At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we know that facing a felony DUI charge in San Diego is overwhelming, frightening, and life-changing. Whether you were just arrested, are under investigation, or you’re already dealing with the consequences of a conviction, you’re searching for answers, support, and a path forward. Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys can help.
We’re here to walk you through California’s laws, what you’re up against, and the options available to you. Our team treats every client with dignity and respect, listening to your story and providing the honest, aggressive defense you deserve.
When you work with our felony DUI lawyer, we explain how local procedures in the San Diego Superior Court, from arraignment through pretrial conferences, can affect your timeline and strategy so you never feel blindsided by the process. We can also address common concerns about bail, release conditions, and how a case might move between downtown San Diego courtrooms and nearby facilities such as local jails, so you have a clearer picture of what lies ahead and how to prepare.
How Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys Can Help
Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys serves people from all walks of life who find themselves or their loved ones facing felony DUI charges. You might be:
Under investigation or recently arrested. You want to know what happens next, what penalties you face, and what you can do to fight the charges.
Convicted and seeking relief. You’re looking for ways to reduce the impact of a conviction through appeals, expungement, or sentence reduction.
A concerned friend or family member. You’re trying to help someone who may be in jail or unable to access information themselves.
We understand the anxiety, confusion, and urgency you feel. Our goal is to provide clear, honest information and compassionate support, no matter where you are in the process.
As your case unfolds, a felony DUI attorney from our team will help you weigh immediate decisions such as whether to request a DMV hearing, how to respond to contact from law enforcement, and what to expect at each setting on the court calendar. We can coordinate with family members, address employment or professional licensing concerns, and give you practical guidance about life logistics like transportation while your driver’s license status is in question.
Why Choose Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys?
Affordable Justice
Everyone deserves a powerful defense. We’re committed to making fierce, effective representation accessible and affordable.
Experienced and Unyielding
With 20 years of legal experience, we’ve honed the instincts, strategy, and grit needed to deliver results—even in the toughest situations.
Client-Centered Protection
When you hire us, you’re under our wing. We take on your burden, reduce your anxiety, and give you the strength of knowing someone has your back.
Strength with Compassion
We combine inner steel with heartfelt empathy. Our clients aren’t just cases—they’re people who deserve to feel protected, supported, and understood.
Relentless Advocacy
We fight for our clients with unshakable determination. Like a pitbull in the courtroom, we don’t back down—ever—until the judge says it’s over.
Why Is My DUI a Felony?
The main statute covering felony DUI is California Vehicle Code § 23153. This law states that it is a felony to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to another person.
Felony DUI can also be charged under these circumstances:
Fourth DUI offense: If you have three or more prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years, a new DUI can be charged as a felony (Vehicle Code § 23550).
Prior felony DUI: If you have a prior felony DUI conviction, any new DUI (even without injury) is a felony (Vehicle Code § 23550.5).
DUI causing injury or death: If your alleged DUI results in injury or death to another person, prosecutors may file felony charges. Even first-time offenders could face felony charges if the DUI caused injury or death.
In San Diego County, prosecutors review police reports, witness statements, and any crash documentation from agencies like the California Highway Patrol to decide whether to pursue felony or misdemeanor charges. A felony drunk driving attorney can analyze the same information and identify facts that may support filing arguments, charge reductions, or negotiations that keep the case from being treated as harshly as it might be on first glance.
Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction
Felony DUI convictions carry life-altering penalties. Here’s what you need to know:
Prison Time
State prison. Felony DUI can result in 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison for DUI causing injury (Vehicle Code § 23153).
Enhanced sentences. If someone suffers great bodily injury, or if there are multiple victims, additional years can be added.
Fines and Restitution
Fines. Felony DUI fines can total several thousand dollars, including court fees and penalty assessments.
Restitution. Courts may order you to pay restitution to injured parties.
Driver’s License Suspension
Mandatory suspension. The DMV will suspend your license for at least one year, and often much longer.
Ignition interlock device. You may be required to install and maintain this device at your own expense.
Other Consequences
Felony record. A felony conviction can affect employment, housing, and civil rights.
Probation or parole. You may be placed on formal probation or parole, with strict conditions.
DUI school. Mandatory attendance at DUI education programs.
Immigration consequences. Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of reentry.
