Huntington Beach Felony DUI Lawyer

Focused DUI Defense On Your Side

A felony DUI is one of the most serious driving-related crimes in California, and an arrest in Huntington Beach can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about jail, your license, and your future, and you may have no idea what will happen next. You do not have to sort this out alone.

At Gold & Witham, we focus our practice on defending DUI charges, including serious and felony level cases. Our DUI attorneys bring over 40 years of combined experience to every case, and we work closely with clients to protect their rights and driving privileges from the start. If you are facing a felony DUI charge, the steps you take now can affect the rest of your life.

Time limits for DMV hearings and early court dates come quickly. We encourage you to reach out so we can review your paperwork and start building a plan tailored to your case.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call (800) 716-6791 or contact us online today.

What Is a Felony DUI?

In California, most DUI offenses are charged as misdemeanors. However, certain circumstances elevate a DUI to a felony under California Vehicle Code §§ 23152, 23153, and 23550-23566.

A DUI may be charged as a felony if:

• You have three or more prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years
• The DUI caused serious bodily injury to another person
• The DUI resulted in a fatality (DUI manslaughter)
• You have a prior felony DUI conviction on your record

A felony DUI conviction can lead to prison time, massive fines, license revocation, and permanent damage to your criminal record. Because of the stakes involved, it is essential to speak with our Huntington Beach felony DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

Penalties for Felony DUI

The penalties for a felony DUI in Huntington Beach are severe and depend on the type of offense, prior convictions, and whether injuries or death were involved.

Potential felony DUI penalties include:

• State prison sentence ranging from 16 months to life (in fatal cases)
• County jail time (up to 1 year in some cases)
• Fines and penalties exceeding $10,000
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation for multiple years
• Mandatory DUI education programs (18–30 months)
• Ignition interlock device (IID) installation
• Formal probation lasting up to 5 years
• Strike under California’s Three Strikes Law (in certain cases)

Beyond criminal penalties, a felony DUI conviction can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status.

Felony DUI FAQs

Is felony DUI a “strike” in California?

Some felony DUI offenses, particularly those involving serious injury or death, may qualify as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. This can dramatically increase future sentencing exposure.

Can a felony DUI be reduced to a misdemeanor?

In certain cases, yes. Depending on the facts, prior record, and strength of the evidence, a felony DUI may be reduced through negotiation or court motion.

Will I go to prison for felony DUI?

Prison is possible but not guaranteed. Sentencing depends on the severity of the offense, prior convictions, and whether injuries or fatalities occurred.

How long does a felony DUI stay on my record?

A felony DUI conviction remains on your criminal record permanently unless reduced or expunged, which is not always available for felony offenses.

Should I talk to police without a lawyer?

No. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a Huntington Beach felony DUI lawyer before making any statements.

Why Choose Our Felony DUI Attorneys in Huntington Beach

Choosing the right legal team is critical when you are accused of a felony level drunk driving offense. You are not just dealing with a traffic ticket, you are facing a criminal case that can bring long-term consequences for your record, your career, and your family. You need counsel that understands DUI law and treats your case as more than a file number.

Our firm is built around DUI defense. Attorneys Jeffrey Gold and Nigel Witham have over four decades of combined experience handling DUI cases, including matters that expose clients to felony charges. We limit our practice to this area so we can stay current on changes in DUI law, testing methods, and court procedures that often decide how a case turns out.

When you work with us, you deal directly with DUI attorneys, not a large rotating team. We take the time to learn about your background, any prior DUI convictions, and the specific details of the stop, arrest, and any accident or injuries. This allows us to develop a strategy that reflects your goals and the realities of your case instead of pushing the same approach on everyone.

Our approach is proactive from day one. From advising you about the DMV hearing request to preparing for the first court appearance, we move quickly to protect your driving privileges and legal rights. If you are looking for a felony drunk driving attorney in Huntington Beach who will engage deeply with the evidence and guide you through each stage, our firm is prepared to help.

Call (800) 716-6791 to speak with our DUI attorneys about a felony DUI charge tied to Huntington Beach.