San Bernardino County Felony DUI Lawyer

Defending Against Felony DUI Charges in San Bernardino County

If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence and your case involves serious circumstances—such as prior offenses or injury to another person—you could be facing felony DUI charges. A felony DUI conviction in California carries severe consequences, including the possibility of state prison. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of protecting your future.

At Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law, we focus on defending individuals throughout San Bernardino County who are up against serious DUI allegations. Our team understands the complexities of California DUI laws and knows how to craft strong defense strategies tailored to each unique situation.

When Is a DUI Considered a Felony?

Most DUI cases in California are misdemeanors, especially for first-time offenses that don’t involve injury or death. However, you may be charged with a felony if:

This is your fourth DUI within ten years
You have a prior felony DUI conviction
The incident resulted in serious bodily injury or death

The penalties for felony DUI are far more severe than those for misdemeanors, including extended prison time, steep fines, and long-term license suspension. We can help you understand the nature of your charges and begin building a plan to fight back.

Prior Convictions and Felony DUI Charges

If you’ve previously been convicted of DUI, even out of state or reduced to a wet reckless, those convictions may still count against you. Three or more within a decade can escalate your current DUI to a felony.

Additionally, any prior felony DUI conviction can automatically make a subsequent DUI charge a felony—even if the new incident didn’t involve injury or damage. Our team can review your record and determine if all prior charges were validly applied.

DUI Accidents Involving Injury or Death

In situations where an accident leads to injury or fatality, the charge can become significantly more serious. Felony DUI involving injury may result in up to 10 years in prison and thousands in fines. If someone was killed, you could face charges as severe as gross vehicular manslaughter or even second-degree murder.

Our team is equipped to investigate the circumstances of your arrest and the accident to determine whether the charges are appropriate—or whether there are grounds for reduction or dismissal.

Building a Defense Against Felony DUI Charges

Just because you’re charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. There are many potential defenses available in felony DUI cases, including:

Inaccurate breath or blood test results
Improper field sobriety testing
Illegal traffic stop without probable cause
Medical conditions that mimic impairment symptoms
Insufficient evidence or procedural mistakes

We carefully examine the details of your case to determine what defense strategies apply. Whether it’s challenging the evidence or advocating for reduced penalties, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.

Serious Penalties Demand a Serious Response

Felony DUI convictions in California can result in:

Prison sentences from 16 months to life (depending on injury or death)
Fines up to $10,000
Driver’s license suspension for several years
Long-term consequences affecting employment, housing, and civil rights

You shouldn’t face these penalties without experienced legal support. We provide trusted, straightforward guidance and take a strategic approach to defending our clients in San Bernardino County.

Get Help Today with Our San Bernardino Felony DUI Defense Lawyers

Time is critical when you’re facing felony DUI charges. Let Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law, review your case and help you understand your options. We’ll walk you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and fight to reduce the consequences you’re facing.

Call us at 909-500-4819 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.