What You Need to Know About Felony DUI in California

 Posted on December 21, 2020 in DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) on its own, as a one-time offense, can be a difficult and very challenging charge to face, but the circumstances and consequences concerning felony DUI are even more grave and substantial. Whereas first-time DUI, second-time DUI, and third-time DUI offenses are usually classified as misdemeanor DUIs, there are specific qualities of a felony DUI that make it much more serious. Here is a brief overview of felony DUI.  

Circumstances That Can Lead to Felony DUI in California

In general, the basic requirements for a felony DUI charge in California are at least one of the following:

1. You already have three or more DUI convictions over the last 10 years.
2. You have one or more felony DUI convictions over the last 10 years.
3. This specific DUI caused injury or death to someone else.

However, these are only the basic circumstances that justify a felony DUI charge. There are also other instances, which are more specific, that can lead to a felony DUI. These include aggravated situations, such as:

• Refusing to submit to a chemical test
• Having a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.20 or higher
• Driving while drunk with a passenger who is 14 years old or younger (child endangerment)
• Driving at least 20 MPH above the speed limit
• Fleeing the police
• Driving with a suspended license
• Being involved in a hit and run

Consequences of Felony DUI in California

The penalties for a felony DUI are relatively severe, especially in comparison to those of a misdemeanor DUI. For instance, if charged with a felony DUI, depending on the severity of your case, you might face any or all of the following penalties:

• Between 180 days and three years in prison
• Up to $10,000 or more in fines
• Five years of probation
• Revocation of your driver’s license for four years
• 18 or more months of attendance at DUI school
• “Habitual traffic offender” status for three years

There could be other consequences as well, depending on your case and the court. In addition, all this is not even taking into consideration the future effects a felony DUI could have on your life like difficulties getting housing, loans, jobs, or admission into college.

Contact a San Francisco Felony DUI Defense Attorney

As you can see, felony DUI is very serious, which is why you must retain representation from a knowledgeable, highly experienced Sonoma multiple DUI defense lawyer. Attorney Paul Burglin has not only practiced DUI defense law for decades; he has also written extensively about the topic. He has the strategies to help you minimize the effects of your felony DUI charges or any other DUI charges. Contact Burglin Law Offices, P.C. at 415-729-7300 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/dmv-safety-guidelines-actions/driving-under-the-influence/

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=23153.&lawCode=VEH

http://jamespublishing.com/product/california-drunk-driving-law