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Felony DUI in California

A felony DUI is among the most serious charges you can face. Prison time, permanent license revocation, and a strike on your record are all possible. You need an attorney with deep experience in felony DUI defense — immediately.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony?

Most DUI charges in California are misdemeanors. A DUI becomes a felony under specific circumstances — each of which dramatically increases the severity of potential consequences.

DUI Causing Injury or Death
VC §23153 — any DUI where another person is injured or killed
Fourth or Subsequent DUI
Any DUI within 10 years of three prior DUI convictions
Prior Felony DUI Conviction
Any new DUI when you have a prior felony DUI on record
Child Endangerment
DUI with a minor under 14 in the vehicle (additional charge)

Felony DUI Penalties

State Prison
16 months, 2 years, or 3 years (injury); up to 10 years (death)
Fines
$1,015–$5,000 plus penalty assessments (total can exceed $20,000)
License Revocation
Minimum 4-year revocation; may be permanent
Habitual Traffic Offender
3-year HTO designation from DMV
Strike Offense
DUI causing great bodily injury or death counts as a strike under California Three Strikes law
Restitution
Full restitution to injured victims required

Why Felony DUI Defense Is Different

Felony DUI cases involve more complex evidence, more aggressive prosecution, and far higher stakes than misdemeanor cases. The investigation typically includes accident reconstruction, toxicology reports, witness statements, and sometimes expert testimony.

An experienced felony DUI attorney will scrutinize every element of the prosecution's case — from the initial stop and field sobriety tests to the chain of custody for blood samples and the qualifications of the arresting officer. In injury cases, the causal link between your driving and the injury must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

With over 35 years of experience and 2,500+ cases handled in Santa Cruz County, we understand what it takes to mount an effective felony DUI defense — and how to protect your future at every stage of the process.

Felony DUI Requires Immediate Action

The sooner you have an attorney working your case, the better your options. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.