Are you facing felony charges after getting arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence? Known as a felony DUI, this type of charge is very serious in the state of California.
For many people, the idea of facing felony DUI charges can seem like more than they could possibly handle. But the good news is that help is out there.
These charges can coincide with rather grave penalties, including prison time, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. However, Los Angeles DUI Lawyer is here to connect you with a knowledgeable Pasadena DUI lawyer who can take on your case.
We have decades of experience matching people in situations like yours with attorneys who can help. With the right Pasadena felony DUI lawyer, you can rest assured that your legal counsel will advocate for you and protect your rights every step of the way.
What Makes a DUI a Felony in California?
Many DUIs in California are charged as misdemeanors, but a DUI becomes a felony in specific situations, including the following:
- Fourth DUI within 10 years: If a person is arrested for a fourth DUI offense within ten years of three prior DUI or “wet reckless” convictions, the fourth offense will be charged as a felony under California Vehicle Code § 23550.
- DUI with injury: If someone causes bodily injury to another person while driving under the influence, prosecutors may file felony charges under California Vehicle Code § 23153.
- Prior felony DUI conviction: If you have a prior felony DUI conviction on your record, any subsequent DUI charges, regardless of the circumstances, may be charged as a felony under California Vehicle Code § 23550.5.
- DUI involving a fatality: If a DUI results in another person’s death, the driver may face felony charges such as vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated or second-degree murder, depending on the circumstances.
Each of these scenarios presents different legal elements, penalties, and consequences. It’s important to note that the prosecution must meet a specific burden of proof to secure a felony conviction against you.
However, regardless of what the prosecutors decide to do, you should reach out to Pasadena felony DUI lawyers as soon as possible. Your legal counsel can work toward defending you against the charges you’re facing.
Penalties for Felony DUI in California
A felony DUI conviction comes with far more serious consequences than a misdemeanor conviction. Your felony DUI lawyers in Pasadena will likely explain the penalties that could be imposed in your case after reviewing the details of your situation.
In the meantime, you might be wondering about the potential consequences that could apply. It all varies based on the type of felony DUI at play and your prior record, if you have one.
These are examples of common consequences in felony DUI cases:
- State prison: A felony DUI conviction can result in either 16 months, two years, or three years in California state prison for a standard fourth offense. DUI with injury may result in two, three, or four years in prison, with an additional one to six years depending on the severity of the injuries you caused.
- Fines: Felony DUI fines typically range from $1,015 to $5,000 in total, which does not include any penalty assessments that could otherwise substantially increase the amount that you owe.
- Driver’s license revocation: A felony DUI conviction usually leads to a license revocation of four years or longer. In some cases, a lifetime revocation may apply.
- DUI school: Completion of an 18-month or 30-month court-approved DUI education program is typically mandatory.
- Probation: Felony DUI convictions may include three to five years’ worth of formal probation, which includes reporting to a probation officer and complying with strict conditions.
- Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) status: The California Department of Motor Vehicles may label someone convicted of a felony DUI as a habitual traffic offender, resulting in additional penalties for any future driving offenses.
- Ignition interlock device (IID): A judge may require the installation of an IID to prevent the car from starting if the driver has alcohol in their system.
- Restitution: Defendants convicted of DUI causing injury or death may be ordered to pay restitution to victims for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
DUI Enhancements and Sentencing Factors
Felony DUI sentencing in California can be affected by various enhancements that can increase the penalties you’re up against. While your felony DUI lawyers in Pasadena will explain what you can expect during the sentencing phase of your case, these are examples of common enhancements in cases like yours:
- Multiple victims
- Excessive BAC level
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Child passengers at the time of the incident
- Speeding and reckless driving
These enhancements are often alleged alongside the primary DUI charge, though the prosecution must prove them. If proven successfully, the enhancements can increase your prison sentence and overall level of punishment.
Give Los Angeles DUI Lawyer a Call Today To Connect With Pasadena Felony DUI Attorneys Who Can Help You
If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony DUI, you don’t have to face the legal side of things all by yourself. Instead, reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer at your earliest convenience.
We can give you resources and connect you with knowledgeable lawyers who will represent you and defend you against the charges you’re facing. You deserve a fair process, and we can help you work toward that.
Don’t wait to call for help—we’re here for you. We’ve assisted thousands of people in similar situations over nearly two decades in business. We’re ready to use that experience to match you with Pasadena felony DUI attorneys who can start looking into your case.
