Orange County DUI Causing Injury Lawyer

Get a Board Certified DUI Defense Attorney on your side. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is a severe offense in California under any circumstances. When this offense leads to the injury of another, its gravity is elevated and generally results in more severe and life-changing penalties. 

Understanding the implications of your charges in such a matter is essential. Furthermore, you will need the representation of an experienced DUI defense lawyer who understands the law, the complexities of the criminal justice system, and how to build a strong case on your behalf. 

Attorney Virginia Landry of the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. has defended clients in all DUI-related matters for over 34 years. She has the expertise of Board Certification in this practice area from the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), one of only four female lawyers nationwide to achieve this. She is currently the Dean/President of the NCDD, an additional accomplishment that makes her a leader in this field.  

Call our firm at (949) 694-8804 or contact us with our handy form for a free initial consultation with our Orange County DUI-causing injury attorney. 

Understanding DUI Causing Injury Charges in California

DUI-causing injury is defined under California Vehicle Code 23153. This law makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both and cause bodily injury to another person. This law covers not only illegal drugs but also prescription medications.

Under this law, it is unlawful to commit any illegal act or “neglect any duty imposed by law in driving the vehicle” as part of its definition. 

An "illegal act" in these offenses is driving under the influence. Neglecting to perform a legal duty, on the other hand, refers to failing to follow traffic rules, such as stopping at a red light or yielding to pedestrians. For example, if a drunk driver runs a red light and injures another driver or passenger, they could be found guilty of DUI causing injury.

Under the law, driving under the influence could include driving with a blood alcohol concentration of. 08 percent or more, driving while impaired regardless of BAC or drugged driving. 

Potential Charges & Penalties

A DUI causing injury may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the injuries caused. This is often referred to as a "wobbler" offense.

If convicted of a misdemeanor DUI causing injury, you may face the following penalties:

• Up to one year in a county jail
• Probation for three to five years
• A fine of up to $5,000
• Mandatory participation in a DUI school
• License suspension for up to three years
• Restitution to the alleged victim for injury expenses

If convicted of a felony DUI causing injury, penalties can include:

• State prison sentence of up to four years
• A fine of up to $5,000
• Mandatory attendance in a DUI school
• Five-year license revocation
• Being labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender for three years
• A potential “strike” on your criminal record under the Three Strikes Law