There are four circumstances where a DUI can be charged as a felony in California. If the driver has three previous DUIs within 10 years, the fourth DUI can be charged as a felony. Regardless of how long it has been, a DUI can be charged as a felony if the driver has a previous felony DUI conviction. If the DUI caused an accident that resulted in serious injuries, the driver can be charged with a felony DUI. If the accident caused someone’s death, the DUI charge can also be a felony. The penalties for the charges can vary depending upon the circumstances, but the driver could face anywhere from 16 months to 10 years in state prison.
The Hanford Sentinel reports that a Fresno man has been charged with a DUI in a crash on SR 43.
The incident took place shortly before 10:35 p.m. on May 24th on Mountain View Avenue just east of State Route 43.
31-year-old Alvaro Roman was driving a Ford Focus eastbound on Mountain View Avenue approaching the intersection with State Route 43.
27-year-old Edwina Cervantes was driving a Toyota Corolla eastbound on Mountain View.
Roman drove around another vehicle, running the red light at the intersection, and collided with the rear of Cervantes’ vehicle. His car then veered right and collided with a telephone pole. It was determined that drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor to the crash.
Both drivers suffered from minor injuries in the collision. Once he was cleared, Roman was arrested and is facing felony DUI charges.
