Felony DUI Attorney Chico

Facing a Felony DUI Charge in Chico? Trusted Guidance Starts Here

A felony DUI charge in Chico can carry life-changing consequences, including prison time, long-term license suspension, and damage to your personal and professional reputation. If you are facing this level of DUI charge, having knowledgeable, local guidance matters. At Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes, Cardoza, & Hansen, LLP, our team brings more than a century of experience serving Chico and Butte County, providing steady, informed support when the stakes are high. As experienced criminal defense lawyers in Chico, we help clients understand their options and move forward with confidence.

Felony DUI accusations often involve complex facts and strict enforcement. Chico law enforcement and Butte County prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, making early guidance critical. Working with a locally established felony DUI attorney in Chico means you receive personalized attention from professionals who understand the expectations, timelines, and procedures of the local courts. We offer services in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and accessibility for every client.

Speak with a felony DUI attorney in Chico today — call (530) 342-3593 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Why Choose Our Felony DUI Defense Attorneys in Chico?

Your decision to hire a felony DUI lawyer in Chico can make all the difference for your future. As a client-centered law firm with over 100 years serving the local community, we deliver:

• Decades of proven legal experience: Our long history in Chico means we understand how to navigate local courts and legal procedures for felony drunk driving charges.
• Personalized attention: We take time to understand your unique situation and provide guidance tailored to your needs.
• Bilingual support: Our team communicates in both English and Spanish, making legal defense accessible and reducing stress for diverse families in the area.
• Connections with the local legal community: Generations of practice have built relationships within Butte County’s legal community, including local prosecutors and courts.
• Commitment to your well-being: We prioritize clear communication and empower you to make informed decisions at every stage.

Our firm combines deep tradition with a modern understanding of DUI law. Whether your case relates to prior convictions, injuries, or other aggravating factors, our DUI defense attorneys provide steady guidance at every stage. Clients appreciate our consistent communication and the reassurance that comes from working with a team rooted in the Chico community.

Felony Drunk Driving Charges in Chico: What You Should Know

In California, a DUI charge becomes a felony in specific situations. Felony drunk driving offenses occur when you have prior DUI convictions, when your case involves serious injuries or death, or when you accumulate multiple offenses within a certain time frame. As part of Butte County, Chico follows strict state laws concerning felony DUI charges, and local prosecutors pursue these cases vigorously. Conviction can bring prison time, steep fines, probation, and loss of your driver’s license.

You might face a felony DUI if one of the following applies:

• You receive a fourth or subsequent DUI within ten years.
• You are involved in a DUI accident that causes injury or death.
• You have a prior felony DUI conviction on your record.

These cases are prosecuted under strict state guidelines, with local courts applying their own procedural practices. Penalties may include prison time, probation, mandatory treatment programs, and extended license revocation. Prior offenses, arrest conditions, and chemical test results can all influence how a felony DUI case proceeds. Related matters such as multiple DUI offenses or other felony charges often factor into how prosecutors approach sentencing.

Because felony DUI cases move quickly in Chico, early guidance from a felony drunk driving attorney familiar with local procedures can help you stay prepared and avoid missteps.

How Our Chico Felony DUI Defense Lawyers Support Your Case

When you partner with Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes & Cardoza, LLP, you gain access to a seasoned felony drunk driving lawyer in Chico who understands both the local landscape and the evolving nature of California DUI law. We begin every case with a direct, confidential consultation—listening to your circumstances, answering your questions, and outlining possible next steps in clear terms. Our team uses knowledge gained from decades defending felony DUI cases in Chico to help guide you through Butte County court procedures and legal options.

Our felony DUI attorney team in Chico believes in thorough preparation for every step of your case:

• Assess your case fully: We examine the evidence, review police reports, and work to help you understand the best available legal paths.
• Keep you informed: We update you before and after each key moment, from your initial court hearing to potential resolution, so you know what to expect.
• Communicate clearly: We invite questions and feedback in both English and Spanish, so you never feel left out of your case.
• Uphold your dignity: We protect your legal rights and offer steady support throughout, helping you make confident decisions as your felony DUI defense attorney in Chico.

Our approach blends deep local history with effective, up-to-date legal strategy. We tailor our defense to your specific circumstances and keep you aware of likely interactions with Butte County law enforcement, probation, and the DMV. Consistent communication and careful planning let you stay prepared for each stage. We focus on empowering you, reducing confusion, and making sure your voice is heard during each proceeding.

Felony DUI Case Process & Court Experience in Butte County

Felony DUI cases in Chico move through the Butte County Superior Court system with multiple distinct steps. First, you may attend an arraignment where the court presents formal charges. You could face pre-trial conferences, plea discussions, and—if not resolved—a trial. Conviction for a felony DUI in California can mean prison time, probation, mandated alcohol treatment, and lengthy license suspension, making these proceedings high stakes for your future.

Chico DUI cases often come with additional concerns if injury, prior convictions, or other aggravating factors are involved. Most felony DUI cases in Butte County follow this sequence:

• Arrest and booking: Police conduct the booking process and collect evidence, such as breath or blood alcohol content tests.
• Arraignment: The judge presents the official charges and discusses any initial release or bail terms.
• Hearings and negotiation phases: Pre-trial hearings or conferences outline the case, evidence, and any possible plea offers.
• Resolution: The case concludes by plea, alternative disposition, or trial verdict—depending on the evidence and negotiations.

Each court phase may bring unique requirements, especially in Butte County, where court schedules and case volume can shift quickly. The court may involve local treatment programs or pretrial service providers when appropriate. Familiarity with local procedures, the jury pool, and how prosecutors approach felony drunk driving charges can make a difference in your experience and your defense strategy. By staying engaged, organized, and maintaining strong communication with your felony DUI defense attorney in Chico, you position yourself to meet local deadlines, fulfill requirements, and navigate the system confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a felony DUI charge result in automatic prison time?

Felony DUI convictions may involve prison, but sentences depend on circumstances such as your criminal record and whether you caused injury. The judge considers many factors for sentencing.

Can I get my driver’s license back after a felony DUI in Chico?

Restoring a license after a felony DUI usually requires you to complete court-ordered programs, serve your suspension period, and fulfill DMV conditions. The process varies based on the conviction and your driving record.

What makes a DUI a felony instead of a misdemeanor?

A DUI escalates to a felony if you have at least one prior felony DUI conviction, cause injury or death, or receive a fourth DUI within ten years. The legal context and facts of your case determine the level of the charge.

Do local courts in Chico handle felony DUI cases differently?

Butte County Superior Court manages felony DUI cases under California law. However, knowledge of local practices can help shape realistic expectations and strategies.

Is it better to hire a private felony DUI lawyer instead of using a public defender?

Public defenders offer essential representation. Some clients choose a private felony DUI attorney in Chico for more personalized attention, consistent communication, and focused defense throughout the case.

Contact Our Felony DUI Lawyers in Chico for Support

Facing a felony DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes, Cardoza, & Hansen, LLP, our team offers local experience, bilingual communication, and steady guidance every step of the way. Schedule a confidential consultation to learn how a felony DUI attorney in Chico can help protect your rights and guide you through every challenge. 

Call (530) 342-3593 today to speak with a felony DUI attorney in Chico and take the next step toward protecting your future.