Walnut Creek Felony DUI Attorney
Serious Felony DUI Charges Call For Focused Local Defense
A felony DUI charge can change the course of your life. Custody time, a long license suspension, and a permanent felony record are all real possibilities when the prosecution files a case at this level. If your arrest happened in or around Walnut Creek, your case will usually move through the Contra Costa County Superior Court and the California DMV at the same time, which can feel overwhelming.
Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation is a criminal defense firm based in Walnut Creek that represents people facing DUI and felony charges in Contra Costa County. Attorney Thomas Daly provides one on one representation and uses modern defense strategies to address the complex issues that often arise in felony level DUI cases. The goal is to protect your rights, help you understand each step, and work toward the most favorable outcome that the facts and law allow.
Facing felony DUI charges and need a Walnut Creek Felony DUI Attorney who understands what’s at stake? Call Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation today at (925) 208-4801 or contact us online to discuss your options and next steps!
Facing a Felony DUI in California and What It Means for Your Future
Most people do not expect to hear the word “felony” after a DUI arrest. Felony filings in California often involve specific circumstances, such as prior DUI convictions on your record, an allegation that someone was injured, or other aggravating factors. When this happens, the stakes immediately increase, and many people feel shock, fear, and confusion about what will happen next.
You might be worried about whether you will go to jail or prison, whether you can keep your job, and how you will support your family if you lose your driver license. There may also be concerns about a professional license or immigration status if a felony DUI conviction appears on a background check. At the same time, you may have questions about how the criminal case in Contra Costa County connects with a separate DMV suspension process, and how quickly you need to act.
Thomas Daly understands that this is not just a legal problem, it is also a personal and practical crisis. He listens carefully to how the charge is affecting your life, then explains what the law generally requires in cases like yours. His role is to help you make informed decisions, to stand between you and the system, and to work to protect what matters most to you as the case moves forward.
Potential Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction
Felony DUI convictions in California can bring more serious penalties than misdemeanor DUI cases. Although the exact consequences depend on the statute involved, the facts of the incident, and your prior record, potential outcomes may include a state prison or county jail sentence, formal or informal probation, substantial fines and fees, and participation in treatment or education programs. Lengthy license suspensions and requirements for ignition interlock devices are also possible in some situations.
Beyond the courtroom, a felony DUI record can affect many areas of your life. Employers who run background checks may see the conviction, which can influence future job opportunities. Certain professional licensing boards review criminal records and may open disciplinary matters based on a felony. There can also be immigration consequences for people who are not United States citizens, and housing or financial applications may be affected when a felony appears.
Because there is no single standard outcome for all felony DUI cases, it is important to have a lawyer who looks at your specific situation. Thomas Daly takes time to understand your priorities, such as maintaining employment, protecting a license, or addressing treatment needs. He then works to pursue resolutions that consider both immediate penalties and long term consequences, recognizing that even small differences in an outcome can have a meaningful impact on your future.
What To Do Now If You Are Facing a Felony DUI
When a felony DUI arrest has just occurred, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Taking a few practical steps can help protect your position while you decide how to move forward. One of the most important things is to keep all paperwork you receive from law enforcement and the court, including the notice related to your driver license, as these documents contain deadlines and court dates.
It is generally wise to avoid discussing the details of the incident with anyone other than your lawyer, especially on social media or through text messages. Statements you make can sometimes be used as evidence, even when you did not intend to say anything harmful. Writing down your own memory of events while they are still fresh can be helpful, but you should discuss how to preserve that information with your attorney.
Reaching out early can also give you more time to prepare for court and to address any immediate concerns about work, travel, or family responsibilities. A confidential consultation is the first step toward regaining some control over a situation that may feel out of control right now.
How Strategic Defense Can Impact a Felony DUI Case
Although no lawyer can change the facts of what already happened, the way your case is analyzed and presented can influence how it proceeds. Effective felony DUI defense often begins with a careful review of how the traffic stop or contact with law enforcement occurred. Questions such as whether the officer had a valid reason to stop the vehicle, whether field sobriety tests were administered in a consistent way, and whether you were advised of your rights during any questioning can be important.
Blood and breath test results also require attention. A defense lawyer may look at how samples were collected, stored, and tested, and whether the reported results appear consistent with other observations in the reports. In cases involving an accident or alleged injury, issues such as the cause of the crash, the nature and extent of injuries, and the timing of medical treatment can matter when determining what charges and enhancements apply.
