Pico Rivera Felony DUI Lawyer

A felony DUI charge can have life-changing consequences. Unlike a misdemeanor DUI, a felony conviction can result in state prison time, a lengthy loss of driving privileges, and a criminal record that affects your professional and personal life.

If you have been arrested for a felony DUI, working with an experienced Pico Rivera felony DUI lawyer as soon as possible can be critical to protecting your rights and pursuing the most favorable potential outcome based on the details of your case.

At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have been helping people facing all kinds of DUI charges for over 19 years. Our team can connect you with knowledgeable legal professionals. Reach out to us when you’re in need of a Pico Rivera DUI lawyer.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony in California?

In certain circumstances, like severe injuries to others or a pattern of DUIs, a DUI is charged as a felony offense. Speaking to a Pico Rivera felony DUI lawyer can help you understand whether you should expect to face a felony or a misdemeanor.

Here are some circumstances where DUI charges may rise to the felony level:

Prior DUI Offenses

A DUI may be charged as a felony if you have three or more prior DUI convictions within the previous ten years. In these situations, a fourth DUI offense is generally prosecuted as a felony, even if no accident or injury occurred.

DUI Causing Injury or Death

Under California Vehicle Code 23153, you may face felony DUI charges if you drive under the influence and cause bodily injury to another person.

DUI With a Minor Passenger

Driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle may lead to additional criminal charges, including child endangerment.

What are the Potential Felony DUI Penalties in California?

The penalties for a felony DUI are substantially more severe than those associated with a misdemeanor DUI conviction. The exact consequences depend on factors such as prior convictions, whether injuries occurred, and the facts surrounding the alleged offense. Here is the typical list of penalties for these cases in California:

Time in Prison

A felony DUI conviction can result in a prison sentence ranging from 16 months to several years in many cases. If the DUI caused serious injuries or death, even longer prison terms may apply.

Fines and Fees

If convicted of felony DUI, you could face thousands of dollars in financial penalties. Total costs may be even higher when all of the fines and fees are considered.

Driver’s License Revocation

The California Department of Motor Vehicles may revoke your driver’s license for an extended period following a felony DUI conviction. In some cases, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID), which you will have to pay for, before regaining limited driving privileges.

Formal Probation and Other Conditions

You may also face strict probation conditions in felony DUI cases. These may include regular court supervision, mandatory DUI education programs, community service, and restitution to victims.

Felony Record

A felony conviction can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Consequences may include difficulty finding employment, a place to live, loss of driving privileges, and damage to your professional and personal life.

How Can a Pico Rivera Felony DUI Lawyer Help Me?

A felony DUI case involves multiple stages and complex legal issues. An experienced Pico Rivera felony DUI attorney can provide guidance throughout the entire process, from arrest through trial. Your attorney may assist with:

• Reviewing the details of your arrest and investigation.
• Representing you at hearings.
• Requesting and handling DMV hearings and deadlines.
• Gathering and examining police reports, witness statements, and other evidence.
• Consulting with experts.
• Negotiating with prosecutors.
• Preparing for trial, when necessary.

Early intervention often gives a defense lawyer the best opportunity to identify potential weaknesses in the charges and case, build a defense, and protect your rights.

What are Some Defense Strategies That are Common With Felony DUIs

The specific strategy that will be pursued for your case depends on the details; however, here are some of the different defense strategies that are typical of these cases:

Challenging the Traffic Stop

Law enforcement officers must have a lawful basis to stop or detain a driver. If an officer violated the Fourth Amendment by conducting an unlawful stop, key evidence may be challenged.

Questioning Field Sobriety and Chemical Tests

DUI evidence is not always reliable. A defense attorney may investigate issues involving:

• Breathalyzer calibration and maintenance.
• Improper testing procedures.
• Medical conditions affecting test results.
• Blood sample contamination.
• Officer administration of field sobriety tests.

Challenging unreliable evidence can play an important role in building a strong defense, all of which a lawyer can take care of for you.

Negotiating On Your Behalf

Depending on the facts of your case, a defense attorney may negotiate to seek reduced charges. In some situations, felony allegations may be reduced to misdemeanor offenses or resolved through plea agreements that carry less severe penalties.

Whether reduced charges are possible depends on several circumstantial factors, such as your criminal history and the injuries involved.

Building a Trial Defense

When a favorable resolution cannot be reached, an attorney can prepare a defense for trial. This may involve presenting expert witnesses, cross-examining prosecution witnesses, challenging scientific evidence, and raising reasonable doubt before a jury.

Let Us Connect You With a Pico Rivera Felony DUI Lawyer Today

A felony DUI charge can put your freedom, finances, driving privileges, and future at risk. But you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. 

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you can get the help you need, begin building a defense, and protect your rights. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have helped thousands of people facing DUI investigations and charges, including those facing felonies, get connected to legal help.  

If you have been arrested for felony DUI in Pico Rivera, contact us today, and we’ll put you in touch with a law firm for a free consultation.