Are you facing felony charges for driving under the influence of alcohol? These allegations are some of the harshest ones you could face in the state of California, especially when they result in either injuries or fatalities—if not both.
Your current circumstances might be overwhelming, but an attorney can bring you clarity in an otherwise chaotic time in your life. Your legal counsel will know how to build a strong defense on your behalf and advocate for a favorable outcome in your case.
When you reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, you can trust us to connect you with a South Gate felony DUI lawyer who has what it takes to protect your rights. We have decades of experience helping thousands of people find the right South Gate DUI lawyer for them.
When a DUI Crosses the Line Into a Felony
Many DUI cases in California are charged as misdemeanors, but certain factors can elevate them to felonies:
- Causing injury or death to another person
- Having three or more prior DUI convictions within ten years
- Having a prior felony DUI conviction on record
If someone is arrested for driving under the influence and another person gets hurt—even slightly—prosecutors can file felony charges for driving under the influence (DUI). That shift changes everything:
- The penalties grow steeper
- The jail time gets longer
- The long-term effects become more impactful
This is why a felony DUI lawyer in South Gate is more important than ever.
California’s Harsh Penalties for Felony DUIs
California’s DUI laws are among the strictest in the nation. When the offense is charged as a felony, the consequences become far more severe. Depending on the circumstances, penalties can include the following:
- State prison sentences ranging from 16 months to 10 years
- Fines and fees that often exceed $5,000
- Driver’s license revocation for up to five years
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
- Restitution orders requiring the driver to compensate victims
The exact sentence depends on how serious the injuries were, if the driver has past offenses, and whether or not anyone was killed.
In cases where someone dies, prosecutors may even pursue vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated or second-degree murder charges under California’s “Watson murder” rule. This applies when the driver knew the risks of DUI and drove drunk anyway.
Understanding DUI With Injury: California Vehicle Code 23153 VC
The majority of felony DUIs fall under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, which applies when both of these details are true about the driver:
- Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Causes bodily injury to another person because of that impairment
Unlike a simple DUI (Vehicle Code 23152), these cases hinge on proof of injury. This means prosecutors must show that someone was hurt as a direct result of the driver’s intoxication. Likewise, your felony DUI attorney in South Gate can challenge their claims.
Repeat Offenders and Escalated Consequences
California law is strict on repeat DUI offenses, and penalties become more severe with every conviction. If you have three or more prior DUIs within ten years, your next offense is automatically a felony, even if no one was injured.
This means you could face the following consequences:
- State prison time instead of county jail
- Extended license revocation
- Heavier fines and probation restrictions
- Mandatory DUI treatment programs
Judges and prosecutors alike often take a hard stance against repeat offenders due to the area’s history of DUI-related incidents. But even in these situations, felony DUI attorneys in South Gate can make all the difference.
Your lawyer can review the details of your previous convictions, check whether they were counted correctly, and explore every opportunity to reduce your new charges.
They can also look into negotiating alternative sentencing options, like rehabilitation or work release programs. All in all, a strong defense can mean the difference between years in prison and a chance to rebuild your life.
When a DUI Turns Deadly: Vehicular Manslaughter and Murder
If a DUI crash results in a fatality, the situation becomes far more serious. Prosecutors can elevate the case from a standard DUI to vehicular manslaughter or second-degree murder, depending on the circumstances and your driving history.
You could end up facing any of the following charges:
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (Penal Code 191.5(b)): This is for deaths caused by ordinary negligence while driving under the influence.
- Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (Penal Code 191.5(a)): This is for deaths caused by gross negligence while intoxicated.
- Second-degree murder (“Watson Murder”): This is for cases where the driver was aware that DUI driving is dangerous, but they chose to drive anyway.
However, these cases are complicated. Intent, causation, and evidence all matter. Your attorney can examine accident reports, toxicology results, and procedural details to determine whether prosecutors can truly prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
They can also work to reduce a murder charge to manslaughter—or a felony to a misdemeanor—depending on the evidence.
Connect With a South Gate Felony DUI Attorney Today
A felony-level charge for driving under the influence is a very serious offense. It carries potential prison time, permanent license loss, and life-changing consequences. But no matter what led to this moment, you still have rights, and you still have options.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with compassionate and experienced South Gate felony DUI lawyers who will fight for your future. Your lawyer will help you understand your charges, explore possible defenses, and ensure your voice is heard.
Don’t wait any longer to call us. The sooner you act, the sooner we can give you the resources you need to protect your freedom and start rebuilding your life.
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