Even though the public recognizes that consuming alcohol affects a person’s judgment and coordination, many people get behind the wheel of their vehicle while they are still under the influence. Intoxication can also impair a person’s ability to assess risky situations, which may cause them to mistakenly believe that they can operate a motor vehicle safely on the way home from a party or bar. Unfortunately, driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol can lead to serious and severe outcomes. According to recently released data, DUI driving accidents are responsible for approximately 11,000 deaths every year (and roughly one-third of all traffic-related deaths). Since the potential harm caused by impaired driving is significant, the California criminal justice system imposes severe penalties on individuals convicted of DUI offenses. While many first-time DUI offenders are charged with a misdemeanor DUI crime, there are times when prosecutors may seek a felony DUI charge. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI charge in Los Angeles County, it’s essential that you enlist the guidance of a highly qualified and experienced DUI defense attorney who will work hard to keep your future as bright as possible. This post will explore the penalties for DUI convictions, especially the collateral consequences that may carry long-ranging effects well after the legal penalties have concluded.
DUI Conviction Consequences in Los Angeles County
First, it’s important to understand the potential legal consequences for DUI convictions in Los Angeles County. In California, DUI conviction penalties include possible jail time, costly fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and other legal consequences. The penalties vary depending on the nature of the charges you are facing and whether or not you have previous DUI convictions on your record.
Understanding Misdemeanor DUI Charges
If this incident is the first time that you have been arrested for driving while impaired, you will likely face a misdemeanor DUI charge. In order to be charged with a misdemeanor DUI offense, it must be a first, second, or third DUI within the last ten years, and you must be able to show that you have no prior felony DUI convictions on your record. Moreover, misdemeanor DUI charges only apply to incidents in which no one was injured as a result of your intoxicated or impaired behavior behind the wheel. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI offense in Los Angeles County, you may be sentenced to up to one year in jail (six months for a first offense), probation for three to five years, costly fines, mandatory participation in alcohol and drug education courses, the suspension of your driver’s license, or a court-mandate installation of an interlock ignition device. It’s important to recognize that you have the right to work with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney who can assess the specific details of your case and determine the most strategic path forward to help you obtain a fair and favorable outcome.
Navigating a Felony DUI Criminal Conviction in Los Angeles County
If you are arrested for a DUI and you already have three previous DUI convictions within the last ten years, you can expect to face a felony charge for the latest incident. Alternatively, if you have a prior felony DUI conviction on your record, any subsequent DUI charge will be considered a felony offense. Any DUI incident that causes injury to someone other than the driver can be charged as a felony DUI crime. Moreover, California recognizes certain sentencing enhancements that can add additional jail time or criminal penalties in qualifying cases. For example, if you are intoxicated and you crash into another vehicle and seriously injure three people, you may face an additional year in prison for each injured victim. It’s up to the court to determine the specific details of your sentence, which is why it’s essential to hire a skilled and experienced DUI defense attorney who will advocate for your best interests at every turn.
Long-Term Consequences of Felony DUI Convictions
Once you have completed the terms of your sentence for a felony DUI conviction, you will be ready to get back on your feet and move forward. However, the collateral consequences of a felony DUI conviction can present substantial challenges to your ability to resume your life where it left off before the incident. Having a felony DUI conviction on your criminal record will make it more difficult to look for employment and housing opportunities, as your criminal record will likely cause employers and landlords to think twice before hiring you or leasing you an apartment. Additionally, a DUI conviction license suspension can present transportation issues, as you may be forced to rely on public transit to take you to and from work. The collateral consequences of a felony DUI conviction may also include the possibility of losing a professional license, issues with child custody, problems with your immigration status, difficulty obtaining a loan, the loss of the right to own and use a firearm, and many other potential restrictions on your freedom and future.
How a Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you are concerned about the long-term ramifications of felony DUI convictions, consider reaching out to a knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can answer your questions, address your concerns, and assess every detail of your case to identify the most strategic path forward. For example, your DUI defense lawyer can uncover potential violations of your legal rights during your arrest and use these concerns to push for the dismissal of the charges or advocate for the reclassification of the charges from felony to misdemeanor. No matter what the unique circumstances of your case may be, keep your future as bright as possible by hiring a highly qualified and trusted criminal defense lawyer who will work hard to advocate for a fair and favorable outcome.
The highly qualified and experienced legal defense team at Wegman & Levin is ready to protect your best interests at every opportunity. If you are facing DUI charges in Los Angeles County, call (818) 980-4000 right away to arrange a free consultation with a dedicated and trusted criminal defense lawyer.
