Facing a felony DUI charge in Pasadena can be overwhelming. You may be worried about jail time, losing your driver’s license, and the impact on your reputation and career. At Tung & Associates, we understand your concerns and are here to help.
Attorney Tony Tung is a dedicated Pasadena felony DUI lawyer with extensive experience navigating complex DUI cases. Tony and our attorneys offer compassionate yet aggressive defense, treating every client with dignity and empathy.
Our office is conveniently located at 790 East Colorado Blvd, 9th Floor, Pasadena, close to the Pasadena Courthouse, allowing Tony quick and frequent access to prosecutors, courtrooms, and important local resources.
If you’re facing felony DUI charges, Tony Tung offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your circumstances and guide your next steps.
Call us today at (626) 416-4668 to speak directly with Tony about your case.
Understanding what elevates a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony can ease your fears about the process. In California, most DUI arrests are initially charged as misdemeanors, but certain aggravating factors result in felony charges.
The difference between misdemeanor and felony DUI charges significantly impacts penalties, including potential prison time and long-term damage to your record. Felony convictions also carry harsher social stigmas and greater difficulties with employment and housing opportunities.
At Tung & Associates, attorney Tony Tung’s goal is to mitigate these severe consequences. Tony closely reviews your case to determine if felony charges can be reduced, negotiates aggressively with Pasadena prosecutors, and advocates passionately to protect your future.
Felony DUI convictions in California carry severe penalties that can significantly alter your life. Knowing these potential outcomes can help you understand why hiring experienced legal counsel is essential.
A felony DUI conviction typically involves significant incarceration. California law mandates sentences ranging from 16 months up to 3 years in state prison for standard felony DUI offenses. When serious injuries occur, prison sentences can extend by an additional 3 to 6 years. In tragic cases resulting in fatalities, sentences can escalate even further.
Felony DUI convictions usually trigger lengthy driver’s license suspensions or revocations, often lasting up to four years. Additionally, Pasadena drivers must contend with separate DMV-imposed suspensions and may face designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender, further restricting driving privileges.
Financial penalties for felony DUI convictions in California range from $390 to over $5,000, not including mandatory penalty assessments, restitution to injured parties, and higher insurance rates. Additionally, you’ll need to enroll in DUI education programs lasting between 18 to 30 months, incurring further expenses.
Beyond fines and imprisonment, felony DUI convictions carry broader repercussions, including losing firearm rights, difficulties obtaining employment or housing, and significant damage to your professional reputation. In Pasadena, these consequences can be particularly challenging given the close-knit nature of our community.
At Tung & Associates, Pasadena criminal defense attorney Tony Tung approaches each felony DUI case with compassion, recognizing the stress you’re experiencing. Tony’s strategic negotiation skills can often reduce penalties, mitigate charges, and ultimately preserve your future opportunities.
While some felony DUI cases in Pasadena are fairly typical, others involve unusual circumstances that require specialized knowledge. Attorney Tony Tung is experienced in both common scenarios and rare or complex DUI situations.
Multiple DUI Offenses
If you’re facing a fourth or subsequent DUI, Tony carefully examines prior convictions to identify errors or weaknesses. By challenging past convictions, he may negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as treatment programs, instead of prison.
DUI Causing Injury
Tony investigates accident details thoroughly, consulting expert witnesses to challenge allegations of negligence or causation. This comprehensive approach can lead to reduced charges – potentially from felony to misdemeanor – especially if injuries were minor.
Felony DUI with High BAC or Test Refusal
In cases involving extremely high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or refusal to submit to testing, Tony scrutinizes the accuracy of testing methods and police procedures. He uses this evidence to negotiate reduced penalties or to seek dismissal of certain charges.
Watson Murder (DUI Causing Death)
If charged with second-degree murder (Watson murder) due to a fatal DUI accident, Tony aggressively challenges whether proper warnings were given previously. He also rigorously contests the intoxication evidence, aiming to have charges reduced to lesser offenses like vehicular manslaughter.
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated
For this severe charge (Penal Code §191.5(a)), Tony collaborates with accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate the absence of gross negligence or identify other factors that contributed to the crash.
Felony DUI with Child Endangerment
Tony understands the sensitivity of DUI cases involving minors. He advocates strongly to minimize additional child endangerment charges, often by recommending diversion or rehabilitation programs as viable alternatives to incarceration.
Out-of-State and Military DUI Issues
If your DUI situation involves prior convictions from another state or occurred on federal or military property, Tony navigates the jurisdictional complexities. He meticulously analyzes cross-state equivalency of prior convictions and advocates effectively in federal or military court settings.
Regardless of your situation, attorney Tony Tung’s experience in handling diverse felony DUI scenarios provides confidence and reassurance during a difficult time. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive, compassionate defense tailored specifically to your unique circumstances.
A felony DUI conviction carries long-lasting effects on both your driving privileges and your criminal record. Understanding these impacts can help you navigate the process and highlight why swift legal action is essential.
After a felony DUI arrest, you have only 10 days to request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing. Attorney Tony Tung immediately steps in to schedule this hearing and represent you, aiming to protect your driving privileges. He regularly appears before the Pasadena-area DMV Driver Safety Office in the City of Commerce, advocating to secure restricted driving options, such as an ignition interlock device (IID).
Felony DUI convictions typically result in a license suspension lasting up to four years. Tony works proactively to minimize this period by helping clients obtain restricted licenses through California’s IID program. With this option, you can maintain essential driving privileges for work, school, or family obligations.
Yes, a felony DUI typically mandates filing an SR-22 certificate with your insurance provider, leading to significantly increased premiums. Tony advises clients on how to fulfill insurance requirements efficiently, reducing stress and uncertainty.
A DUI remains on your driving record for 10 years but stays permanently on your criminal record unless expunged. Tony focuses on obtaining charge reductions—often from felony to misdemeanor—and guiding eligible clients through the expungement process after probation completion. Although expungement doesn’t erase all consequences, it significantly improves employment prospects and restores opportunities.
Yes, felony DUIs qualify as “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law, dramatically enhancing penalties for future convictions. Tony diligently advocates to prevent felony DUI charges from becoming a strike by pursuing reductions or alternative sentencing options.
At Tung & Associates, Tony Tung is dedicated to minimizing the long-term consequences of felony DUI convictions, protecting your driving privileges, and safeguarding your future.
Facing felony DUI charges in Pasadena can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Tony Tung personally ensures you receive individualized attention, answers your questions clearly, and provides peace of mind throughout your case.
Call (626) 416-4668 or contact us today for your free, confidential consultation. With attorney Tony Tung at your side, you’ll have a skilled advocate who will fight passionately to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
You are not alone – let us help you navigate this challenging time and move forward confidently.
Your fight is our fight. Contact Tung & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation.
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