When Does a DUI Become a Felony?

When you’re arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, you will typically be facing misdemeanor charges. While these are still very serious offenses, they can be elevated to a felony charge depending on the unique circumstances of your case.

If you’re facing felony DUI charges, you need aggressive, knowledgeable defense to protect your rights and freedom. At Hutton & Wilson, Los Angeles’ premier DUI defense firm, we represent clients facing all types of DUI charges. With more than 10,000 DUI cases under their belts, Attorneys Hutton and Wilson stand ready to defend you.

Felony DUI can lead to serious jail time, heavy fines, and a loss of your driver’s license for years to come. Call (626) 587-2220 to secure the tough defense you need.

When Your DUI Injures or Kills Another Person

If you are driving under the influence, and commit an additional violation of the vehicle code, you could be charged with felony DUI causing injury. There are actually three separate felony DUI crimes you could be charged with if you kill another person while driving under the influence, which are:

  • DUI Causing Injury
  • DUI Vehicular Manslaughter
  • DUI Second-Degree Murder

When You Have At Least 3 Prior DUI Convictions

While it’s no secret that second, third, and subsequent DUIs all carry more serious penalties than your first, many people are unaware that prior DUI convictions can lead to felony charges. If you have been convicted of at least 3 prior DUI offenses in the last 10 years, you could be fighting a felony charge. Prior DUI offenses include wet reckless convictions, as well as out-of-state equivalents of a California DUI.

When You Have a Prior Felony DUI Conviction

If you have any prior felony DUI conviction, future DUI charges will automatically be made felonies. There is no 10 year lookback period for this charge, meaning a felony DUI charge could come back to haunt you more than 30 years later.

Our attorneys are ready to aggressively fight the charges against you. Get started with a free case evaluation today.

Categories