Southern California Felony DUI

DUI - Felony vs. Misdemeanor

DUI offenses are categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on a variety of factors. A misdemeanor conviction will likely result in a lighter sentence whereas a felony conviction will result in much harsher punishment, especially when there is significant bodily harm. Drivers who have been involved in accidents are exposed to greater potential charges, particularly if the accident resulted in injury to a passenger or other party.

California Vehicle Code 23153 is the code section under which a felony DUI is charged. Section 23153 (a) reads: It is unlawful for any person, while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle and concurrently do any act forbidden by law, or neglect any duty imposed by law in driving the vehicle, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than the driver. Section 23153(b) reads: It is unlawful for any person, while having 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle and concurrently do any act forbidden by law, or neglect any duty imposed by law in driving the vehicle, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than the driver.

As the Vehicle Code states, you may be charged with a felony DUI if there was a certain type of bodily injury to a victim. For example, a minor soft tissue injury with mild discomfort is still considered a bodily injury, but one that is less severe compared to a fracture or major internal injury, which would yield much harsher punishments in the eyes of the law. Bodily injury spans a wide spectrum and often guides the prosecutor in the type of plea bargain they present to the Judge.

Experienced Felony DUI Attorneys Defend You

The experienced DUI attorneys at Hoffman & Associates proactively work to get felony DUI charges reduced to misdemeanors because the exposure to our client is dramatically different. We understand how critical it is to carefully review any accident reports or other evidence and determine a strategy to minimize the consequences of a felony DUI charge.

For example, our firm recently represented a client facing felony DUI charges due to the alleged injuries from an accident. We carefully evaluated the nature and extent of the soft tissue injury that was claimed and found it to be significantly less serious than how it was portrayed in the officer's summary in the police report. By obtaining all of the appropriate records, we were able to prove to the district attorney that the apparent injury to the victim was far less serious than initially documented by the officer. As a result, the prosecutor agreed to reduce the DUI charges to a simple misdemeanor, resulting in no jail time for the client.

While there are many strategies available for a DUI defense, only a knowledgeable felony DUI lawyer can fight to get your charge reduced to a misdemeanor or avoid a conviction entirely. Felony DUI is a serious charge, and one that can affect your career, education and your life. It pays to hire a qualified California DUI attorney so that you understand your options and what defenses are available defenses. There is no substitute for the help of a knowledgeable legal professional when you are facing DUI charges.

People make mistakes, but the DUI attorneys at Hoffman & Associates find ways to be proactive and demonstrate to the prosecutor and court that you are a good person and we fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact our offices today to schedule your phone or office consultation. Our DUI attorneys can represent you in Los Angeles, San Diego and courts throughout California.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts
★★★★★
My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin
★★★★★
Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown
★★★★★
I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.
★★★★★
I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez
★★★★★
Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.
★★★★★
Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.
★★★★★
I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.
★★★★★
I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.