, and failing to complete the program can result in probation violations or additional penalties.

Probation and Parole

Many felony DUI cases include formal probation or parole after release from prison. Conditions often include alcohol abstinence, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), community service, and regular reporting requirements.

Sentencing Enhancements for Felony DUI

Certain circumstances add additional penalties to a felony DUI conviction. In Los Angeles County, prosecutors frequently pursue enhancements when they apply. These are examples of what enhancements may include:

• Great bodily injury (GBI): There is a mandatory three-year prison enhancement per victim.
• Multiple victims: Additional consecutive sentences may apply if more than one person was injured. 
• High BAC levels: If you had a BAC of 0.15% or higher, you’ll likely receive a stiffer sentence than people with lower BAC levels.
• Child endangerment: If you were operating a vehicle with a passenger under the age of 14 years old, these details might trigger additional penalties.
• Excessive speed and reckless driving: Enhancements will likely apply if you were traveling more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit on a surface street or more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit on a freeway. 

Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Today for Compton Felony DUI Law Firm Resources 

A felony DUI charge can dramatically change your life as you once knew it, and the possibility of prison time, heavy fines, or other long-term consequences might make you feel incredibly anxious. However, hope is not lost, and Compton felony DUI lawyers can help. 

If you or someone you know is dealing with felony-level DUI allegations, the stress can feel unmanageable. At the same time, you don’t need to handle all of this by yourself. Instead, let Los Angeles DUI Lawyer put you in contact with Compton felony DUI attorneys. 

Call us today for the guidance you need during such a difficult time. The sooner you reach out to us, the more options you’ll have. We’re here for you.