A Felony DUI in California is a serious criminal offense that occurs when a person is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and has had multiple prior DUI convictions or a previous felony DUI conviction. In California, DUI offenses can be charged as felonies under certain circumstances, such as causing injury or death while driving under the influence, or having multiple prior DUI convictions.
What are the consequences of a Felony DUI in California?
- Felony DUI convictions can result in harsh penalties such as imprisonment in state prison
- Loss of driving privileges for an extended period of time
- Significant fines and court fees
- Mandatory completion of DUI education programs
How is a Felony DUI different from a misdemeanor DUI in California?
A Felony DUI in California is different from a misdemeanor DUI in terms of the severity of the offense. A misdemeanor DUI is typically charged for first or second-time DUI offenses that do not involve injury or death. Felony DUIs are charged for more serious cases where there are aggravating factors such as causing injury or death while driving under the influence, or having multiple prior DUI convictions.
What are the penalties for a Felony DUI in California?
| Possible Penalties for Felony DUI |
|---|
| Imprisonment in state prison |
| Loss of driving privileges |
| Significant fines |
Can a Felony DUI be expunged from your record in California?
In California, certain felony DUI convictions can be expunged from a person’s criminal record under certain conditions. A person must have completed all conditions of their sentence, including probation, paid all fines and restitution, and not incurred any new criminal charges in order to be eligible for expungement.
What are the legal defenses available for a Felony DUI in California?
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Questioning the results of the chemical tests
- Arguing that the defendant was not driving under the influence
Is it possible to reduce a Felony DUI charge to a misdemeanor in California?
In some cases, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution to reduce a Felony DUI charge to a misdemeanor. The decision to reduce the charge will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors.
How long does a Felony DUI stay on your record in California?
A Felony DUI conviction in California can stay on a person’s criminal record for life unless it is expunged. Having a felony DUI on your record can have serious consequences for future employment opportunities, professional licenses, and more.
In conclusion, a Felony DUI in California is a serious criminal offense with severe consequences. It is important to seek legal representation if you are facing Felony DUI charges in order to protect your rights and potentially mitigate the penalties associated with the offense.