Felony DUI Attorney in Chula Vista

Your Future Deserves Unmatched DUI Defense—We Are Ready to Help

If you are searching for a felony DUI attorney in Chula Vista, our team is here to offer honest guidance and a powerful defense from your first call to the final resolution. 

When your future is at stake, it matters to have a team that limits its practice to DUI defense and consistently delivers results for clients facing serious DUI allegations in Chula Vista and throughout San Diego County.

At The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos, we understand the urgency and pressure that come with facing felony DUI charges in Chula Vista. These cases affect people from all walks of life, especially professionals and those concerned about their future. 

With over 25 years of experience focused exclusively on DUI defense, we have become the region’s 'Gold Standard' for people who demand focused, strategic, and discreet legal representation.

Speak with a dedicated Chula Vista felony DUI lawyer for a free initial consultation. Contact the Law Offices of Casey & Angelos by calling (619) 930-5490 today, leveraging our experience as the founders of the National DUI Defense Lawyer’s Association.

Understanding Felony DUI Laws in California

California is one of the toughest states on impaired driving, and the laws governing Felony DUI offenses are designed to impose severe, mandatory penalties. A felony classification drastically increases the potential sentence and collateral consequences.

A DUI conviction, whether for alcohol or drugs, is elevated to a felony under these Vehicle Code statutes:

• Multiple Prior Offenses (VC § 23550.5): If you have three or more prior DUI convictions (misdemeanor or felony) within the preceding 10 years of your current offense date, the new offense is automatically charged as a felony.
• DUI Causing Injury (VC § 23153): This is the most common path. The offense requires the prosecution to prove:
  • The defendant drove under the influence or with a BAC of $0.08\%$ or higher.
  • While driving, the defendant committed a negligent act or violated a law.
  • That negligent act proximately caused bodily injury to another person.
• Prior Felony DUI Conviction: If you have any previous conviction for a felony DUI (e.g., DUI causing injury or a fourth offense), any subsequent DUI, regardless of whether it causes injury, can be charged as a felony.

The specific law under which you are charged determines the minimum sentence, which is why securing an expert Chula Vista felony DUI lawyer is non-negotiable.

Penalties of a Felony DUI Conviction in Chula Vista

A conviction for Felony DUI is irreversible and carries devastating, mandatory penalties that exceed those of any misdemeanor DUI, requiring the intervention of a skilled felony DUI defense attorney in Chula Vista.

Direct Consequences

• State Prison: Sentences typically range from 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison. If the injury is deemed "serious," additional, consecutive prison time can be added to the sentence.
• Vehicular Manslaughter/Murder: If the DUI caused a death, the penalties escalate to years in state prison or even life imprisonment (under the Watson Murder rule, Penal Code $\S 187$).
• Restitution: Mandatory, full financial restitution to the victim(s) for all medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.
• License Revocation: A lengthy driver's license suspension or revocation, often for four years or more.

Collateral Consequences

The secondary penalties are often permanent and life-altering:

• Strike Offense: A conviction for DUI causing serious injury or death is often considered a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law, significantly enhancing the sentence for any future felony conviction.
• Loss of Firearm Rights: A felony conviction results in the permanent loss of your right to own or possess firearms.
• Employment and Licensing: The felony record and required prison time often lead to the loss of professional licenses and permanent disqualification from many employment fields.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a felony DUI conviction can lead to mandatory deportation.

The California Criminal Defense Process for Felony DUI

A Felony DUI case in San Diego County is handled in Superior Court and requires a specialized defense strategy that begins with the critical 10-day DMV license suspension deadline.

• Immediate DMV Hearing Request: We immediately act within the 10-day deadline to request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing to contest the license suspension. This is a separate fight from the criminal case.
• Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, the prosecution must present evidence at a Preliminary Hearing to prove sufficient cause to hold the defendant for trial. We use this "mini-trial" to forcefully cross-examine key State witnesses (police, victim, percipient witnesses), locking in their testimony and exposing weaknesses in the case.
• Challenging Causation (VC § 23153): This is the core of an injury defense. We utilize accident reconstruction experts to prove the other driver or an environmental factor (not our client's negligence) was the proximate cause of the collision, negating the felony charge.
• Challenging BAC/Impairment: We scrutinize the accuracy of the blood or breath test, challenging the chain of custody, the calibration of the testing device, and the method of blood draw. Flaws in the chemical testing protocol can lead to the suppression of the BAC result.

Why Choose Us for Felony DUI Defense in Chula Vista

Serious charges demand experienced counsel. What sets us apart from the typical felony drunk driving attorney in Chula Vista is our exclusive focus on DUI cases. Since 1998, we have worked only in the field of DUI defense.

Attorney G. Cole Casey leads our team and is the only San Diego lawyer serving as faculty at the National College for DUI Defense. This unique position demonstrates our reputation and skill in this field. 

Our approach is selective. We accept cases where our involvement can make a real difference, providing personal attention and individualized defense strategies when it matters most.

Clients value our clear advice, our respect for privacy, and our strong reputation in the Chula Vista legal community. If you seek a felony drunk driving lawyer in Chula Vista who has earned the trust of both peers and the courts, our office is prepared to help.

Call (619) 930-5490 or fill out our online form now to consult with a felony DUI defense attorney in Chula Vista. Your initial consultation is free.