Felony DUI Lawyer Rancho Cucamonga
Why Choose Us for Your Felony DUI Defense?
At Newman & Allen, we know the complexities and high stakes of felony DUI charges. Our experienced team, including former prosecutors, is uniquely equipped to navigate Rancho Cucamonga's legal landscape, offering you a robust defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Choosing the right defense team can make or break your case, especially in a localized setting like Rancho Cucamonga where intricate local knowledge plays a crucial role. Our familiarity with the Superior Court of San Bernardino County means that we can anticipate the prosecution’s moves and tailor our strategy accordingly.
With over 25 years of experience, we’ve cultivated a comprehensive understanding of not only the legal statutes but the practicalities involved in each specific court procedure. We provide our clients with peace of mind by ensuring that our legal defense aligns with the nuanced demands of the local courts.
Facing a felony DUI charge? We offer payment plans and bilingual services. Contact a felony DUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga to protect your future. Call (909) 328-6101 or reach out online.
Understanding Felony DUI Laws in California
In California, a DUI can be elevated to a felony charge under specific circumstances. A standard DUI is a misdemeanor, but the law has clear provisions for when the charge becomes a felony. The key to a felony DUI is not just the act of driving under the influence but the presence of aggravating factors that increase the severity of the offense.
The two primary ways a DUI can become a felony in California are:
- Repeat Offenses: If a person is convicted of a fourth DUI within a ten-year period, the charge is automatically elevated to a felony under Vehicle Code § 23152. A knowledgeable felony DUI attorney in Rancho Cucamonga will meticulously analyze the specific circumstances of your case to determine the exact nature of the felony charge.
- DUI Causing Injury: If a person, while driving under the influence, causes an injury to another person, the charge can be filed as a felony under Vehicle Code § 23153. A DUI that causes "great bodily injury" to another person is automatically a felony and is considered a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law. This is a very serious offense that a dedicated Rancho Cucamonga felony DUI lawyer will take on with the utmost seriousness.
Penalties of a Felony DUI Conviction in California
A conviction for a felony DUI is a life-altering event. The legal penalties can be severe, and the collateral consequences can be even more devastating, creating barriers that can feel impossible to overcome.
The direct legal penalties for a felony DUI conviction in California are steep and can include:
- Incarceration: Jail or state prison time, ranging from a mandatory 120 days in jail for a third misdemeanor offense to a maximum of three years in state prison for a felony. For an aggravated DUI causing great bodily injury, a consecutive prison sentence of up to six years can be added.
- Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands of dollars.
- Probation: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions.
- License Suspension: Your driver's license will be suspended for a mandatory minimum of one to five years, depending on the number of prior convictions and the circumstances of the offense. When you are able to drive again, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.
- Mandatory Programs: The court will order you to attend a DUI school for a period of up to 30 months.
Collateral Consequences
A criminal record for a felony DUI can make it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.
Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.
Building a Strategic Defense for Felony DUI Charges
Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned Rancho Cucamonga felony DUI lawyer, we will leverage every possible defense, including:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: An officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was illegal, all evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed.
- Disputing Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): These tests are notoriously unreliable. We can argue that your performance was affected by medical conditions, fatigue, or environmental factors rather than intoxication.
- Questioning Chemical Test Accuracy: The accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results can be challenged based on issues with the equipment, the testing procedures, or the chain of custody. We can argue that a false positive was caused by mouth alcohol or that the test was not administered correctly.
- Disputing Causation: In an aggravated DUI case, we can argue that your driving was not the direct cause of the injuries, or that the injuries were not as severe as the prosecution claims.
- Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.
- Challenging Prior Convictions: The state must prove that your prior convictions are valid. If we can challenge the validity of a prior conviction, it may prevent the enhancement of your current charge to a felony.
Comprehensive Legal Strategy & Personalized Attention
Every case at Newman & Allen is meticulously prepared with a focus on your unique story. Our approach integrates extensive legal research and negotiation skills to counter the charges effectively. We prioritize your future by developing a defense strategy that resonates with judges and prosecutors.
With two decades of successful practice, our firm boasts a proven track record. Clients choose Newman & Allen for our dedication to treating you as more than just a case number. We offer free, confidential case evaluations, ensuring that you receive personalized attention right from the start.
Contact Us Today for Expert DUI Defense
Facing a Felony DUI charge can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. At Newman & Allen, we provide clear, compassionate guidance and expert legal defense to protect your future. Our commitment is to offer personalized, relentless advocacy, ensuring your side of the story is heard and helping you move forward with confidence. Let us be your ally in this challenging time, crafting a defense that safeguards your rights and future.
Contact us online or call at (909) 328-6101 for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Newman & Allen Assist with Felony DUI Charges?
Our defense strategy blends legal skill with deep local insight. As former prosecutors, we know how the other side builds its case, allowing us to challenge evidence, uncover procedural errors, and present a compelling narrative in your favor. By factoring in Rancho Cucamonga’s specific legal nuances, we build defenses that connect with local judges and juries, aiming for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal.
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Felony DUI?
Remain calm, avoid making statements to law enforcement, and contact Newman & Allen immediately. Early legal intervention is critical—our team can advise you from the moment of arrest, protect your rights during questioning, and begin building a defense strategy tailored to the circumstances of your case.
Why Does Local Experience Matter in DUI Cases?
Every courthouse operates differently. Our familiarity with Rancho Cucamonga’s court system, judges, and prosecutors means we can anticipate tactics, leverage local relationships, and present your case more effectively. This local advantage often plays a key role in securing better results.
Can a Felony DUI Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?
In some cases, yes. With a strong defense and effective negotiation, felony charges may be reduced to a misdemeanor, particularly if injuries were minor or procedural errors occurred during your arrest. Our attorneys explore every opportunity for charge reduction to protect your record and freedom.
Will I Lose My Driver’s License After a Felony DUI?
A felony DUI conviction can result in long-term license suspension, but timely legal action can help you fight to retain limited driving privileges. We guide clients through both the criminal case and the DMV process to protect their mobility as much as possible.