Quick checklist
- Treat the case as urgent if someone was injured or priors are alleged.
- Do not discuss the facts on social media or with the insurer without counsel.
- Gather medical, police and insurance paperwork immediately.
- Request a confidential case review before the next court date.
When a Los Angeles DUI becomes a felony
Felony DUI allegations often involve injury accidents, high BAC combinations with priors, multiple priors within a lookback period or other enhancement facts listed in the complaint.
- Injury or great bodily injury allegations increase custody exposure.
- Prior DUI convictions can enhance new charges.
- Felony cases may be filed in downtown or branch courts depending on facts.
What happens in the first weeks
Arraignment, bail or own-recognizance release, discovery requests and early negotiation all move quickly. Felony calendars are less forgiving than many misdemeanor DUI cases.
A felony DUI lawyer in Los Angeles should review accident reconstruction, medical records, witness statements and testing procedures before major court dates.
Common questions
Is felony DUI always prison?
No, but exposure is serious. Outcomes depend on injuries, priors, negotiations and trial preparation.
Does the DMV case still matter on a felony DUI?
Yes. License consequences can still flow from the administrative DMV track even while felony court is pending.
Free confidential case review: (323) 450-7000
