Felony DUI Attorney In Orange County, CA
If you are facing felony DUI charges, it is absolutely critical that you seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At her law firm, The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, Attorney Jacqueline Goodman provides personalized legal counsel and hands-on representation for clients facing serious DUI charges. Attorney Goodman is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California, making her one of a select few criminal law attorneys distinguished as an “expert” in this field, and she has an exceptional track record of success in DUI and criminal cases.
Don’t wait. Time is not on your side. Call 714-879-5770 now to request a consultation with an expert Orange County DUI defense lawyer.
When Is a DUI a Felony?
In the state of California, no person is allowed to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs/alcohol. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher can be automatically charged with a DUI, even if they do not exhibit any dangerous driving behaviors. Criminal DUI charges are typically prosecuted as misdemeanors but some can be charged as felonies when certain aggravating factors are met.
For a DUI to be considered a felony offense, one or more of the following conditions must be met:
- The driver was under the influence, and their reckless behavior led to the death or injury of another individual. If another person has been injured or killed due to a driver under the influence, the court will determine if the person responsible will be given a felony charge based on the unique details of the case and the criminal history of the defendant.
- The driver has previously received a DUI felony conviction within the last 10 years. If the driver has already received a DUI felony conviction in the last 10 years, then they will automatically receive another felony DUI charge if caught driving under the influence again, no matter the circumstances of the new case.
- The driver has received, within a 10-year time frame, three previous DUI convictions. The court is less lenient on repeat offenders. Every time you are charged with and convicted of a DUI, even a misdemeanor DUI, the penalties are likely to become more severe.
Renowned Success Rate
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
PENALTIES FOR FELONY DUI
In general, felonies are punished much harsher than misdemeanors. The same is true of felony DUIs. If you are convicted of a felony DUI in Orange County or anywhere in the state of California, you face serious consequences that threaten your driving privileges, your finances, and even your freedom.
Penalties for felony DUI involving multiple DUI convictions include:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 30 months (two and a half years) of DUI school
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension for a period of four years
- Up to three years in state prison
Penalties for felony DUI involving bodily injury and/or death include:
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- 30 months (two and a half years) of DUI school
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension for a period of five years
- 16 months to 16 years in state prison
California Felony DUI FAQs
Q: Are DUIs Felonies in California?
A: DUIs are considered misdemeanors in California unless certain aggravating factors are met. If the driver has received a felony conviction for a DUI within the last 10 years, has received three or more DUI convictions of any sort in the last ten years, or has caused injury or death to another driver while intoxicated, then the DUI charge will most likely be processed as a felony offense.
Q: What Is the New DUI Law in California?
A: Previously, a DUI felony conviction stayed on a person’s record for a lifetime, but with a new modification in 2023, a DUI felony conviction will only stay on someone’s record for 10 years at most. This update means that if a person received a felony DUI conviction 30 years ago and then is caught driving under the influence again, this person will not automatically be given another felony DUI charge.
Q: When Did a DUI Become a Felony in California?
A: In 1935, California first started considering DUIs a felony charge under certain circumstances. When an individual was injured or killed by a driver under the influence, the driver was given a felony charge for their actions. Since 1935, most DUI charges are still considered misdemeanors, but there are a few aggravating factors that create felony convictions.
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Get the Powerful Defense You Need
Felony DUI charges are incredibly serious. If you or someone you care about has been arrested in California for felony DUI, you should quickly hire an attorney who will work tirelessly to mount an aggressive and effective defense.
As your Orange County felony DUI defense lawyer, Attorney Goodman will be prepared to use her extensive resources and legal acumen to your advantage. She understands how the system operates, how local courts and judges view cases like yours, and knows how to fight to protect your driving privileges and freedoms. When you work with The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, you will work directly with Attorney Goodman throughout your case—you will not be passed off to an associate or paralegal—so you can be confident that your felony DUI defense remains the top priority.
Arrested for felony DUI? Your future is on the line. Call The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman at 714-879-5770 or submit an online contact form to request a consultation.