Los Angeles Felony DUI Attorney
It is an important question regarding DUI cases as to whether they will be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor.
This distinction is so important because with a felony comes mandatory jail or prison time and a felony conviction on your record.
On the other hand, with a misdemeanor, you will likely not have to do any jail time and eventually get the misdemeanor conviction dismissed. Contact a DUI lawyer at our law firm to review your case.
The fundamental dividing line between a felony DUI and a misdemeanor DUI in Los Angeles is how seriously anyone is injured because of the actions of the intoxicated driver.
If the prosecutors believe they can prove that a victim sustained a “serious injury,” they will file the case as a felony and try and get all of the punishments and consequences that come along with the felony.
Over the past twenty-five years, I have battled the prosecutors over how serious the injury truly is and whether my client caused it or not. The result of this battle will usually dictate what happens to the client. Early intervention into your case by an experienced DUI lawyer from our office can dramatically impact the outcome, giving you a sense of control over your situation.
Initial Review of Your DUI Charges
When you first meet with a DUI attorney, you must provide all the essential details related to the case and yourself. The attorney's role is not to judge but to understand the situation fully in order to provide the best defense. It's important to be honest and not try to put a positive spin on what happened, as this could potentially hurt your case in the end.
I need the straight truth and to know as soon as possible what the prosecutor and police are going to say so I can begin the process of defending you and minimizing the damages a DUI can carry.
In addition to getting the story about what happened, I also need to know you, the type of person you are, and what you stand to lose by going into custody. Then, I can fight the right way with the correct information.
Legal Penalties for a Felony DUI
There is no sugarcoating it; if you plead guilty to a felony DUI case in one of the Los Angeles County courthouses, you will be taken into custody for some time. The minimum jail sentence for a felony DUI in Los Angeles is ninety days in the county jail.
The issue of how much time hinges on several important factors related to your prior criminal record, the extent of the injury to the victim or victims, and your conduct related to the accident that led up to the victim being injured. You have much at stake. Don't just plead guilty.
Defend Your DUI Case with Professional Help
You and your attorney can make several mitigating moves that can save you time in custody and assist in resolving the case efficiently.
Not all driving under the influence cases can or should be handled the same way because circumstances always spin on facts specific to what happened and the person's past and present situation. Your best bet is to sit down with a professional lawyer who has been down the road you are about to travel had success, and is battle-tested in felony DUI defense.
In my experience, you should meet with the DUI attorney you are considering hiring and ask them all of your questions before making any decision. Remember, your attorney is your champion and the one who will be representing your story to the prosecutors and judge. You should feel comfortable with your advocate and help them to the best of your ability.
A Felony Conviction is a Life-Changing Event
Driving under the influence is charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony charge has more severe penalties if you face a felony DUI.
The Hedding Law Firm wants to either dismiss your charge wholly or reduce it to a misdemeanor. Most DUI charges are misdemeanors, but certain factors can elevate the charge to a felony. Facing a Felony DUI charge is a serious legal situation that requires an experienced defense lawyer.
With a combined 75 years of experience, DUI cases in Los Angeles are our expertise. We are familiar with and knowledgeable about the DUI court process and defenses to assert in your favor, giving you the confidence that your case is in capable hands.
Usually, a fourth DUI conviction, a DUI with injury or vehicular manslaughter, will be charged as a felony in California.
A DUI with injury is considered a “wobbler,” meaning that it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the damage and the blood alcohol level; this is within the discretion of the District Attorney, and this is where our lawyers will step in as your advocate and do everything we can to avoid a felony DUI charge.
A felony DUI charge can result in years in jail or state prison, not to mention the loss of the privilege to drive. If you face a felony DUI charge, do not waste another second—call us to set up a free case consultation.
A DUI lawyer from our office will take the necessary time to develop a compelling defense strategy against your DUI charges. Our law firm must first review all the details of your case.
You must call our law firm immediately, as witnesses can become challenging to locate. Finding other potential exonerating evidence is vital in your felony drunk driving case.
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