Felony DUI Attorney in Long Beach

Serious DUI Charges Need Focused Defense

If you have been arrested on suspicion of a serious DUI and told you may be facing a felony, you are likely worried about prison time, losing your license, and carrying a felony record for life. In this situation, you need a felony DUI attorney who understands what is at stake and how California handles these cases.

At Gold & Witham, we focus our practice on DUI defense. Our attorneys, Jeffrey Gold and Nigel Witham, have over 40 years of combined experience. We understand how quickly a case from the Long Beach area can move from the night of the arrest to a first court date and a DMV deadline.

Protect your rights and your record. Turn to a trusted felony DUI attorney in Long Beach at Gold & Witham. Call (800) 716-6791 or contact us.

Why Choose Our DUI Defense in Long Beach

When you are facing a potential felony, the lawyer you hire and the experience they bring to the table matter. We do not try to handle every type of criminal case. Our work centers on defending DUI charges, including cases that involve prior convictions, alleged injuries, and the risk of a felony filing.

Our attorneys, Jeffrey Gold and Nigel Witham, personally direct and handle cases rather than handing them off without oversight. This means you work with seasoned attorneys who know California DUI law, prosecutors, and the court process that applies to arrests in Long Beach. We take time to understand your background, your goals, and the specific facts of the arrest before shaping a plan.

Every DUI case is different. The police report, your driving history, chemical test results, and any allegation of injury all affect how the case may be charged and resolved. We tailor our strategy to those realities. Our goal is to act quickly after an arrest, help you address the DMV hearing where available, and begin challenging weaknesses in the state’s evidence while memories and records are still fresh.

When a DUI Becomes a Felony

How We Defend Felony DUI Charges in Long Beach

Felony DUI cases are built on the same foundations as other DUI prosecutions, but the consequences are higher, and the evidence is often more complex. Our approach begins with a thorough review of every part of the state’s case, from the initial reason for the traffic stop to the way any breath or blood test was conducted.

We look carefully at whether the officer had a legal basis to stop or contact you, and whether the field sobriety tests were administered according to training. When a breath test is involved, we examine available maintenance records and procedures for the device that was used. When blood was drawn, we consider how the sample was taken, stored, and analyzed, and whether lab protocols were followed.

In cases where the prosecution claims that someone was injured, we also review accident reports, photographs, and medical documentation. It matters how the collision occurred, whether alcohol was the true cause of the injury, and whether any independent reconstruction or additional records might tell a fuller story.

Throughout this process, we keep your goals at the center of the strategy. Some clients are most concerned about staying out of custody. Others are focused on keeping a professional license or minimizing the impact on immigration status. As your felony DUI attorney, we work to identify legal and factual issues that can support negotiation or litigation options, with the aim of achieving the most favorable outcome the circumstances allow.

What to Do After a Felony DUI Arrest

Right after a felony DUI arrest, it is often helpful to:

• Preserve all paperwork you received from law enforcement, the court, or the DMV and keep it in one place.
• Avoid discussing the details of the incident with friends, coworkers, or on social media, and do not contact any alleged victims about the case.
• Write down your memory of what happened before, during, and after the stop while events are still fresh.
• Make sure you know your upcoming court date and plan to attend, even if you expect to hire a lawyer.
• Contact a felony dui lawyer in Long Beach who can help you understand deadlines, request a DMV hearing where appropriate, and begin reviewing your case.

When you call our firm, we work to take as much of this weight off your shoulders as possible. We explain the criminal and DMV processes, review your documents, and discuss practical next steps to prepare for court. Our goal is to provide clarity and direction so you are not facing these decisions on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a felony DUI?

A felony DUI charge can involve jail or prison exposure, but the outcome depends on factors like prior record, injuries, and how the case is resolved. We review your situation, explain realistic sentencing ranges, and work to pursue options that may lessen time in custody where possible.

How fast do I need to act after my arrest?

It is important to act quickly after a DUI arrest. Criminal court dates are often set within a few weeks, and the DMV hearing usually must be requested within a short deadline. When you contact us promptly, we can advise you about these timelines and begin protecting your driving privileges.

Can you help if I have prior DUIs?

Yes, we regularly represent people who have prior DUI convictions. Multiple priors can increase the risk of a felony charge and tougher penalties. We obtain records of past cases, analyze how they affect your current situation, and build a strategy that takes your full history into account.

What can a local lawyer do for my case?

A lawyer who regularly handles DUI cases arising in Long Beach is familiar with court procedures and how cases are typically charged and scheduled here. That familiarity can help in planning your defense, preparing for hearings, and communicating with the agencies involved in your matter.

Talk With Our Felony DUI Lawyer in Long Beach About Your Case

At Gold & Witham, we draw on decades of DUI-focused experience to evaluate charges, challenge evidence, and guide clients through every stage of the process. Our goal is to protect your rights, your license, and your future while providing honest advice.

A strong defense starts now. Contact our felony DUI attorney in Long Beach. Call (800) 716-6791 or contact us online.