Three things to know about a felony driving under the influence (DUI) case are that your criminal charge is more serious than that of a misdemeanor, you are subject to severe penalties if you’re convicted, and the steps that you take today can determine whether you’re punished.
Get legal help right away if you’ve been charged with felony driving under the influence. Talk with a Los Angeles felony DUI lawyer who has years of relevant case experience. Your attorney will go into detail about each of the three things to know about a felony DUI case listed below.
1. A Felony and a Misdemeanor Are Two Very Different Things
Not all driving under the influence offenses are felonies. The classification of your criminal offense is a key thing to know about your felony DUI case. Reasons why you can be charged with felony driving under the influence versus a misdemeanor DUI include:
- You have received three or more misdemeanor DUI convictions in the last 10 years.
- You have received a prior felony DUI conviction in the last 10 years.
- You were involved in a DUI in which someone was hurt or killed.
- There are aggravating factors relating to your DUI, such as a high blood alcohol content (BAC), a hit and run, or property damage.
As you debate the things to do after a felony DUI arrest, leave nothing to chance. Partner with a felony DUI attorney who has a track record of success in cases similar to yours. Your lawyer will take your legal matters seriously. They will look for ways to contest the prosecution’s case, increasing the likelihood that you’ll avoid a criminal conviction.
2. If Convicted, You Should Expect to Be Punished to the Full Extent of California Law
The second thing to consider about your felony DUI case is the penalties that you’ll face if you’re convicted. You can receive California DUI penalties that impact you for the rest of your life. Penalties that those convicted of a felony DUI in California can receive include:
- Up to life in prison
- Fines totaling thousands of dollars
- Probation
- Community service
- Enrollment in a long-term alcohol education program and DUI school
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
In addition to criminal penalties, there are collateral consequences that can follow you if you’re convicted of a felony DUI. Examples of these consequences include the loss of a professional license, international travel restrictions, trouble finding a job or housing, and a social stigma that damages your relationships with family and friends.
3. You Can Determine Your Future After Your Felony DUI Arrest
Another thing to know about a felony driving under the influence case relates to your role in fighting back against your criminal offense. Hire felony DUI lawyers within days of getting arrested, and you can defend against a conviction.
Your attorney will account for the facts of your case. They may utilize various DUI strategies to dispute your charge, such as:
- Challenging your traffic stop and whether the police had probable cause to pull your car over
- Raising a reasonable doubt about the accuracy of your breathalyzer or blood test results
- Highlighting how you were dealing with a medical condition that can cause you to exhibit symptoms that mimic those of being intoxicated
- Arguing that the police did not read your Miranda rights or violated your constitutional rights in other ways
- Explaining that you weren’t actually driving at the time that police officers arrested you
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer may negotiate a DUI plea bargain on your behalf. If you accept a plea agreement, you could receive a misdemeanor DUI conviction in lieu of being convicted of a felony.
Other Things to Know About Your Felony DUI Case
During the discovery phase, your criminal defense lawyer will conduct a formal exchange of evidence with the prosecution. This gives your attorney insights into how a prosecutor will argue their case. It can help them lay the foundation for your legal defense.
Ultimately, the legal proceedings in your felony DUI case may seem long and arduous. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through these proceedings alone. Your attorney will remain accessible and address any legal concerns you have during your litigation.
If your felony DUI case requires a trial, your lawyer will prepare you accordingly. They want you to know what can happen when your case is reviewed in court. Your attorney will help you establish realistic expectations for your trial so that you can enter the courtroom feeling confident about your case.
Learn More About the 3 Things to Know About a Felony DUI Case
A felony driving under the influence charge can make you feel like your life is over. Remember, you have access to legal guidance and support. Speak with felony DUI attorneys about your case. Your lawyer will detail the things to know about your case and help you minimize the risk of mistakes at each stage.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer has served thousands of clients, including many who have been charged with a felony DUI. We can connect you with a lawyer who will give you insights into all of the things that you should know about a felony DUI case.
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