You can immediately get help building a personalized defense strategy after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) that results in felony charges. In this situation, you can rely on a Santa Clarita felony DUI lawyer to explain your charges, protect your rights, and assist with all the legal hurdles you face.
A Santa Clarita DUI lawyer can get to work immediately after an arrest, so you never have to feel alone in this difficult time. Our team can match you with a lawyer who can provide you with the support you deserve.
We have decades of experience that we use to help drivers in your situation. We’re here 24/7, so don’t wait to reach out after an arrest.
Do You Need a Felony DUI Lawyer in Santa Clarita, CA?
You may need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to have the best chance at successfully resolving felony drunk driving allegations. The court system takes felony charges especially seriously because most DUIs qualify as misdemeanors.
In many cases, you will only face felony charges if the police accuse you of causing an accident resulting in injuries or death while impaired by alcohol. Generally, a DUI is an automatic felony if you have three or more prior DUIs on your record in the last 10 years.
Regardless of the reasons for a felony DUI accusation, a conviction can have major impacts on your life, including:
- Time in prison (not a county jail)
- High fines
- The loss of your driving privileges
Fortunately, you can immediately contact a criminal defense attorney who can assess your situation and get to work on a solid defense. Your attorney can:
Help During Legal Questioning
You should not say anything about your felony charges to the police or the prosecutor until you’ve conferred with your legal representative. These parties want to get a conviction as quickly as possible, and they can use anything you say to build a case against you.
Fortunately, a lawyer can protect your rights and provide the advice you need during legal questioning.
Stand by You During All Hearings
You’ll face several pre-trial hearings after most felony DUI arrests. Your lawyer can provide the support you deserve at these hearings.
For example, you can count on an attorney to explain what to expect at your arraignment hearing. The court uses this hearing to explain the charges you face and will ask you to enter a plea before the end of the meeting.
Additionally, your lawyer can support you if you have a bail hearing. You may have to pay bail if you want to stay out of jail before your trial starts. Your lawyer can push for the lowest possible bail payment on your behalf.
Protect Your Rights
You can rely on your attorney to continuously defend your rights throughout the legal process. For example, your lawyer may monitor the actions police officers take when investigating your charges to ensure they don’t overstep.
How Can a Lawyer Handle Felony DUI Charges?
A felony DUI attorney in Santa Clarita, CA, can use several strategies to handle these allegations. Depending on your situation, an attorney could focus on:
Getting Felony Charges Reduced
In some cases, a felony DUI can drop to a misdemeanor if the prosecution offers a plea bargain. However, prosecutors generally hesitate to offer plea deals for felony charges. Your lawyer can discuss this option if it becomes available in your situation.
Having Your Felony DUI Dismissed
An attorney may push the judge to dismiss your felony DUI charges in some cases. For example, the court may drop the charges you face if your lawyer can show that the police carried out a traffic stop without reasonable cause or if they otherwise violated your rights.
The court could also set aside DUI allegations if the prosecution lacks enough evidence to prove that you operated a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Representing You in Court
You can also rely on your attorney to aggressively represent you if your case goes to trial. An attorney can present your case, question witnesses, and push for a verdict in your favor. Getting immediate help can allow your lawyer to construct a stronger defense on your behalf.
Felony DUI Charges and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The DMV can take action to remove your driving privileges after an arrest for a felony DUI. In fact, the DMV will automatically suspend your license unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest to protest the decision.
An attorney can explain what you can expect from a DMV hearing for a felony DUI and provide the support you need.
Get Help After a Felony DUI Arrest in Santa Clarita, CA
You can turn to a Santa Clarita felony DUI lawyer for professional and personalized support after an arrest. An attorney can explain each step you need to take to address these serious charges effectively.
Our team can put you in touch with an attorney who will take your charges seriously and adjust the services they offer to meet your needs. We’re prepared to help you 24/7, so reach out and discuss your legal options today.
