Los Angeles Felony DUI Defense Attorneys

Get Experienced Legal Representation in Los Angeles

DUI is a serious offense in California and is treated as such by the courts. However, if you have been charged with felony DUI, you may be worried about the potential penalties and consequences you face. A felony DUI conviction can result in years in state prison, the loss of your driving privileges, and more.

At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, our Los Angeles felony DUI lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of the accused. We have successfully handled thousands of cases and know how to fight for you in the courtroom. Our team is prepared to provide you with the strong legal representation you deserve.

To learn more about how our firm can assist you with your felony DUI case, contact us today at (213) 481-6811 and request a free initial consultation.

What is a Felony DUI?

Although a DUI is often charged a misdemeanor, there are several circumstances in which a DUI is charged as a felony offense, such as the following:

• Fourth DUI Within Ten Years: If an individual is convicted of a fourth DUI within a ten-year period, it is charged as a felony. 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, fines between $390 and $1,000, four-year license revocation, and DUI program (18 or 30 months).
• Prior Felony DUI: If an individual has a prior felony DUI conviction and is subsequently convicted of another DUI, the new DUI is charged as a felony, regardless of the time elapsed between offenses. 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, fines between $390 and $1,000, license revocation, designation as a habitual traffic offender, and DUI program (18 or 30 months).
• DUI Causing Injury: A DUI can be charged as a felony if it causes bodily injury to another person. The severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the incident can influence whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. 16 months to 3 years in state prison, fines between $390 and $5,000, restitution to injured parties, up to three-year license suspension, and DUI program (18 or 30 months).
• DUI Causing Death: If a DUI results in the death of another person, it can be charged as either vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated or second-degree murder, both of which are felony charges. For vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated: 16 months to 10 years in state prison, fines between $1,000 and $10,000, restitution to the victim's family, and license suspension or revocation. For second-degree murder: 15 years to life in state prison, fines up to $10,000, restitution to the victim's family, and permanent license revocation.

How to Fight a Felony DUI

Just because you are facing felony DUI charges does not mean you will be convicted. In fact, there are many effective defenses to felony DUI that our lawyers can use to help you fight your charges.

Our team can investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the evidence that has been brought against you. We will look for any inconsistencies, weaknesses, or mistakes made by the prosecution, the police, the crime lab, or anyone else involved in your case. If we find any, we can use them to cast doubt on the validity or reliability of the evidence brought against you and, ultimately, to fight for your acquittal.

Possible defenses to felony DUI include:

• Challenging the traffic stop: In order to pull you over, the police must have had reasonable suspicion that you were driving under the influence. If they did not, any evidence obtained as a result of the stop may be inadmissible.
• Challenging the arrest: The police must have had probable cause to arrest you for felony DUI. If they did not, any evidence obtained after your arrest may be inadmissible.
• Challenging the breath test: Breath tests are not always reliable and can produce false positives. We can challenge the validity and reliability of your breath test results and fight to have them thrown out.
• Challenging the blood test: Blood tests are more reliable than breath tests, but they are not infallible. We can challenge the validity and reliability of your blood test results and fight to have them thrown out.
• Challenging the field sobriety test: Field sobriety tests are used by the police to gauge a motorist's level of impairment. We can challenge the validity and reliability of your field sobriety test results and fight to have them thrown out.

Our lawyers will work closely with you to understand the unique circumstances of your case and your goals. We will then develop a personalized legal strategy designed to address your concerns and maximize your chances of success. Our team can guide you through every stage of the legal process and help you make well-informed decisions every step of the way.

A felony DUI conviction can result in years in state prison, the loss of your driving privileges, and more. If you have been charged with felony DUI, seeking legal representation from an experienced attorney as soon as possible is important. At Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners, our Los Angeles felony DUI lawyers are committed to providing you with the strong legal representation you deserve. We will fight for you in the courtroom and work tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Call (213) 481-6811 or contact us online today to speak with our Los Angeles felony DUI attorneys.