California DUI Felony

Driving under the influence is a serious crime and one that can result in harsh penalties if you are convicted. This is especially true if you have been charged with a DUI felony. In the state of California, you can be charged with a DUI felony if this is your fourth DUI conviction, or if someone was injured or killed. If you find yourself in this situation, it is imperative that you contact an experienced defense attorney that focuses on DUI.

Being that a DUI felony carries the worst penalties, there’s never been a better reason to hire an attorney with the experience you need. DUI lawyers that have dedicated their practice to defending those charged with DUI and have a successful track record of winning their clients’ cases or having them reduced to a lesser charge like reckless driving will only benefit you.

The penalties for a DUI felony conviction

If you’re debating about whether or not to hire an attorney, you need to first understand the consequences you’ll face if you are convicted. In the event that this is your fourth DUI conviction, you’ll be sentenced to a maximum prison term of three years. In addition, you’ll face expensive fines and the DMV will likely suspend your license for up to four years.

In the unfortunate case that someone was injured in an accident where you were arrested for DUI, you’ll most likely be charged with a felony. When serious injuries occur, you can expect to spend up to six years in prison.

When a person is killed in an accident involving a suspected drunk driver, the penalties are very serious upon conviction. The judge will sentence you to up to four years in prison among various other penalties. If in this accident you are also found to be a fourth-time DUI offender, the state will likely try to charge with gross negligence, which can result in up to a ten-year prison sentence.

This is why it’s so important to hire an attorney that is experienced handling these delicate and sensitive situations. Experienced DUI lawyers understand the severity of your charge and will work hard to win your case.