Santa Rosa Felony DUI Defense Attorney

Expert Legal Representation for Felony DUI Charges

If you or a loved one has been charged with felony DUI in Santa Rosa, securing skilled legal representation is critical. At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we understand the serious consequences that come with a felony DUI conviction. Our experienced Santa Rosa felony DUI lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing a strong defense to help you obtain a favorable result in your case.

Contact us today at (707) 986-4482 to schedule an initial case evaluation.

What is a Felony DUI?

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge in California is typically a misdemeanor, but certain circumstances can elevate it to a felony. A DUI becomes a felony in California when:

• It is the driver's fourth DUI offense within ten years.
• The DUI resulted in serious injury or death.
• The driver has a prior felony DUI conviction.

Felony DUI charges are severe and carry significant legal consequences, including prison time, heavy fines, and long-term loss of driving privileges. If you are facing such charges, it is crucial to work with a knowledgeable Santa Rosa felony DUI lawyer to build a solid defense.

Common Types of Felony DUI in Santa Rosa

There are several situations where a DUI offense can be charged as a felony in Santa Rosa, including:

Multiple DUI Convictions

If you have three or more prior DUI convictions within ten years, your next DUI charge may be classified as a felony. Prior convictions include standard DUI, wet reckless, and out-of-state DUI convictions that are equivalent to California’s laws.

DUI Causing Injury or Death

Under California Vehicle Code 23153, if a DUI results in bodily injury to another person, the offense can be charged as a felony. If the DUI leads to a fatality, the driver may face charges for vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder under the state’s “Watson Murder” rule.

Prior Felony DUI Conviction

If you have a previous felony DUI conviction on your record, any subsequent DUI offense—regardless of the circumstances—will automatically be charged as a felony.

Penalties for Felony DUI

Felony DUI convictions carry harsh penalties that can have a lasting impact on your life. Depending on the specifics of your case, penalties may include:

• Prison Sentence: Felony DUI convictions can result in prison sentences ranging from 16 months to several years, particularly if injuries or fatalities occurred.
• Significant Fines: Fines for felony DUI can exceed $5,000, and additional court costs and restitution payments may apply.
• License Suspension or Revocation: A felony DUI conviction can lead to a four-year driver's license suspension or permanent revocation in some cases.
• DUI Education Programs: Mandatory enrollment in DUI education or rehabilitation programs may be required for reinstatement of driving privileges.
• Probation and Parole: Many felony DUI offenders face strict probation conditions, which can include alcohol monitoring, regular check-ins with law enforcement, and travel restrictions.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): In some cases, courts require DUI offenders to install an IID in their vehicles to prevent further offenses.

Why Choose Wilber Law Offices, P.C.?

When facing a felony DUI charge, having the right legal team can make all the difference. At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we offer:

• Extensive Experience in DUI Defense: Our legal team has a deep understanding of California DUI laws and court procedures.
• Personalized Legal Strategies: We tailor our defense strategies to fit the unique details of each case.
• Aggressive Representation: We fight tirelessly to protect our clients' rights and minimize the impact of a felony DUI charge.
• Strong Negotiation Skills: In some cases, we can negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing options to help our clients avoid the most severe penalties.

Call (707) 986-4482 or contact us online today for an initial consultation and let us help you protect your rights and future.