Being charged with a felony DUI in Sun Valley is serious and can have long-lasting consequences on your freedom, driving privileges, and future. California takes repeat and high-risk DUI offenses very seriously, and a felony conviction can result in significant prison time, among other serious penalties.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with a DUI lawyer from Sun Valley who has the experience and resources required to protect you from the worst outcomes. A Sun Valley felony DUI lawyer will build a strong defense case on your behalf and work tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dropped.
What Makes a DUI a Felony in California
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence and charged with a felony DUI, you might be wondering what makes your DUI a felony offense.
The following are factors that lead to a felony drunk driving charge in California:
- A fourth or subsequent DUI within a 10-year period
- A DUI that causes bodily injury to another individual
- A new DUI arrest that occurred after a felony DUI conviction
- A DUI that involves the death of another person
- Significantly high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or reckless behavior that elevates the charge to a felony
If one of these factors has resulted in you facing a felony DUI charge, you must take your case seriously. The outcome of your case could change the trajectory of your life and damage your reputation.
Hiring a Sun Valley felony DUI lawyer will give you the advocacy you need to combat your charges and get the best outcome possible.
Penalties for Felony DUI in Sun Valley
If you’re convicted of a felony DUI in California, you could face a variety of harsh consequences, including imprisonment. At a time like this, you’ll need a skilled attorney to protect you from serious penalties by negotiating reduced sentences and fighting your charges in court.
A felony DUI attorney serving Sun Valley will work hard to shield you from the following penalties:
- State prison or county jail sentences ranging from 16 months to multiple years
- Long-term license suspension
- License revocation
- Substantial fines and court fees
- Alcohol treatment programs
- Probation, including regular reporting
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in your car
- A permanent felony record that can affect your employment, housing, and professional licensing
How a Sun Valley Felony DUI Lawyer Will Help You After a Drunk Driving Arrest
Getting arrested for a felony drunk driving charge can leave you confused and unsure of how to proceed. The good news is that a seasoned Sun Valley DUI attorney will have extensive experience handling cases like yours and will know exactly what to do at every stage of the legal process.
Your attorney will handle investigations, negotiations, and the presentation of legal arguments in court. Here’s what your lawyer will do to protect your rights and ensure you have the best chance possible of avoiding severe sentencing:
- Meet with you for a consultation to discuss your arrest and answer any questions you have about defending yourself from DUI charges
- Investigate your arrest and analyze evidence like police reports, field sobriety test results, dashboard camera footage, witness statements, and body camera footage
- Request a DMV hearing to protect your license from automatic suspension
- Build a compelling defense strategy using strong evidence and witness testimony
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges
- Represent you in court
- Provide reassurance and guidance throughout the legal process
Steps to Take After a Felony DUI Arrest
After getting arrested for impaired driving, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a positive outcome. A knowledgeable felony DUI lawyer serving Sun Valley will recommend that you take the following actions after being charged:
- Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid giving lengthy statements to police or investigators
- Request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest to challenge the automatic driver’s license suspension
- Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop and arrest while your memory of the event is still fresh
- Comply with all release conditions and court orders
- Avoid discussing your case with others in person or on social media
- Hire a dedicated attorney ASAP
- Follow your attorney’s guidance closely regarding court appearances and next steps to avoid actions that could weaken your case
Get Connected With an Experienced Felony DUI Lawyer Soon
Facing a felony DUI charge can be one of the most frightening experiences in your life. Luckily, you have the right to hire an attorney and fight the charges you’re facing. At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we can connect you with a lawyer who will advise you of your rights and work hard to protect you from a damaging conviction.
We’ll help you find a Sun Valley felony DUI lawyer who has experience handling serious impaired driving cases like yours and isn’t afraid to defend you at trial.
Once you’ve hired a representative, they’ll get started on gathering evidence and building your defense case, ensuring your rights are protected at every step of the legal process.