When you are facing a felony DUI charge, the potential consequences are very serious. You could be facing a prison sentence, as the Fresno Courts take these charges very seriously. This is why it is so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.
An experienced DUI attorney can help you navigate the court system and fight for the best possible outcome in your felony case. The sooner you have an DUI defense attorney to advocate for you, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
If you have been arrested for a felony DUI, do not wait to contact an attorney. Contact an experienced felony DUI attorney today for a free consultation.
In certain circumstances, drunk driving charges can be a felony and the felony DUI penalties are extremely harsh. California Vehicle Code Section 23153(a) and 23153(b) are the most common controlling California statutes that make it illegal to drive while under the influence (DUI) and you commit an act or neglect causes bodily injury to any person other than the driver.
You can also be charged under California Vehicle Code Section 23153(c) or California Vehicle Code Section 23152(e) if you are charged with narcotics or prescription drugs. For prescribed medications, these DUI charges are particularly difficult because most people do not realize the danger of prescription drugs and driving.
In addition, under California Vehicle Code Section 23153(f), you may be charged with a felony DUI if you have alcohol and drugs in your system and you injure or kill someone as a result or a negligent act or omission.
There are three different ways to be charged with a felony DUI in Fresno. It is important to remember that being charged with driving under the influence does not mean a conviction.
If you were just arrested for a felony DUI, you only have 10 days to request a hearing from DMV to avoid your driver’s license being suspended. An Administrative Per Se Hearing (APS) or DMV hearing will be conducted if you requested the hearing. You also have an absolute right to a DUI lawyer to represent you at the DMV hearing.
If you are unable contact an experienced DUI attorney within 10 days, please see our Request for DMV Hearing form.
When requesting a hearing, you may also request a stay until the decision of the hearing. When requesting a hearing, you will want to 1) demand an administrative hearing (APS hearing); 2) request a driver’s license suspension or revocation stay; and, 3) demand all discovery (including police reports, breath and blood tests, etc.) the DMV plans to introduce into evidence.
If you need help completing the Request for DMV Hearing form, please contact our DUI law office. We will be happy to fax the request at no charge because we want to make sure your rights are protected.
Felony drunk driving charges can lead to devastating consequences, which may include a prison sentence, fines, DUI school, restitution, drug and alcohol programs, even when this is a first drunk driving offense. When you are facing a felony DUI, including when there is an accident, the penalties the result can be lessened with an experienced lawyer.
Below, please find the most important steps after a drunk driving arrest and you have charges pending:
When you are charged with a felony DUI, our primary concern is keep you out of custody and to aggressively defend the charges at every stage. These driving under the influence charges a great deal of understanding and finesse in order to make any victims, the district attorney, and the court to agree to anything other than a prison sentence.
We will challenge the felony charges and DUI enhancements against you and work to resolve your matter by attempting to keep you from being incarcerated by showing the judge that there are better alternatives to sending you to jail or prison.
When your future is at stake, you need to retain counsel that understands Felony DUI cases, including the court and DMV. Contact our office to discuss your felony drunk driving charges. And remember to call within 10 days of your arrest so we can request a DMV hearing for you at no charge and no commitments.
