Los Angeles Felony DUI Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Representation for Serious DUI Charges in California

Most driving under the influence (DUI) cases in California are charged as misdemeanors. However, under certain circumstances, prosecutors in Los Angeles County can—and often do—file DUI cases as felonies.

A felony DUI conviction carries severe penalties that can permanently impact your freedom, career, immigration status, and future opportunities.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a felony DUI in Los Angeles, you need an experienced Los Angeles felony DUI defense lawyer immediately.

Early intervention can make the difference between prison time and a reduced or dismissed charge.

At Eisner Gorin LLP, our attorneys provide aggressive, strategic defense in the most serious DUI cases, including DUI with injury, repeat DUI offenses, and DUI-related felonies.

Schedule your consultation at (818) 781-1570 or contact us here.

What Makes a DUI a Felony in California?

A DUI becomes a felony under California law in two primary situations:

Fourth DUI or Prior Convictions

You may be charged with a felony DUI if you have three or more prior DUI or alcohol-related reckless driving convictions within the past 10 years.

A fourth DUI is automatically eligible for felony prosecution under Vehicle Code §23152.

DUI Accident Causing Injury

If you are accused of driving under the influence and another person is injured, prosecutors typically file charges under Vehicle Code §23153. These cases may be filed as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on:

The severity of the injuries
Whether multiple victims were involved
Your prior DUI or criminal history

In many injury cases, prosecutors pursue felony charges aggressively.

Felony DUI Causing Injury – Vehicle Code §23153

When a DUI accident results in injury, defendants are often charged with:

Vehicle Code §23153(a) – DUI causing bodily injury
Vehicle Code §23153(b) – Driving with a BAC of .08% or higher causing injury

The prosecution must prove both intoxication and causation—meaning they must show you were impaired and that your conduct caused the accident and injuries. These elements can often be challenged with the right defense strategy.

Watson DUI Murder & Related Felony Charges

In the most serious cases, prosecutors may allege Watson DUI murder, which is based on implied malice when a DUI results in death. Additional felony charges may include:

These cases carry potential state prison sentences and require immediate, highly skilled legal representation.

Penalties and Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction

A felony DUI conviction carries consequences far beyond jail or prison time, including:

State prison or lengthy county jail sentences
Mandatory minimum custody time (often 180 days or more)
Revocation of your California driver's license for up to three years
Habitual traffic offender designation
Lifetime firearm prohibition
Loss of professional licenses
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Permanent felony record

If sentenced to state prison, expungement is not available, making early defense efforts critical.

Legal Defenses Against Felony DUI Charges

An experienced Los Angeles felony DUI attorney will explore every available defense, including:

Illegal Traffic Stop or Arrest

Police must have lawful probable cause to stop and arrest you. If your rights were violated, evidence may be suppressed.

Challenging Causation in Injury Cases

In DUI injury cases, prosecutors must prove you caused the accident. We often demonstrate that:

Another driver was at fault
Road conditions caused the collision
Injuries were not caused by intoxication

Chemical Test Errors

Blood and breath testing is frequently flawed due to:

Improper collection or storage
Equipment calibration issues
Chain-of-custody problems
Rising BAC defenses

Accident Reconstruction

We work with investigators and accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and timelines to establish reasonable doubt.

Reducing Felony DUI Charges to Misdemeanors

Many felony DUI cases can be reduced to misdemeanors through early intervention, negotiation, and strong factual defenses. Our attorneys routinely present mitigation, expert analysis, and legal arguments to prosecutors before charges are finalized.

Proven Results Defending Felony DUI Cases

Our Los Angeles felony DUI defense lawyers have successfully achieved:

Felony DUI dismissals
Reductions from felony to misdemeanor DUI
Avoidance of state prison sentences
Alternative resolutions preserving professional licenses

Each case is unique, but experienced representation significantly improves outcomes.

At Eisner Gorin LLP, our California DUI lawyers also assist C-suite executives facing DUI charges, whether it's their first offense, a felony DUI, repeat offenses, or DUIs involving injuries.

Why Choose Eisner Gorin LLP for Felony DUI Defense?

At Eisner Gorin LLP, felony DUI defense is handled with urgency, discretion, and precision.

What Sets Us Apart

Decades of combined criminal defense experience
Former prosecutors who understand charging strategies
In-house investigators and expert resources
Proven success in Los Angeles County courts
Strategic focus on dismissal or charge reduction

Our attorneys understand the stakes and fight to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Contact a Los Angeles Felony DUI Defense Lawyer Today

Felony DUI cases move quickly, and delays can severely limit your defense options. If you are facing a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, do not wait.

Confidential Consultation

Call 818-781-1570 to speak directly with an experienced Los Angeles felony DUI defense lawyer. We will review your case immediately and begin building your defense.

Felony DUI