Felony DUI Attorney in Newport Beach

A felony drunk driving charge in California can change the course of your life. Prison exposure, a long license suspension, and a permanent criminal record are all possible, and the process in Orange County courts can move quickly. You do not have to face this alone.

Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC is a Newport Beach criminal defense firm that defends people accused of serious DUI offenses and other felonies throughout Orange County. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined criminal defense experience to each case, and our practice is devoted exclusively to defending the accused.

Protect your rights and your driver's license by speaking with a felony DUI attorney in Newport Beach today. With 24/7 availability and a free consultation, Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC is ready to fight for you. Call (949) 251-0330 or submit an online request for help immediately.

Understanding Felony DUI Laws in California

In California, a DUI typically "wobbles" or elevates to a felony under four specific circumstances governed by the California Vehicle Code. It is crucial to understand which category your case falls into, as the defense strategies vary significantly for each.

• DUI Causing Injury (Vehicle Code § 23153): If you drive under the influence and commit an additional illegal act or neglect a legal duty (such as speeding or running a red light) that causes bodily injury to another person, you can be charged with a felony. Even a minor injury can trigger this enhancement if the prosecutor chooses to file it as such.
• Three or More Prior Convictions (Vehicle Code § 23550): If you are arrested for a DUI and have three or more prior DUI or "wet reckless" convictions within a 10-year period, the fourth offense is automatically a felony.
• Prior Felony DUI Conviction (Vehicle Code § 23550.5): If you have even one prior felony DUI conviction on your record, any subsequent DUI arrest—regardless of whether anyone was injured—will be charged as a felony.
• DUI Manslaughter or Murder: The most severe cases involve fatalities. Under Penal Code § 191.5, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated carries heavy prison terms, while "Watson Murder" charges can be filed if you have a prior DUI and were warned of the life-threatening dangers of intoxicated driving.

As a Newport Beach felony DUI lawyer team, we often find that prosecutors overreach in injury cases, attributing injuries to our clients that were actually caused by the other driver's negligence. Differentiating between these statutes and identifying where the prosecution has overcharged is the first priority of our firm.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Felony DUI Convictions in Newport Beach

A felony DUI conviction in Orange County carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom walls. The immediate penalties are severe, but the long-term "collateral" damage can be even more restrictive.

• Prison Time: A felony DUI with injury can result in 2, 3, or 4 years in California State Prison. If "Great Bodily Injury" (GBI) is alleged, an additional 3 to 6 years can be added to the sentence.
• Fines: You may face court-ordered fines ranging from $1,015 to $5,000, not including thousands more in "penalty assessments."
• License Revocation: A felony conviction usually leads to a 4-year revocation of your driver’s license. In some cases, you may be designated a "Habitual Traffic Offender" (HTO) for three years.
• The "Three Strikes" Law: If your case involved GBI or death, it may count as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes law, which doubles the penalties for any future felony convictions.

Collateral consequences often include:

• Professional Licensing: Medical, legal, and real estate boards frequently initiate disciplinary proceedings following a felony DUI.
• Firearm Rights: A felony conviction results in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms in California.
• Employment: Many Newport Beach employers will not hire individuals with a felony record, particularly for roles involving driving, finance, or high-level responsibility.
• Travel: Countries like Canada often bar entry to individuals with felony DUI convictions.

What To Do After A Felony DUI Arrest in Newport Beach

The hours and days after a felony DUI arrest in this area can feel chaotic. You may be trying to arrange release, contact family members, and process what happened, all while worrying about court and your license. Taking a few specific steps can help protect your rights and place you in a better position moving forward.

After an arrest, it is helpful to keep these points in mind:

• Try to remain calm and avoid discussing the details of the incident with law enforcement or others at the jail. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney.
• Keep paperwork from the arrest, including any temporary license or pink slip. This often includes information about your upcoming court date and limited time to request a DMV hearing.
• Understand that the California DMV process is separate from the criminal case. You typically have only a short period to ask for a hearing to challenge an administrative suspension.
• Contact a felony drunk driving attorney Newport Beach residents can reach quickly so counsel can start reviewing the facts, advising you about release conditions, and addressing DMV deadlines.

