Citrus Heights Felony DUI Lawyer

Serious Felony DUI Charges Need Serious Defense

A felony DUI charge can upend your life in an instant. One arrest can put your freedom, your driver’s license, and your future at risk, especially if there are prior DUIs or an accident with injuries involved. If you are facing this kind of case in or around Citrus Heights, you are likely worried about what happens next and how to protect yourself.

At Walsh Law, we defend people accused of serious crimes, including felony-level drunk driving cases. Our firm is led by attorney Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney with more than 19 years in criminal law and over 100 jury trials. We draw on that background to see your case from both sides and to build a defense that is grounded in how prosecutors actually think.

We intentionally keep our caseload limited, so when you call us about a felony DUI, your situation receives the attention it deserves. Our goal is to guide you through the court and DMV process, shoulder as much of the burden as we can, and work toward the strongest outcome the facts allow.

Call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Felony DUI?

In California, most DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors. However, certain circumstances elevate a DUI to a felony. A felony DUI typically involves aggravating factors such as prior DUI convictions, injuries to others, or extremely dangerous driving behavior.

A felony DUI charge means the case will be handled in felony court, exposing you to significantly harsher consequences than a standard DUI. A conviction can impact your freedom, career, professional licenses, and future opportunities.

Common Types of Felony DUI in California

California law recognizes several scenarios where a DUI may be charged as a felony. Some of the most common types include:

Felony DUI with Prior Convictions

If you have three or more prior DUI convictions within 10 years, a new DUI offense may be charged as a felony—even if no one was injured. Prior convictions can include DUI, wet reckless, or out-of-state DUI equivalents.

DUI Causing Injury

A DUI becomes a felony if someone other than the driver suffers an injury as a result of the incident. These cases are often charged under California Vehicle Code §23153 and may involve allegations of negligence or reckless conduct.

DUI Manslaughter

If a DUI accident results in a fatality, the driver may face charges such as DUI manslaughter or gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. These are among the most serious DUI-related offenses and carry lengthy prison sentences.

Felony DUI Due to Prior Felony DUI

If you were previously convicted of a felony DUI and are arrested again for DUI, the new offense can automatically be charged as a felony, even without injuries or additional aggravating factors.

Penalties for Felony DUI

The penalties for a felony DUI in California are severe and depend on the specific charges, prior record, and whether injuries or deaths were involved. Potential consequences may include:

• State prison sentences ranging from 16 months to several years
• County jail time in certain felony DUI cases
• Fines and penalty assessments totaling thousands of dollars
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation, often for multiple years
• Mandatory DUI programs and substance abuse treatment
• Formal probation or parole
• Restitution to injured victims
• Designation as a convicted felon, which can affect employment, housing, and firearm rights

Because felony DUI penalties are so harsh, having a skilled Citrus Heights felony DUI lawyer advocating on your behalf can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

How a Citrus Heights Felony DUI Lawyer Can Help

Felony DUI cases are complex and often rely on scientific evidence, police procedures, and witness testimony. At Walsh Law, we take a strategic and detail-oriented approach to every felony DUI defense, which may include:

• Reviewing the legality of the traffic stop or DUI checkpoint
• Challenging breathalyzer or blood test accuracy
• Examining whether your constitutional rights were violated
• Analyzing causation in injury-related DUI cases
• Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or sentencing alternatives
• Preparing a strong defense for trial when necessary

Early legal representation is especially important in felony DUI cases, as evidence must be preserved and deadlines must be met quickly.

Felony DUI FAQs

Is felony DUI a strike offense in California?

Some felony DUI convictions, particularly those involving serious injury or death, may qualify as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. This can dramatically increase future sentencing exposure.

Can a felony DUI be reduced to a misdemeanor?

In certain situations, yes. An experienced Citrus Heights felony DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduction depending on the facts of the case, prior record, and available evidence.

Will I lose my driver’s license after a felony DUI arrest?

Yes, felony DUI arrests often trigger both criminal court penalties and administrative license actions by the DMV. You typically have only 10 days to request a DMV hearing after an arrest.

How long does a felony DUI stay on my record?

A felony DUI conviction generally remains on your criminal record permanently unless it is reduced, expunged, or otherwise modified under California law.

Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?

It is strongly advised that you speak with a lawyer before making any statements to law enforcement. Anything you say can be used against you in a felony DUI case.

Why Trust Our Team With a Felony DUI Case

When you are dealing with a felony DUI, you cannot afford to guess about your lawyer’s experience. You need to know who will be standing between you and the district attorney. At Walsh Law, your defense is led by Chris Walsh, who previously served as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties. He has personally tried more than 100 jury trials, many of them serious and complex felonies.

That prosecutorial background matters in felony DUI cases. We understand how the district attorney evaluates blood or breath test results, prior convictions, and allegations of injury. We know what arguments typically persuade a jury and which weaknesses prosecutors worry about when they are deciding how far to push a case. We use that insight to examine police reports, lab records, and prior history for pressure points that can change the direction of your case.

Our firm focuses entirely on criminal defense, and we have handled every type of criminal charge from A to Z, including high-profile homicides and other high-stakes matters. We deliberately accept a limited number of cases so we have the time to dig into the details of each felony DUI, rather than pushing quick resolutions just to move files. Clients come to us during some of the hardest moments in their lives, and we respond with white-glove service and a blue-collar attitude. That means careful preparation, direct and honest advice, and a willingness to contest a case as far as necessary, even when things get tough.

To talk with our team about a felony DUI case and learn how we can help, call (916) 610-3558.