Facing a felony DUI charge is a serious matter that could change the entire course of your life. California treats felony DUI offenses harshly, and a conviction can lead to prison time, long-term license loss, and a permanent criminal record. When the stakes are this high, you need more than general legal advice; you need a defense strategy built for the courtroom.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we’re here to connect you with a Tustin felony DUI lawyer who has the experience and legal knowledge required to handle your case.
A DUI lawyer from Tustin will take the time to understand your situation, review the evidence, and build a defense focused on protecting your freedom and future.
What Qualifies as a DUI Felony in California?
If you’ve been arrested for a felony DUI, it can be helpful to learn about the charges you’re facing. Felony DUIs are reserved for drivers who face a fourth DUI conviction within a 10-year period, even if no one was injured.
A DUI may also be charged as a felony if you caused bodily injury to another person, but it depends on the severity of the incident.
You may also be charged with a felony DUI if you’re arrested for a new DUI following a prior felony DUI conviction. Finally, you’ll likely be charged with a felony drunk driving offense if your DUI incident involves a fatality.
At a time like this, it’s important to get the information and advocacy you need to defend yourself. A felony DUI lawyer serving Tustin can answer any questions you have about the charges you’re facing and build a compelling defense strategy for you.
Penalties You May Face After a Felony DUI Arrest
After a felony DUI arrest, you’re probably wondering what consequences you might face if convicted. Depending on your unique situation, you could suffer any of the following penalties from a guilty verdict:
- State prison or county jail sentences that range from months to years
- Long-term driver’s license suspension or permanent revocation by the DMV
- Substantial fines
- Mandatory DUI education programs
- Probation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
- Mandatory alcohol treatment program
- A permanent felony record
As you can see, the consequences that come with a Felony DUI conviction can impact many aspects of your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to accept these penalties without putting up a fight.
A Tustin felony DUI lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to get a plea deal that will allow you to plead guilty to reduced charges that come with less serious consequences.
How a Tustin Felony DUI Lawyer Will Build Your Defense
Hiring a skilled felony DUI attorney serving Tustin is the smartest decision you can make after a felony drunk driving arrest in California. An attorney will begin your case by conducting a detailed review of the traffic stop to determine whether police had probable cause to pull you over.
Next, your lawyer will examine the breath, blood, and field sobriety testing that was conducted at your traffic stop to see if any errors were made or if tests were performed improperly. Your attorney will also analyze police reports, body camera footage, dashboard camera video, and witness statements to build your defense.
As mentioned earlier, your lawyer will also negotiate with prosecutors to try to get your charges reduced to a less severe offense. Finally, your attorney will represent you in court and present strong legal arguments on your behalf. Ultimately, your legal representative will work tirelessly to protect your freedom, record, and future.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Felony DUI Arrest
There are several common mistakes you’ll want to avoid after a felony DUI arrest. Making one of these errors could hurt your case and make it more likely that you’ll suffer serious consequences.
A knowledgeable attorney would advise against taking any of the following actions after an arrest:
- Providing information to police or investigators that goes beyond basic identification
- Failing to request a DMV hearing within the required deadline
- Delaying contact with a felony DUI lawyer
- Posting about the arrest on social media
- Missing court dates
If you’ve been arrested for a felony DUI, the first thing you should do is contact and hire a Tustin felony DUI attorney. Your lawyer can communicate with investigators, prosecutors, and other relevant parties on your behalf, ensuring nothing is said that could be used against you.
Your attorney will also schedule a hearing with the DMV to prevent the automatic suspension of your license. Remember, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing or your license will be suspended. Getting in touch with a lawyer ASAP will help you protect your license and strengthen your defense case.
Get Connected With a Trusted DUI Attorney
Facing a serious impaired driving charge can be extremely nerve-wracking and confusing. At this moment, you need the peace of mind that can only come with hiring a trusted Tustin felony DUI lawyer.
With the help of a seasoned legal representative, you’ll be able to safeguard your rights, understand the legal process, and defend yourself against the charges you’re facing.
Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer today to get connected with an experienced attorney. Once we’ve found a lawyer who works for you, they’ll get started on investigating your arrest and preparing a well-supported legal defense.