Certain drunk-drivers face felony driving-under-the-influence (DUI) charges in Alameda, California rather than misdemeanor DUI charges. It is possible to be charged with felony DUI even if this is your first drunk-driving arrest. Drivers who cause injury to another individual may face felony DUI charges and those with three prior DUI convictions within a 10-year period face felony DUI charges. Individuals charged with a felony DUI face severe consequences, including incarceration in a state prison, hefty fines of up to $5,000, victim restitution that can add up into tens of thousands of dollars, and more.
How an Alameda DUI case is classified is dependent on a number of factors. Nonetheless, while it is always important for anyone charged with DUI to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable DUI attorney, it is even more critical for those charged with a felony DUI to do so.
About Felony DUI Charges
Felony DUI charges typically stem from the fact that either the driver had three prior DUI convictions within the prior ten years or there was accident involvement in which someone was injured. When a felony DUI charge results because of an accident that caused injury or death, drivers also face vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or even second-degree murder charges. Additionally, under California's Three-Strike law, felony DUI convictions are considered to be violent crimes and the offense will count as a strike. If a defendant has been convicted of one strike and then is convicted of any future felony (whether or not it is counted as a strike), then the penalties imposed will be doubled. If defendants have two or more strikes against them, then any future felony conviction will result in 25 years or more in prison. The court procedures for felony DUI cases are different compared to those for misdemeanor DUI cases. There are a number of complexities that are involved and defendants are required to be in court at all times.
If You Are Faced With a Felony DUI,
Then You Need Immediate Help!
Contact Alameda's Leading DUI Law Firm!
With incarceration in a state prison being a direct consequence of being charged and convicted of a felony DUI in Alameda, it is important that defendants get help from a skilled Alameda DUI attorney as soon as possible. At the Alameda DUI Law Firm, our experienced Alameda DUI lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case thoroughly and devise the best possible defenses. When a felony DUI charge is based on one's prior drunk-driving convictions, our highly-skilled Alameda DUI lawyers will carefully examine prior cases to see whether or not they can be considered in the current case. As skilled litigators, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to defending those who are charged with drunk driving in Alameda.
We offer free Alameda case evaluations. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
