What is a Felony DUI in California? 

When you or someone you love has been arrested for driving under the influence, it’s common to want to know the answers to the questions, “What is a felony DUI in California?” and “Is it possible to obtain bail for DUI in California?” At Roseville Bail Bonds, we can help you answer these important questions and explain the nuances that go with them so that you can have an in-depth understanding and make informed decisions throughout the court process.

What Exactly is a Felony DUI in California?

When someone is arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the crime, under certain circumstances, can result in what is called a felony DUI. At the most basic level, if the driver causes bodily injury or death to another, or the driver already has multiple DUI convictions, these can lead to a felony DUI charge.

What Constitutes a Previous DUI Conviction in CA?

In the state of California if the driver has had three or more DUI convictions within a ten-year period he or she can be charged with a felony DUI if arrested again for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In addition, if the driver has previously been convicted of a felony DUI, another offense of driving under the influence will automatically result in a felony charge.

What are the Common DUI Penalties in California?

In the state of California, penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs depend upon the type and amount of harm resulting from the incident. If the driver is under the influence and causes physical harm to another person, some possible sentences can include (but are not strictly limited to):

• 30 months of DUI school
• $5000 worth of fines
• Mandatory suspension of the driver’s license for a period of up to five years
• Between 16 months and 16 years in a state prison

If a driver under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol causes death to another person, this is obviously the most serious DUI felony charge. In California this is called “gross vehicle manslaughter while intoxicated,” and someone charged with this crime can either be found to have acted with “ordinary negligence” or “gross/egregious negligence.” The latter term almost always carries the heaviest sentence including both fines and over a decade of time in jail, but as with any nuanced system, it always depends on the specific instances of the case.

If a driver has already had multiple DUI convictions and receives another DUI, he or she can receive consequences including:

• A $1000 fine
• 30 months of DUI school
• Mandatory suspension of the driver’s license for five years
• A maximum of three years in state prison

Other Common Consequences of DUI Conviction in California

Other common consequences aside from fines, DUI classes, the suspension of one’s driver’s license, and jail time for felony DUI penalties, can include:

• Probation
• The inability to own a firearm
• Increased auto insurance rates
• Loss of voting privileges
• The inability to hold a public office

The negative mark one receives on a background check when a felony DUI or even misdemeanor DUI conviction occurs, can even lead to a person being passed over for a job or other community or government position.

Can you Post Bail for DUI in California?

Another excellent question is, “What about bail for DUI in California?” If someone is convicted of a felony DUI in California, they are typically still able to post bail unless they are considered a major flight risk. Roseville Bail Bonds can help a person charged with a felony DUI post bail for DUI in California just like we can for any other crime if bail is set by the jail. It is essential that someone charged with a felony DUI obtain the proper advice both from their legal counsel and from a professional bail bondsman, so that we can work as a team to help the defendant get released from jail quickly.

By assisting defendants with bail for DUI in California, Roseville Bail Bonds can help you go home to your family to begin handling your legal matters and consulting with your attorneys to prepare for your case. We make it our top priority to provide defendants and their families with the most professional and friendly service available to help them obtain a bail bond from our 24 hour bondsman in their time of need. We can be reached by calling (916) 782-7048 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays and weekends! Or contact us here.