Beyond the direct penalties, a conviction can affect professional licensing, security clearances, and background checks, which is especially serious for military personnel stationed in San Diego or professionals working around Naval Base San Diego. A felony DUI lawyer can help you understand how a pending case or conviction might impact your career path and can work with you to develop a strategy aimed at preserving as many opportunities as possible.
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Can Felony DUI Charges Be Beat? What Are the Defenses?
Felony DUI charges are serious, but they are not unbeatable. We believe every client deserves a strong, individualized defense. After reviewing the details of your charges, we’ll be able to determine which of the following defenses would be best.
Challenging the Evidence
Unlawful stop: If law enforcement did not have probable cause to stop you, we may be able to have evidence suppressed.
Faulty testing: Breathalyzers and blood tests are not infallible. We scrutinize the procedures and calibration records to shed light on inconsistencies and questionable data.
Chain of custody issues: If we identify gaps, errors, or inconsistencies in how evidence was handled (including documentation and preservation), we may be able to argue that it was compromised, altered, or otherwise mishandled to get it excluded from the trial.
Disputing Causation
No actual injury: The prosecution must prove that your alleged intoxication caused the accident and injury. If there isn’t a direct correlation, we’ll call it into question.
Other contributing factors: Mechanical failure, weather, or another driver may have caused the accident. We’ll investigate all elements of the accident to shed light on other causes beyond intoxication.
A felony DUI attorney will also examine whether the government can prove every legal element required for a felony, including prior convictions, injury levels, and whether your conduct actually rose to the level of criminal negligence. Because San Diego law enforcement agencies—from city police departments to the CHP—handle a high volume of DUI cases, mistakes do happen, and identifying those errors can lead to reduced charges, more favorable plea offers, or a stronger position if your case goes to trial.
Miranda violations: You have the right to remain silent, to be warned that anything you say could be used against you in court, and the right to an attorney. If any of these rights were violated, we may be able to exclude evidence that was obtained inadmissibly.
Improper investigation: We review every detail for errors or misconduct.
Relief After a Conviction
A felony DUI conviction isn’t always the end. California law provides avenues for post-conviction relief.
Appeal: If errors were made at trial, you may have grounds to appeal.
Expungement: Some felony DUI convictions may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4.
Reduction to misdemeanor: In some cases, we can petition to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor.
Certificate of rehabilitation: This can help restore certain rights and improve employment prospects.
When you pursue post-conviction relief, a felony drunk driving lawyer can evaluate deadlines, eligibility rules, and the specific orders from your original sentencing in the San Diego courts. We can help gather records, prepare you for hearings, and explain how different forms of relief might affect issues like voting rights, firearm restrictions, or background checks so you can choose the path that aligns best with your long-term goals.
What To Expect During Your Felony DUI Case
Many people facing a felony DUI casehave never been through the criminal justice system before and are unsure what the next few months will look like. We take time early in the case to explain each stage, from your initial arraignment in San Diego Superior Court through pretrial motions, negotiations, and a possible jury trial. Understanding the sequence of events, typical timelines, and how decisions are made can reduce some of the fear and help you feel more prepared for each court date.
Before your first appearance, we can talk about what to wear, how to address the judge, and what kinds of questions you might be asked so you are not caught off guard in a formal courtroom setting. As your case proceeds at the Central Courthouse or another San Diego County location, we keep you updated on any new offers from the prosecution, upcoming deadlines, and whether it makes sense to continue, negotiate, or set the matter for trial. By choosing a felony DUI attorney who consistently communicates with you, you gain a clearer sense of control and can make thoughtful choices rather than reacting under pressure.
Choose Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys for Felony DUI Defense in San Diego
At Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, we’re more than just attorneys – we’re members of the San Diego community, committed to helping our neighbors through some of life’s toughest moments.
Our team approach means you’ll have a group of dedicated professionals on your side, working together to protect your rights and your future. We have a strong reputationfor being responsive, transparent, and relentless in our pursuit of fair outcomes. When you contact our office, we take the time to learn about you, your family, and how the arrest has affected your daily life, whether it occurred in downtown San Diego, along I-5, or elsewhere in the county. By choosing a felony DUI lawyer who understands the local judges, prosecutors, and unique dynamics of San Diego County, you gain an advocate who can guide you through difficult choices and stand with you at every stage of the case.
If you or a loved one is facing felony DUI charges in San Diego, don’t wait. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your defense. Call (619) 975-2033 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
