Orange County Felony DUI Lawyer

All DUI charges in California are serious legal matters that can severely impact your reputation, finances, and present and future employment and create severe stress. The gravest of these offenses are those charged as felonies. Any felony in California carries a potential of a year or more of incarceration, hefty fines, and lengthy probations in which you must comply with court-ordered restrictions and directives.

The best response to criminal charges is representation by a defense attorney you trust. Not all lawyers are the same; some have critical experience in and out of the courtroom negotiating and litigating on behalf of clients, along with other professional achievements to recommend them.

At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., our founding attorney fits the above category. As a Board Certified in DUI Defense Law attorney by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), she brings outstanding knowledge and skills to your case. Ms. Landry is the Dean/President of NCDD and leads 1600 attorney members across the nation in effectively representing those persons accused of driving under the influence.

When arrested for a felony DUI, you can have peace of mind with the representation of Ms. Landry,  knowing that your case can be fought by one of the most experienced and prominent DUI lawyers nationwide. 

Consult with our Orange County felony DUI attorney in a free case assessment by submitting our contact form or by calling (949) 694-8804. 

Felony DUI in California

Felony DUI is considered more severe than a regular DUI due to its potential damage to people and property. The law treats felony DUIs with utmost seriousness because they typically involve severe injury or death, extensive property damage, or multiple prior offenses.

Several ways exist in which you can be charged with a California felony DUI:

• DUI with Injury: If you were driving under the influence and caused an accident that resulted in bodily injury to or the death of another person, you could be charged with a felony DUI. For example, if you were intoxicated due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, ran a stop sign, and caused a car crash that led to significant injuries for another driver, passenger, or pedestrian, you would likely face felony charges.
• Fourth DUI Offense: In California, your fourth DUI within ten years automatically elevates your charge to a felony. If you have been convicted of three prior DUIs and are arrested for a fourth time within a decade, felony charges can be filed and prosecuted.
• Prior Felony DUI Conviction: If you've previously been convicted of a felony DUI, any subsequent DUI arrest, regardless of the circumstances, will also be treated as a felony. For example, if your first or second DUI were charged as felonies instead of misdemeanors and resulted in a conviction, a new DUI would likely be prosecuted as a felony. 

Past DUI convictions within the last 10 years will count towards priors when facing a new DUI charge. This includes misdemeanor and felony DUI convictions, specific "wet reckless" plea bargains, and out-of-state convictions equivalent to California DUI.

Felony DUI Penalties

Felony DUI convictions can carry the following penalties:

• 16 months, two or three years of state prison time, plus an additional one year in jail per person injured if serious injury occurs
• Fines of $390 to $1,000
• Completion of up to a 30-month DUI school program
• Driver’s license revocation of up to four years (you may be able to drive with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle for up to three years)
• Being labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender for three years

Being labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) happens when you've had multiple serious or repeated traffic offenses within a specific timeframe. HTO status can result in even more severe penalties, including longer license suspensions and increased fines or jail time.