Bakersfield Felony DUI Lawyer

Bakersfield Felony DUI Attorney

Before you hire a Bakersfield felony DUI lawyer, it can be helpful to know a bit more about what is considered a DUI in California, as well as how it can become a felony charge. DUI is an abbreviation for “driving under the influence.” This includes operating any kind of vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In California, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for those considered legally old enough to drink alcohol is 0.08%. If you are younger than the legal drinking age, it is illegal for you to have consumed any alcohol at all, which means that you can be charged with a DUI for any detectable amount of alcohol. In addition to this, a BAC level of 0.15% or more may lead to felony charges if you are convicted.

California Statistics

In Bakersfield, CA, felony DUI charges typically arise when a driver causes injury or death, or if it is their fourth DUI offense within 10 years. Such charges carry severe penalties including state prison time, license suspension, fines, restitution, and mandatory treatment programs. The Kern County District Attorney aggressively prosecutes these cases, especially when injuries are involved, often leading to felony DUI or vehicular manslaughter charges. Recent enforcement efforts by CHP and local agencies have resulted in over 1,100 DUI arrests since April 2024, highlighting the region’s focus on reducing impaired driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one drunk driving-related death occurs approximately every 45 minutes in the United States. With just over 96,000 DUI arrests in 2022, California is currently the most prolific state when it comes to handling DUI cases. This just goes to show how seriously state officials take the safety of their drivers, as well as upholding state-appointed driving laws.

There is a lot at risk when someone is driving under the influence, so California believes that the penalty for such a conviction ought to mirror the severity of said risks. If you are found guilty of a DUI, you may be required to pay roughly $10,000 in fines and fees, even for a first-time offense. Your license may also be revoked or at least suspended.

What Makes a DUI a Felony in California?

While there are a wide variety of mitigating factors that can turn a misdemeanor DUI into a felony one, some are more prevalent than others. Here are a few examples of what can lead to classifying DUI charges as a felony:

• Felony DUI that leads to injury: DUIs that cause injury can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, making it what is known as a “wobbler.” Past DUIs and additional factors, such as the presence of a minor during the time of the accident, can turn what may have been a misdemeanor into felony charges.
• Felony DUI that leads to death: This kind of DUI is considered vehicular manslaughter and can be bumped up to “gross vehicular manslaughter” if the intoxicated driver is determined to be grossly negligent.
• Felony DUI with multiple priors: If you are arrested for a DUI and it is discovered that you have past DUI convictions on your record, you may end up being charged with a felony DUI instead of just a misdemeanor.

Why May I Benefit From the Help of a Bakersfield Felony DUI Lawyer?

Being convicted of a DUI can have a long-lasting impact on your life. Not only could you face potential jail time, but your license could be revoked, and your record may end up with a permanent mark. This can make it harder to get jobs, especially ones that involve driving and can have a direct impact on your sense of confidence and freedom.

Whether you are innocent or guilty of the felony DUI you have been charged with, you have a right to legal representation, as well as a fair trial. A Bakersfield felony DUI lawyer from the Law Office of Victor Nasser can help protect you from confirmation bias and unjust court proceedings, all the while defending you in a court of law. They will also be able to prepare you for your trial, which will most likely take place at the Kern County Superior Court, Metropolitan Division. Contact Attorney Victor Nasser today for legal guidance.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer in California?

A: The final cost of a felony DUI lawyer tends to vary based on how long your case takes, how complex it is, and who you choose to hire to represent you. At the Law Office of Victor Nasser, you will find that our attorney works hard to help you walk away with results that you feel are worthy of the money and time you spend.

Q: How Much Prison Time Will I Serve If Convicted of a Felony DUI in California?

A: If you are convicted of a felony DUI in California, you could end up facing several years in state prison, as well as hefty monetary fines. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you enlist the assistance of a Bakersfield felony DUI lawyer right away, as they could help you avoid the more severe charges, as well as work to ensure that you have a fair trial.

Q: What Is the Right Defense for a DUI in California?

A: There are different types of defenses that your lawyer can present to plant a reasonable doubt, including but not limited to questioning whether or not the tools used to determine your BAC at the time of your arrest were faulty, as well as whether or not law enforcement had just cause to pull you over.

Q: How Long Will My DUI Case Take to Resolve in California?

A: Each case is unique, and so the amount of time your DUI case takes to resolve in California tends to reflect this fact. The level of complexity, the business of your local courthouse, and the intensity of your case can all impact how much time it takes to receive a verdict. Hiring a felony DUI lawyer can help your timeline significantly, as your lawyer will be able to protect you from potential setbacks and missteps.

Get More Information Today

Everyone makes mistakes, and facing the consequences of our actions can be incredibly overwhelming and isolating, especially if we try to do so all alone. Instead of shouldering the burden of a felony DUI case by yourself, enlist the skillful assistance of a Bakersfield felony DUI lawyer.

When you hire a lawyer from the Law Office of Victor Nasser, you are essentially shoring up your case. Your lawyer will be able to help you prepare a compelling defense that factors in your side of the story. We will also walk alongside you as you navigate the various emotional and administrative challenges that may come up in your case. One mistake does not need to define the rest of your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.