Thomas Daly uses a combination of vigorous advocacy and modern defense strategies when evaluating these factors. He reviews reports in detail, examines whether legal standards such as probable cause and search and seizure rules appear to have been followed, and considers whether there are factual disputes that should be highlighted. He also works closely with you to understand any medical conditions, prescription medications, or other personal circumstances that may affect the interpretation of the evidence.
While no result can be guaranteed, this strategic approach can help identify defenses, negotiation points, or alternative resolutions that might not be apparent from a quick review of the file. Throughout this process, Thomas Daly explains the strengths and challenges he sees so that you can make informed choices about motions, negotiations, or possible trial.
Contact Our Walnut Creek Felony DUI Lawyer Today
Felony DUI charges in this area are serious, but you do not have to try to navigate the courts and the DMV on your own. Working with a felony dui attorney in Walnut Creek gives you access to guidance from someone who understands Contra Costa County procedures and focuses on protecting your rights and long term interests. Taking the step to speak with a lawyer can provide clarity about where you stand and what options may be available.
Thomas Daly is a criminal defense lawyer in Walnut Creek who handles DUI and felony cases in the surrounding courts. He offers one on one representation, careful review of the evidence, and straightforward communication throughout the life of the case. Your first conversation is confidential, and the purpose is to learn about your situation, answer initial questions, and help you decide on next steps that align with your goals.
If you’re looking for a Walnut Creek Felony DUI Attorney to protect your rights and your future, contact us now to set up a confidential consultation and get clear guidance on how to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a DUI a Felony in California?
In California, a DUI becomes a felony in several common situations. One example is when the person has certain prior DUI convictions on their record, and the new arrest falls within timeframes that allow prosecutors to seek felony charges. Another example is when there is an allegation that someone other than the driver was injured in an incident related to the DUI, such as another motorist or a pedestrian.
There are also situations where a prior felony DUI conviction can influence how a new case is classified. The specific statute and allegations used by the prosecution depend on the facts of the incident and the person’s history. When you meet with Thomas Daly, he can review your record and the charging documents with you and explain why your case was filed as a felony and what legal issues may be involved.
Will I Go to Jail for a Felony DUI in Contra Costa County?
Custody time is a real possibility in many felony DUI cases, but whether someone actually goes to jail or prison depends on many factors. These include the specific charges and enhancements, the person’s prior record, any injuries or property damage, and how the case is resolved in court. Some individuals receive a combination of custody, probation, treatment, and other conditions, while others may face longer sentences.
Courts in Contra Costa County generally look at both the seriousness of the incident and the steps the person has taken to address any underlying issues. Having a lawyer who understands local practices can help you understand what outcomes may be realistic in your situation. Thomas Daly cannot promise a particular result, however he can explain the range of possible outcomes and work to present information that supports the most favorable resolution available under the circumstances.
Can a Felony DUI Charge Ever Be Reduced?
Felony DUI charges can sometimes change as a case moves forward, but there is never a guarantee that they will be reduced. Whether a prosecutor is willing to consider a different charge often depends on the strength of the evidence, the seriousness of any injuries, the person’s criminal history, and how the law applies to the specific facts. In some situations, legal or factual issues identified in the defense review may provide a basis to request a different way of resolving the case.
Thomas Daly evaluates each case individually, looking closely at reports, test results, and other information to see whether there are weaknesses or questions that should be raised. He can then discuss with you whether it makes sense to pursue certain motions, negotiations, or other strategies. While not every case leads to a reduction, having a clear understanding of the evidence and available options helps you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
How Will a Felony DUI Affect My Driver's License?
A felony DUI can affect your driver license through both the court system and the California DMV. The DMV often begins an administrative process shortly after an arrest, and if no hearing is requested in time, a suspension can start automatically. At the same time, if there is a conviction in court, certain statutes require the court to notify the DMV, which can lead to longer suspensions or other conditions, such as an ignition interlock device.
The length and type of suspension depend on several factors, including prior DUI-related actions on your record, the specific statute involved, and whether there was an injury allegation. A lawyer can help you understand the deadlines for requesting a DMV hearing and how a potential plea or conviction might interact with DMV consequences. When clients work with Thomas Daly, he explains these overlapping processes in detail so they can plan realistically for work, school, and family obligations during and after the case.