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Felony DUI Los Angeles

In California crimes are separated into three categories;

Felony – where punishment can be more than 1 year in the state prison;

Misdemeanors – where punishments can be up to 1 year in the county jail;

and Infraction – where punishment can not include jail time.

Most infractions are minor traffic violations, such as speeding or possession of a small quantity of marijuana. Misdemeanors, while more serious, are still considered low-level offenses and include crimes such as driving on a suspended license, petty theft, and most DUI cases in Los Angeles.

Certain aggravating factors can result in a Felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, significantly increasing the legal consequences and the possibility of long jail time.

Understanding DUI Charges in Los Angeles: Misdemeanor vs. Felony

Misdemeanor DUI Cases in Los Angeles

While most DUIs in Los Angeles are misdemeanors, especially for first-time offenders who did not cause injuries or serious damage, a serious accident or bad record can result in felony filing. Examples of misdemeanor offenses include:

• Driving with a suspended license
• Petty theft
• DUI cases without injuries or 2 or more prior DUI cases within 10 years.

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office prosecutes misdemeanor DUIs. After an arrest, the police submit a report, and the City Attorney decides whether to press misdemeanor charges. However, certain factors, like repeat offenses or injuries, may result in a felony DUI charge.

Felony DUI Cases in Los Angeles

Los Angeles DUI Attorney: Although most DUIs are misdemeanors, some cases are considered felonies. These include:

1. DUI Resulting in Injury or Death

If a driver under the influence causes an accident that injures someone, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office may file felony charges. The decision depends on how severe the injuries are. More serious injuries increase the likelihood of a felony charge, leading to longer jail time and a permanent criminal record.

2. Repeat DUI Offenses 

California has strict laws for repeat offenders. If someone is arrested for a fourth DUI within 10 years, it is automatically charged as a felony. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases.

3. Previous Felony DUI Conviction in Los Angeles

If a driver has been convicted of felony DUI before, any future DUI arrest can also be charged as a felony—even if no one is injured. Prior felony convictions give prosecutors the authority to upgrade a DUI charge.

How DUI Cases Are Filed in Los Angeles

Los Angeles DUI Attorney: Whether a DUI is a misdemeanor or felony depends on the prosecutor’s decision.

• Misdemeanor DUI cases are filed by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
• Felony DUI cases are handled by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
• In some situations, the City Attorney may refer a case to the District Attorney for felony consideration.
• The District Attorney can also choose to downgrade a felony DUI to a misdemeanor.

Our DUI defense attorneys can intervene before charges are filed, negotiating with prosecutors to reduce a felony DUI to a misdemeanor or, in some cases, prevent charges altogether.

What to Do If You Are Facing a Felony DUI Charge

If your DUI is charged as a felony, don’t lose hope. Felony DUIs carry serious consequences, including:

• Longer jail time (up to 3 years prison)
• Higher fines and penalties
• A permanent felony record
• The possibility of a strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law in the even the case is filed with GBI allegations under PC 12022.7

However, our experienced Los Angeles DUI attorneys offer top-quality representation at affordable rates. Since felony DUI cases can be complex, we provide competitive pricing for preliminary hearings and flexible payment plans for trials.

Los Angeles DUI Attorney has extensive experience handling challenging DUI cases, including those with special circumstances.   He uses aggressive defense strategies and deep knowledge of California DUI laws to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

Contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney for Immediate Legal Assistance

A felony DUI conviction can have life-changing consequences, which is why hiring a skilled Los Angeles DUI attorney is essential. Protecting your freedom, record, and work starts with taking action now.

Call us today at (323) 464-6424 for a consultation. Our dedicated DUI defense team is ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for the best outcome in your case.