Defending Clients Facing Felony DUI Charges in Riverside County
If you have been charged with a felony DUI in Riverside, CA, your freedom, your future, and your reputation are on the line. Felony DUI charges are far more serious than a misdemeanor offense, and a conviction can result in long-term prison time, the loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record. The consequences are especially severe if your case involves repeat offenses, injury to another person, or allegations of gross negligence.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we understand what is at stake. Our felony DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA provide aggressive and strategic legal representation to clients facing the harshest DUI-related charges under California law. With extensive experience in both the courtroom and DMV hearings, our team works to reduce or eliminate charges, protect your rights, and help you move forward.
When Is a DUI Charged as a Felony in California?
Most DUIs in California are charged as misdemeanors. However, several factors can escalate a DUI into a felony offense. You can be charged with a felony DUI in Riverside under the following conditions:
- You have three or more prior DUI charges or reckless convictions within the past 10 years
- You have previously been convicted of felony DUI
- The DUI caused serious bodily injury or death to another person
- The DUI involved gross negligence or reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding or fleeing the scene
If any of these apply to your case, you are at risk of facing a felony conviction. This level of charge requires an experienced legal defense tailored to the severity of the allegations and the unique details of your situation.
Penalties for Felony DUI in Riverside, CA
Felony DUI penalties in Riverside County are among the most severe in California’s criminal justice system. If convicted, you could face the following consequences:
- State prison sentence ranging from 16 months to 4 years
- Fines of up to $5,000, not including court fees and penalties
- License revocation for up to 4 years or more
- Formal probation or parole
- Enrollment in an 18 to 30-month DUI education program
- Designation as a habitual traffic offender (HTO)
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
- Permanent criminal record, which may affect employment and housing opportunities
If the DUI resulted in great bodily injury or a fatality, additional sentencing enhancements can apply, including potential charges of vehicular manslaughter or second-degree murder under the Watson rule.
Felony DUI Involving Injury or Death
In many felony DUI cases, the prosecution alleges that the defendant’s actions caused serious bodily harm to another person. When injury is involved, prosecutors may pursue charges under California Vehicle Code Section 23153. Penalties increase substantially, and prison time can extend up to 10 years depending on the severity of injuries and the number of victims. If the DUI resulted in a fatality, you could be charged with:
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- Gross vehicular manslaughter
- Second-degree murder (Watson murder), which applies if you have prior DUI convictions and were warned about the risks of impaired driving
These cases are among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Riverside County. Legal representation is critical from the moment of arrest.
Building a Strong Felony DUI Defense
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every felony DUI case is unique and requires a detailed investigation, a clear understanding of the facts, and a strategic defense plan. Our Riverside felony DUI lawyers build strong defenses based on the following elements:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Examining the accuracy of breath, blood, or urine tests
- Investigating whether police followed proper arrest procedures
- Disputing causation in injury or fatality cases
- Evaluating whether your prior convictions are valid or admissible
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, toxicologists, and medical professionals to challenge the prosecution’s evidence
Whether we are negotiating a reduction to a misdemeanor DUI or preparing your case for trial, our goal is to secure the best possible result.
Local Experience in Riverside County DUI Courts
Felony DUI cases in Riverside County are heard in the Superior Court, with hearings often held at the Riverside Hall of Justice or the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. Our attorneys are familiar with local court procedures, judges, and prosecutorial strategies. We have successfully defended clients in felony DUI cases throughout Riverside County and surrounding areas, including:
- Riverside
- Corona
- Eastvale
- Norco
- Moreno Valley
- Perris
- Jurupa Valley
- Lake Elsinore
- Temecula
- Hemet
- San Jacinto
- Chino Hills
No matter where your arrest took place, our team is ready to step in and help.
DMV Consequences of Felony DUI
In addition to criminal penalties, felony DUI arrests in Riverside typically trigger an administrative process with the California DMV. This process is separate from the court proceedings and focuses solely on your driving privileges.
After your arrest, you have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Failure to request a hearing will result in your license being suspended, even if you are later found not guilty in court.
Our attorneys represent clients in both DMV hearings and criminal court, ensuring a unified and aggressive approach to protecting your license and your legal rights.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Felony DUI charges are not only serious, they are life-changing. A conviction can result in extended prison time, permanent loss of driving privileges, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation, including the revocation or suspension of professional licenses. The legal system is not designed to give you the benefit of the doubt without a fight. Having a skilled and experienced defense attorney can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we offer:
- Decades of combined DUI defense experience
- Knowledge of Riverside County courts and prosecutors
- Thorough case preparation and investigation
- Responsive, client-focused communication
- Proven strategies tailored to serious felony DUI cases
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony DUI in Riverside
What makes a DUI a felony in California?
A DUI becomes a felony in California if it is your fourth offense within 10 years, if someone was seriously injured or killed, or if you have a prior felony DUI conviction. Felony DUIs carry much harsher penalties than misdemeanors and require a strong legal defense.
Can a felony DUI be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, a felony DUI may be reduced to a misdemeanor through a plea agreement or successful defense strategy. Factors that may support a reduction include lack of prior convictions, minimal damage, or procedural issues during the arrest.
Will I go to prison for a felony DUI in Riverside?
A felony DUI conviction can lead to a state prison sentence, especially if it involves injury or a prior record. However, with the help of an experienced DUI lawyer, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing or a reduction in penalties.
How long will a felony DUI stay on my record?
A felony DUI will remain on your criminal record permanently unless it is expunged, which may be possible in some cases. The conviction can affect employment, housing, and your ability to obtain professional licenses.
Contact a Riverside Felony DUI Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with felony DUI in Riverside or anywhere in Riverside County, time is critical. Prosecutors will aggressively pursue a conviction, and the penalties can be life-altering. Do not face these charges alone.
Call Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration at 909-773-2356 today to schedule a free consultation. Let our experienced felony DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA fight to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.