Los Angeles Wobbler DUI Offenses

LOS ANGELES DUI ATTORNEYWobbler DUI Offenses

The majority of driving under the influence cases in Los Angeles are misdemeanors level offenses; however there are circumstances where a DUI may be filed as a felony. Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses and those who are convicted of a felony can face prison or jail with extensive conditions of probation. Many DUI offenses can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. These offenses are commonly referred to as “wobblers.” Anyone arrested for a “wobbler” DUI offense should contact a qualified Los Angeles DUI Attorney as soon as possible as the early involvement and intervention of an attorney may prevent a felony filing.

There are several circumstances where a DUI offense may be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. When a driver has had three or more prior DUI convictions within the previous ten years, the fourth or subsequent DUI can be charged as a felony under California Vehicle Code Section 23550 VC. While a fourth or subsequent DUI is usually charged as a felony, it is technically a wobbler offense that can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. If convicted of this offense as either a felony or a misdemeanor, the defendant must be sentenced to serve at least 180 days in jail. If convicted as a felony, the defendant can be sentenced to prison and will be designated a habitual traffic offender. In addition, the DMV will revoke the defendant’s license for a period of at least four years.

A driver can also be charged with a felony if he or she is charged with DUI causing injury in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23153 VC or vehicular manslaughter while under the influence pursuant to California Penal Code Section 191.5(b) VC. These are both “wobbler” offenses and the filing prosecutor will consider the underlying circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal record when making a filing decision.

DUI causing injury can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Typically, prosecutors will look at factors such as the severity of the injuries suffered and the defendant’s driving conduct when making a filing decision. Regardless of whether the case is filed as a felony or a misdemeanor, the defendant would be required to pay restitution to the victim for any injuries incurred if convicted of this offense.

If the defendant is involved in a DUI collision that results in the death of another person, he or she can be charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated which is a wobbler offense. This offense is rarely filed as a misdemeanor; however a judge or prosecutor may agree to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor after hearing all of the evidence at the defendant’s preliminary hearing. If the defendant’s underlying driving conduct was especially bad, he or she can be charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in violation of California Penal Code Section 191.5(a) PC. This offense is always a felony and those convicted can be sentenced to prison.

Drivers facing potential felony charges should retain experienced DUI counsel as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can intervene before charges have been filed and demonstrate to the detective or filing prosecutor why a wobbler should be filed as a misdemeanor or rejected outright.

If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI offense that could potentially be a felony, it is crucial that you meet with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer immediately. Los Angeles DUI Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who fights hard on behalf of his clients charged with wobbler DUI offenses and has had great success in getting cases reduced and even rejected.

For more information about Los Angeles wobbler DUI offenses, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.

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Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
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I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
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Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
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Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
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Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.