San Diego Felony DUI Lawyer

Our team has extensive experience defending DUI cases in San Diego. We’ll scrutinize every aspect of your case to protect your rights and driving privileges.

San Diego Felony DUI Defense

A felony DUI charge isn’t just serious—it’s life-changing.

As San Diego’s top defense firm, we bring the experience and commitment needed to fight for your freedom. With us, you’ll get a defense strategy built to challenge every angle of the case against you.

This is about protecting your future, and we’re here to make sure you have a powerful team in your corner, ready to stand up for your rights from day one.

Contact David P. Shapiro, Criminal Defense Attorneys, and schedule your consultation today.

When a DUI Becomes a Felony

The majority of DUIs are charged as misdemeanors in California—certain situations trigger a felony charge:

• Fourth DUI Within 10 Years: If you’ve been convicted of three prior DUIs in the past decade, a fourth offense can be charged as a felony.
• Prior Felony DUI Conviction: Any subsequent DUI after a prior felony DUI conviction will also be charged as a felony.
• DUI Causing Injury: If your impaired driving leads to an accident where another person is injured, the charge can be elevated to a felony under California Vehicle Code 23513.
• DUI Causing Death: A DUI resulting in a fatal accident can lead to severe charges, including vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder, known as a Watson murder.

Potential Penalties for Felony DUI in California

Penalties for felony DUI offenses vary, but they are significantly harsher than those for misdemeanor DUIs. Here’s a breakdown of potential sentences:

• Fourth or Successive DUI (in 10 years): 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
• DUI Following a Felony DUI Conviction: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
• DUI Causing Injury (VC 23513): 16 months, , 2, or 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000, or up to 1 year in jail if charged as a misdemeanor.
• Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated (PC 191.5(b)): 16 months, 2 years, or 4 years in state prison l and fines up to $10,000, or up to 1 year in jail if charged as a misdemeanor.
• Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated (PC 191.5(a)): 4, 6, or 10 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Watson Murder (DUI Second-Degree Murder): 15 years to life in state prison and fines up to $10,000.

At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand that this is more than just a “case”—it’s your life. That’s why we fight to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome possible, so you can move forward with confidence.

Building Your DUI Defense Strategy

Each felony DUI case requires a carefully crafted defense strategy based on the specific circumstances. Our attorneys may challenge:

• The legality of the traffic stop
• Blood alcohol testing procedures
• Chain of custody for evidence
• Field sobriety test administration
• Officer observations and testimony
• Medical conditions that may have affected testing

We understand that good people sometimes find themselves in difficult situations. Our approach focuses on protecting your rights while working toward the best possible resolution for your case.

Save Your California Driver’s License After DUI

If you’ve been arrested for felony DUI, you face two separate but equally important proceedings – your criminal case and a DMV administrative action against your license.

You only have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended, regardless of what happens in your criminal case. The DMV hearing is your opportunity to:

• Challenge the suspension of your driving privileges
• Present evidence in your defense
• Cross-examine the arresting officer
• Keep your license valid while your case is pending

Having an experienced DUI defense attorney handle both aspects of your case can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and working toward the best possible outcome. At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand the interplay between DMV proceedings and criminal court, and we can guide you through both processes while protecting your interests.

Why Choose David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys?

Our firm provides:

• Extensive experience handling felony DUI cases
• In-depth knowledge of California DUI laws
• Strategic defense planning
• Clear communication throughout your case
• Dedication to achieving optimal results
• Respect and compassion for our clients

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future.

Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.

The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.