You deserve skilled and professional legal representation after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). A Norwalk felony DUI lawyer can take charge of your legal situation after the police accuse you of drunk driving, getting to work immediately on your defense.
A Norwalk DUI lawyer can explain the charges you face, protect your rights, and explain each step you need to take while navigating the legal system. You do not have to face these serious charges alone.
Instead, you can reach out to our team for help. We can connect you with a criminal defense law firm that can provide the personalized assistance you deserve. We have decades of combined experience helping drivers in your situation, and we’re waiting to assist 24/7.
When Should You Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer in Norwalk, CA?
You should reach out to a criminal defense attorney for help immediately after an arrest for a felony DUI. Getting help quickly means you’ll have someone on your side throughout all stages of the legal process, improving the chances of successfully handling your DUI charges.
A lawyer can answer all of your questions and advise you about the steps to take when handling your charges. Your attorney can also help you identify seven mistakes to avoid after a felony DUI arrest.
You do not have to face your legal challenges alone after an arrest. Instead, you can rely on a felony DUI attorney in Norwalk to provide personalized assistance.
What You Need to Know About Felony DUI Charges
California treats most DUIs as misdemeanors. However, the court can treat this offense as a felony in several situations. Drivers like you may face felony charges if they have multiple past DUIs on their record because California considers DUIs priorable.
DUI charges stay on your record for 10 years, with the consequences growing more serious for each subsequent conviction in this period.
You may also face felony allegations if the police accuse you of causing an accident while driving under the influence, especially if the crash resulted in a fatality. These charges can have severe repercussions, with convictions potentially resulting in:
- Years of incarceration
- Incredibly high fines
- The loss of your driver’s license
Drivers convicted of a felony DUI may also have to attend an alcohol treatment program. Additionally, you can expect to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle once you regain the right to drive.
You can take these charges seriously by reaching out to an attorney immediately after an arrest.
How Lawyers Handle Felony DUI Charges
Your attorney can explore a few options to successfully handle a felony DUI allegation. Depending on your situation, a lawyer may focus on:
Reducing a Felony Charge
A felony DUI can drop to a misdemeanor in some situations. Lawyers can reduce felony charges by pursuing a plea bargain from the prosecution in some cases. However, accepting a plea deal still means facing legal consequences, and the prosecution may prove less willing to offer these deals after a felony arrest.
Getting the Court to Drop the Charges
Your attorney may take steps to get the court to dismiss the felony charges you face after a DUI arrest. The court could set aside these charges if the prosecution lacks evidence. You may also see your charges removed if the police violated your rights during legal proceedings.
Fighting the Charges in Court
Finally, an attorney can aggressively represent your best interests if your charges go all the way to court. Your lawyer will develop a personalized strategy for your defense, taking care to fully understand your situation before proceeding with the legal process.
Possible Felony DUI Defenses
Several defense strategies may work to handle felony charges for drunk driving. Depending on your situation, an attorney may focus on showing that:
- The police stopped you without any reasonable cause
- A police officer did not follow protocol when administering a blood alcohol content (BAC) test
- The lab mishandled your BAC test
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest, a lawyer may also work to prove that you did not cause an accident or injuries to another party. You can discuss the specifics of your situation with a legal professional.
You Can Get Help With Your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Hearing
The DMV plays a role in handling felony DUI charges in California. In fact, the DMV has the power to automatically suspend your license after a DUI arrest if you do not request an administrative hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
You can get professional help handling your DMV hearing by reaching out to an attorney for support and guidance. A lawyer can explain what to expect at this hearing, how to apply, and the possible outcomes of the hearing.
Get Help After a Felony DUI Arrest in Norwalk, CA
A Norwalk felony DUI attorney can step in to provide the assistance you need after an arrest for drunk driving. Getting help quickly means you’ll always have someone on your side, putting you first and protecting your future.
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