Felony DUI Defense Lawyer in Sacramento, CA
As former police officers, we know exactly how cases are built — and how they fall apart.
"Unquestionably the best defense trial attorney in the Sacramento area. His record speaks for itself!"
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Undefeated Record in Jury Trial 4 Years in a Row
Over 70 Jury Trials and Thousands of Cases Handled for Our Clients
Case Dismissed
Client was charged with five serious felonies, including attempted murder, and was facing life in prison.
Charges Dropped
Client was arrested for embezzling from her employer. All charges dropped.
Charges Dismissed
Client arrested for their 2nd offense DUI. All charges were dismissed, no DMV or criminal consequences.
Not Guilty
At jury trial, jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all felony counts.
At Gonzales Law Office, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face felony DUI charges in Sacramento. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is here to provide you with the guidance, support, and representation needed to navigate these complex legal challenges. With a track record of success in defending DUI cases, our felony DUI defense attorney aims to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcomes for your situation.
Understanding Felony DUI Charges in Sacramento
In California, a DUI can escalate to a felony under several circumstances. These include having prior DUI convictions, causing an accident that resulted in injury or death, or having a high blood alcohol content while driving. Each of these situations demands a nuanced legal approach due to their seriousness and potential penalties.
Felony DUI charges are accompanied by severe consequences that can vary based on the specifics of the case. Not only do these charges threaten one's personal freedom with possible imprisonment, but they also entail substantial fines, probation, and significant disruption to personal and professional life. Understanding the potential for alternative sentencing, such as participation in alcohol education or rehabilitation programs, can be pivotal in minimizing penalties. At Gonzales Law Office, our felony DUI lawyer is adept at navigating these alternatives and advocating for sentencing options that address underlying issues while focusing on rehabilitation and community impact reduction.
Common Circumstances Leading to Felony DUI:
- Repeat Offenses: More than three DUIs within a 10-year period may result in felony charges.
- Injury or Death: Involvement in an accident that causes serious injury or death can elevate a DUI to a felony.
- High BAC Levels: Extremely high blood alcohol content can increase the severity of a DUI charge.
Understanding the local DUI laws in Sacramento is crucial, and our team, led by a skilled felony DUI lawyer, is equipped with the knowledge and resources to defend your case effectively.
Why Choose Gonzales Law Office for Your Defense
Clients choose us for our unique perspective and unparalleled commitment to defense. Our founding attorney, Jonathan Gonzales, brings insights from his career as a former police officer, providing a deep understanding of enforcement procedures. This experience is invaluable in creating strategic defenses for DUI cases.
Beyond our rich experience and tailored strategies, our approach is grounded in empathy and understanding the personal strain a legal battle can bring. We prioritize building a strong relationship with our clients, keeping them informed and involved at every step. This close collaboration ensures that every defense is not only legally sound but also personally tailored to reflect the unique aspects of each client’s life, background, and priorities. This comprehensive, empathetic approach is why so many trust us during such critical junctures in their lives.
What We Offer:
- Deep Knowledge of Local Laws: We understand the intricacies of California’s DUI legislation.
- Proven Track Record: Our undefeated record in jury trials from 2016 through 2019 showcases our effectiveness in client representation.
- Client-Centered Approach: Personalized attention and dedicated support set us apart in the legal industry.
The Impact of a Felony DUI Conviction
A felony DUI conviction can have lasting repercussions on your life. It can lead to significant fines, extended jail time, and a criminal record that influences employment and personal opportunities. Understanding these consequences is the first step in appreciating the gravity of these charges.
Social stigma and strained personal relationships are often overlooked consequences that accompany a conviction. It's not just the legal penalties but the societal perceptions that can alter one’s lifestyle and mental health. For professionals, particularly those in positions of public trust, a DUI conviction can spell the end of a career or necessitate dramatic changes to how they engage with professional responsibilities. Our focus is not only on reducing legal penalties but also on addressing the broader life implications through strategic counseling and introducing clients to community resources designed to rebuild trust and stability.
- Loss of Driving Privileges: A conviction can result in a lengthy suspension of your driver’s license.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Convictions are likely to result in higher insurance premiums.
- Employment Challenges: A criminal record can complicate job prospects.
- Social Ramifications: The societal stigma associated with a felony can impact personal relationships.
Our goal is to mitigate these consequences by providing a robust defense tailored to your individual circumstances.
Your Defense Strategy Starts Here
At Gonzales Law Office, we believe that every case deserves personalized attention and strategic planning. From investigating the arrest procedures to challenging evidence protocols, we leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your defense is meticulously considered.