Felony DUI cases in Orange County generally begin with an arraignment in Superior Court, where the formal charges are presented. Having an attorney in place before that appearance can help you understand what to expect and how to respond. Our team works to gather early information, evaluate the basis for the stop and arrest, and start identifying potential issues in the case.

Why Choose Our Felony DUI Team

Choosing the right defense team for a felony DUI is a critical decision. At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, we approach these cases with the full resources of our Newport Beach-based firm. Our attorneys have more than a century of combined practice experience in criminal defense, and we bring that collective judgment to every felony DUI matter we handle.

One of our lawyers is a former Orange County Deputy District Attorney who has prosecuted and defended misdemeanor and felony cases, including DUI. This background gives us insight into how local prosecutors analyze police reports, evaluate injury allegations, and decide whether to pursue a felony filing.

Our team has received recognition from respected legal organizations, including listings in Super Lawyers and high ratings from Martindale Hubbell. Individual attorneys have been honored in publications such as Best Lawyers in America and by groups like The National Trial Lawyers. 

Members of our firm have served in leadership roles in organizations such as the Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association and the Orange County Bar Association Criminal Law section. These honors reflect long-term commitment to criminal defense in this community.

We also understand that arrests often occur late at night or on weekends. Our attorneys are available 24/7, and we offer free consultations so you can speak with us as soon as an issue arises. When you call, you can expect direct, honest information about the process and how we may be able to help.

How We Defend Felony DUI Cases in Newport Beach

Defending a felony DUI case in Newport Beach begins with a detailed review of the stop, testing procedures, alleged injuries, and any prior convictions. Because no two cases are alike, we tailor our strategy to your specific circumstances. Our attorneys examine whether law enforcement had a lawful basis for the stop and whether sobriety tests and chemical testing were properly administered and reliable.

In accident cases involving reported injuries, we analyze the collision investigation, medical documentation, and whether legal injury thresholds are met. Our collaborative team reviews police reports, technical data, and medical records to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies. With experience in Orange County courts, we guide clients through options such as filing motions, negotiating resolutions, or preparing for trial when necessary.

Our approach includes:

• Accident Reconstruction: In injury cases, we hire independent experts to reconstruct the scene. We often prove that the "illegal act" was committed by the other party, which can lead to a reduction of the felony to a misdemeanor.
• Blood and Breath Forensic Review: We scrutinize the maintenance logs of the breathalyzer machines and the "chain of custody" of blood samples. If the Newport Beach police or the OC Crime Lab failed to follow Title 17 regulations, the results may be inadmissible.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Defense: We analyze the timing of your last drink. If your BAC was rising at the time of the stop, you may have been under the legal limit while driving, even if you tested over the limit an hour later at the station.
• Mitigation Packages: We proactively gather evidence of your character, employment history, and steps toward rehabilitation to present to the District Attorney, often securing "plea bargains" to lesser charges like "wet reckless."

While no outcome can be guaranteed, we focus on thorough preparation and clear communication. We explain the evidence, outline potential risks and benefits of each strategy, and raise legal challenges where appropriate. Our goal is to protect your future by presenting your case carefully and strategically at every stage of the felony DUI process.

Talk To Our Newport Beach Felony DUI Lawyers

At Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC, our attorneys bring more than a century of combined criminal defense experience, a collaborative approach, and deep roots in the Orange County legal community to each case. We are based in Newport Beach, handle felony DUI and other serious charges, and are available 24/7 to talk with you or your family. 

Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and we will take the time to listen and explain how we may be able to help.

To speak with our felony DUI lawyers in Newport Beach now, call (949) 251-0330 or reach out online today.