Felony DUI Attorney in Los Angeles
While every DUI allegation must be taken seriously, a felony DUI charge is especially threatening. A conviction on such a charge can result in many years in state prison, steep fines, and other severe punishments. Thus, if you have had a felony DUI filed against you, it is imperative that you quickly obtain the services of skilled Los Angeles felony DUI defense attorneys.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor DUIs
Circumstances under which a DUI is commonly charged as a felony in the state of California include:
- A fourth DUI incident
- A DUI that resulted in the injury of another person
- DUI with vehicular manslaughter
A misdemeanor DUI is punishable by up to a full year in the county jail, but with a felony DUI, a year in the county jail or in a state prison is the minimum sentence. Most likely, defendants will face more severe consequences than the minimum if convicted. Most DUIs in California are charged as misdemeanors, especially first-time offenses. When a felony DUI is charged, the case becomes immediately more complicated, and it is very important to have a good lawyer on your side.
Felony Conviction Consequences
A felony conviction, for DUI or anything else, is a life-changing event. It creates a criminal record that can haunt you for years and prevent your finding adequate employment or getting accepted into certain institutions of higher education. Your reputation will be ruined, and you will not return to the same life that you left behind after you finally return from prison.
1. DUI causing bodily injury is a "wobbler" that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, but it is typically charged as a felony. If, while under the influences of alcohol or an intoxicating drug, you are found to be at fault in causing an auto accident wherein an injury took place, you will receive this charge. The maximum punishment is 6 years in state prison, the longer sentences being generally reserved for cases of great bodily injury.
2. While the first three DUI convictions may be misdemeanors, a fourth DUI will be charged as a felony. California law is more severe on repeat offenders, both for DUIs and other crimes. A fourth DUI can get you up to 3 years in state prison, heavy fines, and other severe penalties. You could also have your driver's license suspended for as long as 4 full years.
3. DUI with vehicular manslaughter is almost invariably charged as a felony offense. This involves operating a motor vehicle while influenced by drugs or alcohol so that you became involved in an accident, which resulted in the death of another person, be he/she a pedestrian, passenger, or the driver of another vehicle. The punishment is up to 4 years in state prison, but if gross, drunken negligence is proved, the maximum prison term increases to 10 years.
A Strong Defense
Anyone facing a felony DUI allegation is in serious legal trouble, and we strongly advise all such persons to quickly obtain a good DUI defense lawyer. We are always ready to take your call, and we will not delay to begin working on winning your case.
When dealing with a felony DUI, there is only a limited window of time to develop an effective defense strategy. We will review all of the evidence leveled against you, seek new pieces of evidence that may exonerate you, and take to the oft-difficult task of gathering witnesses in your favor. It will take a substantial investment of time to make a full case evaluation and build the best possible defense, but our experienced attorneys are committed to doing everything we legally can if its is in the best interests of our clients.
We have helped many others who faced a felony DUI charge in the past to obtain a favorable outcomes to their case, and we are prepared to represent you as well throughout the entire course of your case. Call us today, toll-free at 424-888-4384 for a free initial case evaluation and a solid beginning to securing the best possible outcome for your case.