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Los Angeles Felony DUI Lawyer

Felony charges for driving under the influence – or DUI – are extremely serious, and the potential penalties upon conviction can include jail time, high fines, and other penalties. If you are currently pending a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, you want an experienced legal team in your corner every step of the way.

The skilled Los Angeles felony DUI lawyers at Rodriguez Law Group can aggressively defend you against your pending charge in court or pursue a favorable plea deal from the state prosecutor in your case.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Los Angeles felony DUI attorney, please call us at (213) 995-6767 or contact us online for more information.

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Why Should We Represent You?

Felony DUIs are the most serious type of DUI an individual can face. If you sustain a conviction, you may receive jail time, monetary fines, probation, community service, and other penalties.

At Rodriguez Law Group, we understand how the government builds a felony DUI case, and we use that knowledge and experience to fight on behalf of our clients. We can help you develop realistic expectations for your case, advise you on possible legal defenses, and help you make informed decisions about how best to proceed.

We also have a strong track record of success with negotiating plea deals and taking felony DUI cases to trial. Our clients have honored us with a 10.0 Avvo rating. To see some of our most recent client reviews, click here.

Our Downtown Los Angeles Office is conveniently located at 626 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Let us help you pursue the best possible outcome in your felony DUI case.

Potential Penalties for a Felony DUI Conviction in Los Angeles

When someone is convicted of a felony DUI in LA, it can lead to severe consequences. Here’s what can happen:

• First, a felony DUI conviction often results in significant fines. These fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances of the case and any previous offenses. These fines can put a strain on finances and make it difficult to cover other expenses.

• Additionally, someone convicted of a felony DUI may be required to attend alcohol or drug education programs. These programs aim to educate individuals about the dangers of driving under the influence and help them make better choices in the future. Completing these programs can be time-consuming and may require a financial investment as well.

• Furthermore, a felony DUI conviction often results in probation. During probation, the person must follow specific rules that the court sets, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, abstaining from alcohol or drugs, and avoiding further legal trouble. Violating probation can lead to additional convictions and penalties, including jail time.

• Lastly, in some cases, a felony DUI conviction can result in jail or prison time. The sentence length depends upon factors like the severity of the offense, any prior criminal history, and whether there were any injuries or fatalities involved.

Potential Administrative Penalties and Collateral Consequences for a Felony DUI Conviction in Los Angeles

A felony DUI conviction in Los Angeles frequently comes with various administrative penalties and collateral consequences:

• Administrative penalties often include the suspension or revocation of the individual’s driver’s license. This can severely limit their ability to travel independently and fulfill daily responsibilities, such as commuting to work or school. In Los Angeles, where public transportation may not always be reliable or accessible, losing driving privileges can be especially burdensome.

• Additionally, individuals convicted of felony DUI may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. This device requires the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before starting the car, effectively preventing them from driving under the influence. While intended to promote safety, having an IID installed can be embarrassing and stigmatizing for the individual.

• Furthermore, collateral consequences of a felony DUI conviction can extend to employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and a felony conviction can significantly diminish the chances of securing a job, especially in fields that require a clean criminal record. This can also lead to financial instability and hinder the individual’s ability to rebuild their life after serving their sentence.

• Moreover, housing options may be limited for individuals with a felony DUI conviction on their record. Landlords often perform background checks on prospective tenants, and a criminal record can make it challenging to find suitable housing.

• Additionally, individuals convicted of felony DUI may face social stigma and ostracization from their communities, and friends, family members, and acquaintances may distance themselves from the individual.

The skilled Los Angeles felony DUI lawyers at Rodriguez Law Group will work to decrease or eliminate the penalties and collateral consequences associated with one of these convictions.

Elements of a Los Angeles Felony DUI Charge

In Los Angeles, a felony DUI charge is a serious legal matter that involves several key elements.

• One of the primary elements of a felony DUI charge is the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This means that the individual must have been driving or in control of a vehicle at the time of the offense. Evidence of impairment, such as erratic driving, slurred speech, or failed field sobriety tests, is typically used to establish this element.

• Secondly, to elevate the charge to a felony level, certain aggravating factors must be present. These factors often include multiple prior DUI convictions within a certain timeframe, causing serious bodily injury or death while driving under the influence, or driving with a suspended or revoked license due to a prior DUI conviction. These aggravating factors increase the severity of the offense and carry harsher penalties.

• Another crucial element of a felony DUI charge is establishing the accused individual’s (defendant’s) blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of their arrest. In Los Angeles, the legal limit for BAC is typically 0.08 percent for individuals of legal drinking age who are operating a non-commercial vehicle. However, for commercial drivers and individuals under the age of 21, lower BAC limits may apply. Evidence of a BAC above the legal limit, usually obtained through breath or blood tests, is used to support the DUI charge.

