Felony DUI

Bakersfield Felony DUI Defense Attorney

Strong Legal Representation for Felony DUI Charges in Kern County

When facing felony DUI charges in Bakersfield, you need a skilled and experienced legal team. At Middlebrook & Associates, we are dedicated to defending your rights and providing you with expert legal representation throughout the entire process. If you or someone you know is grappling with the complexities of a felony DUI case, our firm is here to help. We understand the gravity of these charges and the significant consequences they can bring. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.

Call Middlebrook & Associates today at (661) 874-1325 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our felony DUI attorney in Bakersfield!

Understanding When a DUI Becomes a Felony in California

Driving under the influence (DUI) in California is a severe offense. The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony DUI often hinges on the case's specific circumstances. While most DUI cases are treated as misdemeanors, several situations can elevate the charges to a felony:

  • Prior Convictions: A DUI becomes a felony if the driver has three or more prior DUI convictions within the past ten years. These prior convictions can include both felony and misdemeanor DUIs.
  • Injury or Death: If a DUI results in bodily injury or death to another person, it can be charged as a felony. Even if it's your first DUI offense, if it leads to a serious injury or fatality, you may face felony charges.
  • Prior Felony DUI: If you have prior felony DUIs on your record, any subsequent DUI arrests, regardless of the circumstances, will likely be charged as felonies.
  • Reckless Behavior: Extremely reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, or evading the police, can also lead to felony DUI charges, even if it's your first offense.

Consequences of a Felony DUI in California

Facing felony DUI charges in California can have life-altering consequences. The penalties for a felony DUI include:

  • Prison Time: Felony DUI convictions can result in a state prison sentence ranging from 16 months to 4 years. In some cases, the sentence can be even longer.
  • Fines: Heavy fines, often in the thousands of dollars, are imposed on those convicted of felony DUI.
  • Driver's License Suspension: Your driver's license will be suspended for an extended period, and you will have to install an ignition interlock device upon regaining driving privileges.
  • Probation: Felony DUI convictions often come with mandatory probation, including regular check-ins with a probation officer and compliance with specific conditions.
  • Restitution: If your DUI resulted in injury or death to another person, you may be required to pay restitution to the victim or their family.
  • Felony Record: A felony DUI conviction will result in a felony record, which can have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences for your personal and professional life.
  • Substance Abuse Treatment: You may be required to complete a court-ordered DUI program as part of your sentence.

Effective Defenses Against Felony DUI Charges

Defending against felony DUI charges requires a thorough understanding of California DUI law and a strategic approach. At Middlebrook & Associates, our team of skilled Bakersfield felony DUI lawyers has the knowledge and experience to mount a strong defense. Some of the common defenses we may employ include:

  • Challenging Evidence: We can examine the evidence against you, including the results of field sobriety and breathalyzer tests, to identify potential errors or inaccuracies.
  • Illegal Stops or Arrests: If law enforcement did not have a valid reason to stop or arrest you, we can challenge the legality of the stop, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can produce false-positive results on DUI tests. We can investigate whether any underlying medical issues affected your arrest.
  • Procedural Violations: We will scrutinize the entire process to ensure that law enforcement and prosecution follow proper procedures at every stage of your case.
  • Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges to a lesser offense, which can significantly reduce the penalties you face.

Get Legal Help from Our Bakersfield Felony DUI Attorney

When facing felony DUI charges in Bakersfield, you need dedicated and experienced legal representation to navigate the complex legal landscape. At Middlebrook & Associates, we are committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. We understand the severe consequences of felony DUI convictions and will work tirelessly to provide you with a strong defense. 

Contact Middlebrook & Associates today to meet with our felony DUI lawyer in Bakersfield!

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “Highly professional and effective.”
    I'm a civil trial lawyer practicing in another state. In 2020, after a questionable traffic stop, my daughter was arrested for DUI. Our family engaged Middlebrook & Associates to assist her. They identified weaknesses in the State's case and formulated a trial strategy. While waiting for trial, they prevailed in the administrative proceeding, allowing my daughter to retain her driver's license. On the first day of trial, I could tell Middlebrook & Associates had the respect of the trial judge and prosecutor. They developed an excellent rapport with the jury and demonstrated deep understanding of the science related to DUI cases. Their cross-examination of the arresting officer was respectful yet effective. The jury acquitted my daughter on one charge and deadlocked on the other, leading to an acceptable plea agreement and eventual dismissal and expungement of all charges. We are very grateful to Middlebrook & Associates for their highly professional handling of our daughter's case. I highly recommend them.
    - Ken I.
  • “If you ever have a chance to be associated with him know you are dealing with one of the true gems of the legal profession.”
    I couldn't say more about this lawyer. If you ever have a chance to be associated with him know you are dealing with one of the true gems of the legal profession. His honesty, tenacity, depth of character is beyond reproach.
    - Jerry R.
  • “If I am ever in need of an attorney again, there is no doubt I would hire Mr. Middlebrook's firm.”
    I was arrested for driving under the influence. After meeting with several lawyers, I retained Mr. Middlebrook to represent me. He took the time to listen and his advice and counsel was more than I could have asked for. Not only did he get my case dismissed, his fees were fair too. I have since referred my friend to Mr. Middlebrook and his case was dismissed too. If I am ever in need of an attorney again, there is no doubt I would hire Mr. Middlebrook's firm.
    - J.T.
  • “Best DUI Attorney Around!”
    Mr Middlebrook came highly recommended by a friend who is also an attorney. Mr Middlebrook's knowledge and experience was immediately evident to me during our first conversation about my DUI citation. While I've heard all too often that it's not worth trying to fight a citation for a DUI, he gave me the confidence to do so when I ended up getting one. From that day forward he and his team took care of everything and kept me well informed throughout the process. He was very responsive to any questions I had and while he provided options at every stage along the way, his advice (which you'd have to be a fool not to follow given his track record in these cases) prompted me to pursue the best outcome possible rather than settle for less. He knew he could win and he did. My case was dismissed by the judge before it ever made it in front of a jury. I couldn't be more thankful to him and to my friend for the reference. Hopefully this recommendation will help others achieve a similar outcome by utilizing his expertise. He's worth every penny. Give him a call and speak to him just once about his experience and advice as it pertains to your specific situation. You'll understand what I mean.
    - Eric

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