Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge that prosecutors across California and especially in Orange County fight hard against. Whether a DUI is a misdemeanor or felony and whether it adds a strike depends on the situation. Since there are so many factors at play, you need an Orange County DUI defense attorney who can find the best way to help you case.
Is DUI in California a Felony?
First, you have to find out whether a DUI in California comes with a misdemeanor or felony charge. Under Vehicle Code 23152, driving under the influence of any substance that impacts ability to drive or having a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher is cause for a DUI charge.
In most cases, a DUI is not a felony. However, it can become one if driving under the influence caused an accident in which someone was seriously injured or killed. The prosecution ultimately makes the decision of whether to put felony or misdemeanor charges on these types of DUI cases.
Is a Felony DUI in California a Three Strikes Offense?
Not all DUI charges are felonies in California. Plus, not all felony DUI convictions count as strikes. Only serious or violent felonies are three strikes offenses. Generally, if someone died in an accident, the case is more likely to have felony charges and become a strike. Additionally, if you had a former felony DUI charge that was a strike, subsequent charges may also become felonies and additional strikes.
Why Does Having a Three Strikes Offense Matter?
Having strikes on your record for any reason can dramatically increase your sentence, if convicted, of a felony. Consequently, you will want to have help with any type of legal charges against you, especially felony ones. Steven K. Bloom is an Orange County defense lawyer who has helped numerous people with prior three-strikes convictions avoid getting additional strikes from their current charges.
Connect with an Orange County DUI and Three Strikes Defense Attorney with Experience
If you have a DUI charge, you could face a potential strike if the prosecution decides to charge it as a serious felony. Get legal counsel from an Orange County lawyer with both three strikes and DUI experience, Steven K. Bloom. Contact The Law Office of Steven K. Bloom for a consultation on your DUI in California charge. You don’t have to face the legal system without help. Steven K. Bloom can provide you with the quality legal assistance, advice, and defense you deserve.
Sources
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/public_defender/strikes.html
https://skbesq.com/three-strikes-law/
https://skbesq.com/dui-vehicle-violation/
