Felony DUI Lawyer in California
Defending Felony DUI Across the Central Valley
Depending on the situation, some alcohol-related driving offenses will
be charged as a felony, rather than as a misdemeanor. This generally falls
under one of three categories:
- A fourth DUI within a 10 year period will be charged as a felony DUI.
- A DUI which causes bodily injury to another person will be charged as a
felony DUI.
- A subsequent DUI within 10 years of a prior felony DUI will be charged
as a felony DUI.
Bodily Injury Felony DUI
For a felony DUI under this category, in order to be charged you must have:
- committed some traffic violation or neglected a duty imposed by law (such
as speeding);
- injured another person (not injury to yourself); and
- the injury was caused by the traffic violation or neglected duty imposed by law.
"Three Strikes" Law in California
In Fresno, as in the rest of California, the Three Strikes Law provides
for specific penalties for offenders who are convicted of multiple serious
felonies. For example, once someone receives a "third strike"
felony, they may be sentenced to life in prison. Most California DUIs
are considered as misdemeanors; however, some alcohol related offenses
are considered felonies, and the Three Strikes Law may apply. This means
that a DUI offense which involves great or serious bodily injury or death
can be a "strike" offense.
Felony DUI Penalties
Penalties for a felony DUI are very serious, and potentially very costly
to your future life and career. A felony DUI may result in a minimum jail
sentence of 180 days, or even state prison for a minimum sentence. Fines
may reach $3,000 and your driver's license may be revoked.
A felony DUI may also require extended alcohol/DUI education in a state
approved program. Depending on the facts of each individual case, the
program may last up to 30 months of counseling, alcohol and drug education,
regular interviews and community service. In addition, you will have to
cover the cost of the education program, which may cost over $1,000.
Insurance Costs After Felony DUI
After conviction for a felony DUI, if you manage to get your driver's
license back, you will still have to file for an SR22 insurance policy
for a period of three years. This can double or even triple the cost of
your insurance premiums.
Contact an Attorney in Fresno
Whether you are facing your first DUI offense in Fresno, or even a felony
DUI charge, you don't have to plead guilty. You have rights. Please
contact Wapner Jones P.C. to schedule a consultation. We will discuss
the facts of your case, and advise you of all the options available. Whether
you've been arrested in Tulare, Kings, Fresno, or Madera counties,
we're here to help.
Reach us at (559) 257-4707.
