Defense for DUI Charges Involving Injury in Riverside County
A DUI charge is serious, but when it involves injury to another person, the legal consequences increase significantly. If you have been arrested for DUI causing injury in Riverside, CA, you could be facing felony charges, extended jail or prison time, and thousands of dollars in fines. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can follow you for the rest of your life.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, our DUI with injury lawyers in Riverside, CA represent individuals charged with driving under the influence resulting in injury throughout Riverside County. We understand the high stakes involved in these cases and provide aggressive, strategic legal representation to protect your rights and fight for your future.
What Is a DUI with Injury in California?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, it is a crime to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cause bodily injury to another person. This can include other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, or anyone else who may be harmed in an accident related to the DUI. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that:
- You were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both
- You broke another traffic law or acted negligently while driving
- Your actions caused bodily injury to another person
These charges are typically filed as “wobblers,” meaning they can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances of the case and your criminal history.
Common Scenarios Leading to DUI with Injury Charges
Not all DUI with injury cases involve extreme recklessness or malicious intent. Many arise from routine situations that quickly escalate following an accident. Common examples include:
- Rear-ending another vehicle while under the influence
- Losing control of your car and hitting a pedestrian or cyclist
- Driving through an intersection and causing a collision
- Involvement in a multi-car accident resulting in injuries to multiple parties
Even minor injuries can lead to criminal charges, especially if police or prosecutors believe your intoxication played a role in the incident. The presence of drugs, alcohol, or both at the scene can result in a rapid escalation of charges.
Penalties for DUI with Injury in Riverside, CA
The penalties for a DUI with injury conviction vary depending on whether the case is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Factors influencing the severity of the charge include the number of victims, the extent of injuries, and whether the defendant has prior DUI convictions.
Misdemeanor DUI with Injury penalties may include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines between $390 and $5,000
- Restitution to victims for medical bills and other losses
- Mandatory DUI education programs
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation of 3 to 5 years
Felony DUI with Injury penalties may include:
- 16 months to 4 years in state prison
- An additional 1 to 3 years in prison for each person injured
- Fines and restitution
- A formal probation sentence
- License revocation for several years
- Habitual Traffic Offender status
A felony DUI with injury conviction is considered a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, which can lead to enhanced sentencing for future offenses.
How Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration Can Help
Our Riverside DUI with injury lawyers are experienced in defending complex DUI cases involving allegations of harm. These cases require more than just knowledge of DUI law. They demand a deep understanding of accident reconstruction, toxicology, and how to challenge the assumptions made by law enforcement. We build strong defenses by:
- Reviewing police reports and accident scene evidence
- Challenging the validity and administration of field sobriety and chemical tests
- Evaluating the conduct of officers during the investigation
- Consulting experts in toxicology or accident reconstruction
- Examining whether the alleged injury was caused by the DUI or other external factors
- Negotiating to reduce charges or seek alternative sentencing
Our goal is to identify any flaws in the prosecution’s case and use those weaknesses to protect your rights, limit the penalties, or dismiss the charges entirely.
Local Knowledge of Riverside County Courts
DUI with injury cases in Riverside are handled by the Superior Court of Riverside County. Each courthouse has its own procedures, and every judge may view DUI cases differently. Our attorneys have significant experience in:
- Riverside Hall of Justice
- Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta
- Larson Justice Center in Indio
- Corona Courthouse
We serve clients throughout the region, including Riverside, Eastvale, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Perris, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, and Temecula. Our familiarity with the local court system allows us to provide strategic and efficient legal defense tailored to the courtroom where your case will be heard.
DMV License Suspension and DUI with Injury
In addition to criminal charges, you will also face administrative consequences with the Department of Motor Vehicles. After your arrest, the DMV will attempt to suspend your driver’s license unless you request a hearing within 10 days.
Our attorneys represent clients at DMV hearings to challenge the suspension of their driving privileges. We understand the importance of maintaining your ability to work and care for your family, and we fight to help you keep your license whenever possible.
Long-Term Consequences of a DUI with Injury Conviction
A conviction for DUI with injury has implications that go far beyond the courtroom. It may appear on background checks, affect your employment prospects, and result in higher insurance premiums. If charged as a felony, it can impact your civil rights, including the right to vote or possess firearms.
A conviction can also complicate immigration matters for non-citizens, including visa renewals, green card applications, and naturalization. As a firm that also handles immigration cases, we provide a comprehensive approach for clients who may face collateral consequences.
Why Choose Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration
Our law firm is dedicated to defending individuals accused of DUI and related charges in Riverside and throughout Southern California. We take a personalized approach to every case and understand the importance of quick action, detailed investigation, and clear communication. When you work with us, you can expect:
- A strong defense backed by experience and results
- Honest guidance based on your unique legal situation
- Access to experts in medicine, toxicology, and accident analysis
- A commitment to reducing or eliminating the charges against you
- Complete representation from arrest to final resolution
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI with Injury in Riverside
Is a DUI with injury a felony in California?
It can be. DUI with injury is a wobbler offense in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.
How long can you go to jail for a DUI with injury?
A misdemeanor DUI with injury can result in up to 1 year in county jail. A felony conviction can lead to 16 months to 4 years in prison, with additional time if multiple victims were injured.
What if the other driver caused the accident?
If the accident was primarily caused by another driver’s negligence, that can be a valid defense to DUI with injury charges. Your attorney can argue that even if you were under the influence, your actions did not directly cause the injuries.
Can a DUI with injury be reduced to a lesser charge?
Yes, depending on the facts of your case, a skilled DUI attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction to a misdemeanor DUI without injury or even a wet reckless charge. This typically involves negotiating with the prosecutor or challenging key evidence.
Speak with a Riverside DUI with Injury Lawyer Today
If you are facing DUI charges involving injury in Riverside, you need experienced legal representation right away. These cases move quickly, and the penalties can be severe. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we are ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for your freedom.
Call us today at 909-773-2356 to schedule your free consultation with a Riverside DUI with injury lawyer. Let us review your case and explain how we can help you take the next step toward resolving your charges.