Another crucial component of our defense strategy includes preparing for all possible scenarios in court, which involves simulating trial conditions and understanding jury dynamics. This preparation allows us to adapt rapidly in a courtroom setting, tailoring arguments to the nuances of the ongoing proceedings. Our team ensures that we are equipped with the latest legal precedents and scientific data pertinent to DUI cases, enhancing our capability to challenge evidence such as breathalyzer results or field sobriety test validity. This thorough preparation enhances our capacity to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Our Strategic Approach Includes:
- Thorough Investigation: Leveraging resources like licensed private investigators to gather crucial evidence.
- Insightful Legal Analysis: Examining every element of the arrest and charge to identify defense opportunities.
- Proactive Negotiation: Using strong negotiation skills to potentially reduce charges or penalties.
This comprehensive strategy enhances our capacity to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Serving Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
Our criminal defense practice serves clients throughout:
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Sacramento
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Stockton
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Sacramento County
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Placer County
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Northern California
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Roseville
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Antioch
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Concord
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El Dorado County
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Yolo County
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Solano County
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San Joaquin County
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Sutter County
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Yuba County
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Vacaville
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Fairfield
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Elk Grove
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Folsom
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Citrus Heights
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Rancho Cordova
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Fair Oaks
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Carmichael
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Arden-Arcade
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Modesto
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Davis
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Woodland
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West Sacramento
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Auburn
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Rocklin
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Lincoln
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Granite Bay
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El Dorado Hills
Contact Our Sacramento DUI Defense Team
Don't face Felony DUI charges alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for your future.
We Don’t Just Defend. We Deconstruct the Prosecution’s Case
Reasons to Choose Gonzales Law Office
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FELONY DUI CHARGES
A felony DUI can be life-altering. Beyond legal penalties, such charges can significantly affect your social, professional, and financial future. You may face job dismissal or challenges in securing employment, as employers typically conduct background checks and may be wary of hiring individuals with a felony conviction. The potential loss of driving privileges can also restrict your independence. Our role is to minimize these impacts by providing effective legal defense, striving to either reduce the charges against you or have them dismissed entirely.
The DUI arrest process typically begins with being pulled over by law enforcement. If the officer suspects intoxication, you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer. Refusal to comply can result in immediate license suspension. If arrested, you are taken into custody and your vehicle may be impounded. We aim to scrutinize every detail of the arrest process to identify any procedural missteps that could be used to challenge the charges against you. By examining the legitimacy of the traffic stop, the administration of tests, and the conduct of the arresting officer, we uncover crucial details that strengthen your defense.
While challenging, it’s possible to negotiate a reduction of felony DUI charges to misdemeanors, depending on the specifics of the case. Our experienced team focuses on identifying weak points in the prosecution's case, exploring all possible legal avenues to mitigate penalties. Factors such as lack of prior offenses, evidence challenges, and procedural errors all play a part in the potential for charge reduction. Every situation is unique, and we provide the best chance possible for a favorable adjustment by leveraging our legal expertise and negotiation skills.
Understanding your rights is critical when facing felony DUI charges. You have the right to remain silent, the right to seek legal counsel, and the right to a fair legal process. At Gonzales Law Office, we ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings. We guide you on how to effectively exercise these rights while avoiding self-incrimination, and we work tirelessly to ensure you receive a fair trial by challenging any evidence obtained unlawfully or without due process.
Local knowledge is invaluable in DUI defense, particularly in understanding Sacramento’s specific legal practices, court procedures, and law enforcement methods. Our understanding of local statutes and relationships within the legal community enhances our ability to advocate effectively for our clients. Familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and processes can significantly influence trial outcomes. Our team's deep roots in Sacramento empower us to navigate the local legal landscape strategically, providing a distinct advantage in DUI defense. This local expertise ensures tailored strategies that resonate well within the specific legal and cultural framework of the area.
Former Police Officer Lends Insight to Your Case
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Gonzales has valuable insight into how cases are handled and how charges are pursued, giving you an advantage at trial. He also understands how law enforcement can make mistakes, which could benefit your defense.
Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Gonzales, will investigate your case, collect evidence, and create a strong defense strategy to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties significantly reduced.
In fact, he has maintained an undefeated track record as a criminal defense lawyer at trial for the last three years by providing his clients with aggressive and personalized legal solutions. If you are facing criminal charges, our defense attorney in Sacramento can effectively advocate for your future.
