Felony DUI

Felony DUI Defense in Placer County – Tiemann Defense

Aggressive, Strategic Representation for Serious DUI Charges in Roseville, Lincoln, Auburn & Rocklin

 

If you are facing a felony DUI in Placer County, your freedom, driver’s license, and future are at risk. At Tiemann Defense, we provide experienced and results-driven defense for clients charged in the Placer County Superior Court and at the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

📍 Office: 209 Harding Blvd. Suite 7, Roseville, CA 95678
📞 Call: 916.939.3900
📍 Serving: Roseville • Lincoln • Auburn • Rocklin

What Is a Felony DUI in California?

Most DUIs are misdemeanors. However, a DUI becomes a felony when:

1. DUI With Injury – Vehicle Code §23153

You can be charged with a felony if:

• You drove under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• While driving, you committed an additional unlawful act or negligent act
• Another person was injured as a result

2. Three Prior DUI Convictions

A DUI becomes a felony if you have three prior DUI convictions within 10 years.

3. Prior Felony DUI on Your Record

Any new DUI is a felony if you previously:

• Caused injury
• Had a felony DUI conviction within 10 years of your new DUI

Elements the Prosecutor Must Prove

For a felony DUI with injury, the prosecution must prove:

1. You drove a vehicle
2. You were under the influence or had a BAC of 0.08% or higher
3. You committed an additional negligent or unlawful act
4. Your conduct caused injury to another person

If any element is weak, the case can be reduced or dismissed.

Common Defenses to Felony DUI

At Tiemann Defense, we analyze every stage of the stop and investigation:

Driving Issues

• You were not actually driving
• The officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop

DUI Investigation Problems

• Improper field sobriety tests
• Medical conditions that mimic intoxication
• Rising blood alcohol

Chemical Test Defenses

• Breath machine calibration errors
• Blood contamination or improper storage
• Title 17 violations

Causation Defenses (Injury Cases)

• The accident was not your fault
• The injuries were not caused by impaired driving

These defenses can lead to:
✔ Charge reductions
✔ Case dismissals
✔ Not guilty verdicts

DMV APS Hearing – You Only Have 10 Days

After a DUI arrest, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically try to suspend your license.

You must request an APS hearing within 10 days to:

• Stop the automatic suspension
• Challenge the legality of the stop
• Fight the BAC evidence

This hearing is separate from the court case, and winning can preserve your driving privilege.

Felony DUI Enhancements

Great Bodily Injury (GBI) – Penal Code §12022.7

A GBI enhancement is alleged when someone suffers a significant or substantial injury.

Additional Penalties:

• +3 to 6 years in state prison
• Strike under California’s Three Strikes law

Multiple Victim Enhancement – Vehicle Code §23558

If more than one person is injured:

• +1 year per additional victim

Penalties for Felony DUI in California

Felony DUI With Injury (No GBI)

• Up to 1 year probation or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
• Additional time for each injured victim
• $1,000 – $5,000 in fines
• Habitual traffic offender status
• 5-year license revocation
• Formal probation or state prison
• DUI school (18–30 months)

Felony DUI With GBI

• Up to 1 year probation or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
• If prison term, add 3–6 years extra to sentence for GBI
• Formal probation or state prison
• Strike offense
• Restitution to victims

DUI With Three Priors

• Up to 1 year probation or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
• Long-term license revocation
• Mandatory DUI program

DUI With Prior Felony DUI

• Up to 1 year probation or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison

Can a Felony DUI Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

Yes. Through a 17(b) motion, a felony DUI can sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor if:

• Probation is granted
• The facts of the case are favorable
• You have a limited criminal history
• You successfully complete probation

A reduction to a misdemeanor can:
✔ Restore firearm rights (in many cases)
✔ Improve employment opportunities
✔ Prevent a lifetime felony record

Why Choose Tiemann Defense for a Felony DUI?

We provide:

• Immediate DMV hearing requests
• Early case intervention with prosecutors
• Accident reconstruction when needed
• Strategic motions to reduce felonies to misdemeanors

We know the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures in Placer County and build a defense designed for the best possible outcome.

Speak With a Placer County Felony DUI Lawyer Today

Felony DUI cases move fast. Early action can mean the difference between prison and a reduction.

Tiemann Defense
📍 209 Harding Ave, #7, Roseville, CA 95678
📞 916.939.3900

FAQ – Felony DUI in Placer County

Is felony DUI a strike?

Yes, if a Great Bodily Injury enhancement is found true.

Can I get probation for a felony DUI?

In some cases, yes—especially where injuries are minor and there is no GBI.

How long will my license be suspended?

Typically 5 years, but a restricted license may be possible.

Can a felony DUI be reduced?

Yes, through a 17(b) motion

Call Tiemann Defense now at 916.939.3900 for a confidential consultation and immediate protection of your license and your freedom.