California Felony DUI Defense Attorney | San Diego DUI Offense Lawyer

California Felony DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer

California Felony DUI law provides that it is unlawful for any person, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to drive a vehicle and (1) do any act forbidden by law, or (2) neglect any duty imposed by law that proximately causes injury to another. In today's world felony DUI is one of the most serious charges addressed by the judicial system.

In defending one charged with a felony DUI, an attorney must be prepared to exhaust every possible defense, and stand up firmly by his client, communicating a long and impressive list of reasons why it would not benefit the ends of justice to send an individual to state prison. This is the most valuable work that a DUI defense attorney can perform.

The court procedures in a felony DUI case are different from those in a misdemeanor case in a number of very significant respects, and as a general rule, the client must be present in court at all stages of the proceedings.

With state prison as a possible direct consequence of a felony DUI conviction, the stakes involved are incredibly high. There are a number of important variables involved that can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. What is at stake could range widely from five days in jail, or a non-custodial alternative, to state prison for three or more years, depending upon the facts of the case.

Throughout a case, San Diego DUI defense attorney Mark R. De Yoe will keep his client advised as to the work he is performing and all future dates. San Diego Drunk driving attorney Mark R. De Yoe will fight to save one's license and to keep them out of state prison.

Due to its severe custody component, felony DUI offenses are some of the most sensitive cases there are. In the some cases, there are recognized alternatives to custody. Call Mark R. De Yoe at 619-237-0555 for a valuable free initial consultation to learn more about the defense of felony DUI.

The possible punishments and consequences of a felony (injury) DUI are summarized in the current Superior Court of San Diego County DUI Addendum below. [In addition to the below-indicated fines, the law requires the court to add penalty assessments that substantially increase the amount one must pay. Note: Sentence can be enhanced if more than one victim.]
Offense	Minimum and Maximum Sentences When Probation is Granted	Minimum and Maximum Sentences Without Probation
First Offense Within 10 Years	5 days to one year in jail, a $390 to $1,000 fine, and completion of a 3-month alcohol/drug treatment program (or 9 month program if blood alcohol content was .20 or more, or if chemical test refused). The DMV will impose a one year driver's license suspension.	16 months, or two or three years in state prison (or 90 days to one year in county jail); and a $390 to $1,000 fine. The DMV will impose a one year driver's license suspension.

To learn more about the defense of a felony DUI, call The Law Office of Mark De Yoe at 619-237-0555 in San Diego for a free initial consultation with an experienced San Diego DUI/DWI attorney.