• Furthermore, prosecutors must prove that the defendant’s impairment was a direct result of consuming alcohol or drugs. This may involve presenting evidence of alcohol consumption, such as witness testimony, open containers in the vehicle, or the odor of alcohol on the defendant’s breath. In cases involving drug impairment, evidence such as drug paraphernalia, prescription medication, or blood test results may be used to establish this element.

Common Legal Defenses to a Felony DUI Charge in Los Angeles

Facing a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles is a serious matter that requires careful consideration of potential legal defenses. Several strategies can be employed to challenge the prosecution’s case and possibly achieve a favorable outcome.

• First, it’s important to examine the legality of the traffic stop and subsequent arrest. Law enforcement officers must have had reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull over the vehicle. If the stop was unlawful, any evidence obtained thereafter, such as a breathalyzer or field sobriety test results, may be deemed inadmissible in court.

• Additionally, the accuracy and reliability of the breathalyzer or BAC tests may be called into question. Factors such as improper calibration of testing equipment, mishandling of samples, or medical conditions affecting the defendant’s ability to accurately provide a breath sample may undermine the prosecution’s evidence.

• Moreover, challenging the officer’s observations and testimony regarding the defendant’s alleged impairment is another potential defense strategy. This can involve presenting evidence of alternative explanations for observed behavior, such as fatigue, illness, or medication side effects.

• Furthermore, if the defendant was not properly informed of their Miranda rights during the arrest process, any statements made to law enforcement officers may be suppressed as involuntary or coerced.

• In some cases, the defense may also argue that the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, such as unlawful search and seizure or denial of access to legal counsel.

• Another avenue for defense may involve demonstrating that the defendant was not actually operating the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense. This may be relevant in cases where the defendant was found in or near the vehicle but was not observed driving.

• Additionally, if there are discrepancies or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence or witness testimony, the defense may use these to cast doubt on the reliability of the case against the defendant.

The Los Angeles felony DUI lawyers at Rodriguez Law Group can determine if any of these defenses are applicable to your case, and if so, present the proper arguments at trial.

Availability of Plea Deals in a Los Angeles Felony DUI Case

In Los Angeles, individuals facing felony DUI charges may have the option to negotiate plea deals with the prosecution. A plea deal, also known as a plea bargain, involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty or no contest to lesser charges or reduced penalties in exchange for concessions from the prosecution.

The availability of plea deals in felony DUI cases can vary depending upon several factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s case, the defendant’s criminal history, and the specific circumstances of the offense.

In some cases, the prosecution may offer a plea deal to resolve the case more efficiently and avoid the time and expense of a trial. This may involve reducing the charge from a felony DUI to a misdemeanor or offering a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

Additionally, plea deals may be influenced by mitigating factors, such as the defendant’s willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs, show remorse, or take proactive steps to address any underlying issues related to alcohol or substance abuse.

However, it’s important to note that not all felony DUI cases in LA are eligible for plea deals – especially if the offense resulted in serious injury or death or if the defendant has a history of prior DUI convictions.

The experienced Los Angeles felony DUI lawyers at Rodriguez Law Group can determine if a plea deal may be right for you. If so, we can negotiate with the prosecutor for a deal that is favorable to you and your case.

Steps to Take after a Felony DUI Arrest in Los Angeles

After a felony DUI arrest in Los Angeles, taking important steps can help protect your rights and build a strong defense:

• Seek Legal Representation – Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney experienced in Los Angeles DUI cases immediately. At Rodriguez Law Group, we can provide guidance on navigating the legal process and aggressively advocate on your behalf.

• Know Your Rights – Understand your legal rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Avoid making any statements to law enforcement without your attorney present.

• Document Details – Write down everything you remember about the events leading up to and following your arrest, including interactions with law enforcement officers, any field sobriety tests administered, and the conditions at the time of your arrest.

• Gather Evidence – Collect any relevant evidence, such as witness statements, photographs of the scene, and documentation of any medical conditions or medications that can affect breathalyzer results.

• Attend Court Dates – Attend all scheduled court appearances and follow any instructions from your attorney. Failing to appear in court can result in additional legal consequences.

• Avoid Further Incrimination – Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney and avoid posting about it on social media, as anything you say may be used against you in court.

By taking these important steps after a felony DUI arrest, you can position yourself for the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact a Los Angeles Felony DUI Lawyer Today

The legal team at Rodriguez Law Group can aggressively defend you against a felony DUI charge and pursue the best possible result on your behalf.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a reputable Los Angeles criminal defense law firm, please call us at (213) 995-6767 or contact us online.