Felony vs. Misdemeanor DUI Charges
Misdemeanor offenses can result in up to 12 months spent in the county jail
Felony offenses can result in up to 1 year in the state penitentiary or county jail
The penalties associated with the individual crime is what determines whether it will be a misdemeanor or felony. In California, most DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors, especially if this is a person's first offense. However, certain conditions may arise that will cause the offense to qualify as a felony DUI. If this is the case, the charges and resulting conviction will be much more serious.
Penalties for a Felony DUI
DUI causing injury is known as a “wobbler”. This type of charge is most times classified as a felony. Causing an auto accident while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, may result in you being charged with a DUI with injury. This carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 years in the state penitentiary, especially if great bodily injury results.
A fourth DUI will result in a felony charge. Your final sentence may include up to 3 years in prison, in addition to heavy fines and other criminal penalties. It can also result in the suspension of your driving privileges for up to 4 years.
Vehicular manslaughter commonly results in a felony charge. If you are convicted, you could face up to 4 years in the state penitentiary and up to 10 years if the prosecutor can prove gross negligence.
Defend Your Case with Professional Help
Felony charges will always result in serious trouble with the law. If you or a loved one has been in involved in an accident involving felony charges and are unsure of how to proceed, call us today!
If you are facing felony charges, contact attorney Ross Howell Sobel immediately. It will take time for him to build your case with DUI charges, time is a precious commodity. Building a solid defense takes commitment and dedication. When felony DUI charges are involved, your attorney will need as much time as possible to collect and review the evidence. Calling the office to schedule your immediate free consultation is crucial.
The DUI attorneys in our office will review all of the evidence available and then perform their own investigation to see if they can uncover anything else that might be of use to your case. They will need time to locate witnesses and find other evidence that may be used to prove your innocence when facing felony DUI charges.
Felony charges are frightening. Being convicted of a felony charge can change your life. There is no time to waste. Retain your DUI attorney now and we will begin to prepare your case for court. Call us today at 818-582-2350.
