Most drinking and driving offenses are classed as misdemeanors and while they still carry some serious penalties, these look a lot less scary on your criminal record. However, there are circumstances which warrant a DUI becoming a felony which can have devastating effects on your criminal record and driving record. They can almost guarantee:
- A prison sentence of 3+ years
- Driver’s license suspension for between 4-10 years
- Up to 5 years probation
- Enrollment in DUI school for up to 18 months
- Fines of $2,500 and above
If you have been arrested and charged with a felony DUI, it is vital to your case that you contact a qualified, aggressive DUI attorney immediately. A felony DUI is a serious matter and can wreck havoc on your ability to obtain employment, your auto insurance premiums, and other aspects of your life. The Ticket Crushers law firm has 40+ years of combined experience assisting clients with their DUI convictions.
We have extensive knowledge of the DUI process including the types of hearings you will have to attend, the time period in which to do so, as well as DUI defenses that we can use to help with your case. Don’t waste anymore time and call us immediately – preferably as soon as you are arrested so that you will have the best chance for success in your case.
Is A DUI A Felony?
There are a few circumstances that must apply in order for a DUI charge to become a felony. The three requirements include that the DUI resulted in a traffic accident that caused an injury or death, if the individual has 3 or more prior DUI convictions, and if a person has at least one other prior felony DUI conviction. For the first, you can be charged with a felony DUI if you were driving under the influence and/or committed another vehicle code violation that resulted in the injury or death. At this point, the prosecutor can, in one of three ways, charge you with a felony DUI:
- DUI vehicular manslaughter
- DUI that caused injury
- DUI second-degree murder
However, the possibility of being charged with a felony DUI under these circumstances rests on the specific facts of your case and on aspects of your criminal history. The second way to get a possible felony DUI is by obtaining 3 or more prior DUI convictions within a 10 year period. A DUI is considered a priorable offense meaning that with each new offense, you incur substantially upgraded penalties compared to your first offense. Lastly, you can get a felony DUI charge if you have committed at least one other felony DUI conviction.
It doesn’t matter if the next DUI conviction is a misdemeanor, if you meet this requirement, the charge would be upgraded to a felony DUI especially if the previous felony DUI caused injury or death or if it resulted from previous DUI convictions as stated in the first two requirements. In situations such as this, it is very important that you speak with an experienced DUI lawyer in San Mateo who can review your case and defend your rights during your felony DUI charge.
Defend Your Rights With A Qualified DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles County and Southern California
If you have been arrested for a DUI, the Ticket Crushers law firm is ready and willing to take on your case – no matter whether this is your first offense or your fourth offense. If you are facing a DUI conviction, there is still a chance that you can help your case. Our DUI lawyers have extensive knowledge of the California DUI laws and are well-equipped to review the evidence in your case and to find any inconsistencies or fallacies that can be used in your favor. We have DUI defenses that we have used in past cases that have worked wonders for many other clients before you.
If you are facing your fourth offense or a felony DUI, it is now, more than ever, imperative that you hire an aggressive DUI attorney. The penalties for a felony DUI are very serious and it can result in you spending quite some time in prison, facing hefty fines, and having to finish an extensive DUI school program. As well, you will face a very long time without your driver’s license which can cause harm to your livelihood, lose your job, and disturb other aspects of your life. Call us now for your free consultation.
The DUI Lawyers at Ticket Crushers Law serves clients in Los Angeles County and Southern Calfornia
A DUI conviction can have a major impact on your driving record, criminal record, and your life. Even worse, if there was injury or death as a result of your DUI, the guilt can weigh heavily on the person for the rest of your life. You might be feeling defeated and tempted to throw in the towel but, if you act quickly, we can assist you with your case and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Areas We Serve (Courts)
Alhambra Courthouse
150 W Commonwealth Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801
Airport Courthouse
11701 La Ciengea Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Bellflower Courthouse
10025 Flower St, Bellflower, CA 90706
Beverly Hills Courthouse
9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Burbank Courthouse
300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502
Chatsworth Courthouse
9425 Penfield Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311
Compton Courthouse
200 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220
Downey Courthouse
7500 Imperial Hwy, Downey, CA 90242
East Los Angeles Courthouse
4848 Civic Center Way, East Los Angeles, CA 90022
El Monte Courthouse
11234 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91731
Glendale Courthouse
600 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206
Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
(formerly Long Beach Courthouse)
275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
Huntington Park Courthouse
6550 Miles Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255
Inglewood Courthouse
1 E Regent St, Inglewood, CA 90301
Malibu Courthouse
23525 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Metropolitan Courthouse, Los Angeles County
1945 S Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
42011 4th St W, Lancaster, CA 93534
Norwalk Courthouse
12720 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650
Pasadena Courthouse
300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Pomona Courthouse North
350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona, CA 91766
Pomona Courthouse South
400 Civic Center Plaza, Room 705, Pomona, CA 91766
San Fernando Courthouse
900 Third Street, #1081 San Fernando, CA 91340
Santa Clarita Courthouse
23747 West Valencia Blvd #111, Valencia, CA 91355
Santa Monica Courthouse
1725 Main Street, #114, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Torrance Courthouse
825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503
Van Nuys Courthouse East
6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Van Nuys Courthouse West
14400 Erwin Street Mall, #110, Van Nuys, CA 91401
West Covina Courthouse
1427 West Covina Parkway #127, West Covina, CA 91790
Whittier Courthouse
7339 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602
Facing a Felony DUI Conviction? The Ticket Crushers Law Firm is Here to Help!