Felony DUI
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge in California is typically a misdemeanor, but under certain circumstances, it can be charged as a felony. A felony DUI carries significantly harsher penalties, including longer jail or prison sentences, higher fines, and more severe long-term consequences. If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony DUI in Ventura County, the Law Office of Paul Tyler provides skilled legal representation from an experienced Oxnard DUI defense attorney.
When Is a DUI Charged as a Felony in California?
In California, a DUI can be elevated to a felony under the following conditions:
1. Multiple DUI Convictions
If you have been convicted of three or more DUIs within the past 10 years, a fourth DUI offense will be charged as a felony.
2. DUI Causing Injury or Death
If you are involved in an accident while under the influence that results in serious bodily injury or death to another person, you could face felony DUI charges. Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may file charges for DUI with injury or vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
3. Prior Felony DUI Conviction
If you have any prior felony DUI conviction, any subsequent DUI will also be charged as a felony, regardless of whether it caused injury or involved aggravating circumstances.
Penalties for a Felony DUI in Ventura County
A felony DUI conviction can have life-altering consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, penalties may include:
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Incarceration – A felony DUI conviction can result in 16 months, two years, or three years in California state prison. If the DUI caused serious injury, the imprisonment sentence could be two to four years or longer.
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Substantial Fines – Fines for a felony DUI conviction can range from $390 to $5,000, in addition to court fees and other financial penalties.
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License Suspension – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend your driver’s license for up to four years or revoke it permanently in extreme cases.
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DUI Classes – Convicted individuals may be required to complete an 18- to 30-month DUI education program.
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Probation and Parole – Many felony DUI offenders must serve formal probation and comply with strict court-ordered conditions.
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Ignition Interlock Device (IID) – The court may require you to install an IID in your vehicle at your own expense, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
Defending Against Felony DUI Charges in Ventura County
If you have been charged with a felony DUI in Ventura County, there are legal defenses that an experienced criminal defense attorney like Paul Tyler can use to fight the charges. Potential defense strategies include:
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Challenging the Traffic Stop – If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to stop you, the evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible.
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Questioning the Chemical Test – Breathalyzers and blood tests are not always accurate. Errors in testing procedures or equipment calibration can lead to false positives.
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Proving Lack of Impairment – Even if alcohol was detected in your system, it does not automatically mean you were impaired while driving.
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Disputing Prior Convictions – If prior DUI convictions were unlawfully obtained, they might not be valid for enhancing the current charge to a felony.
Why You Need an Experienced Ventura County DUI Defense Attorney
Felony DUI charges are serious, and the consequences can impact every aspect of your life. Working with an experienced Oxnard DUI defense attorney like Paul Tyler can make a significant difference in your case. Attorney Tyler understands the complexities of California DUI laws and will fight to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome—whether that means reducing charges, negotiating a favorable plea deal, or taking your case to trial.
If you are facing felony DUI charges in Ventura County, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact the Law Office of Paul Tyler today for a free consultation to discuss your defense options.
