DUI Lawyer in Santa Cruz

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:

  1. DUI vehicular manslaughter
  2. DUI that caused injury
  3. 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 Santa Cruz

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 the Santa Cruz area

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.

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