DUI Defense in California

In California, a DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor (or in some situations a felony), and it is not typically reduced to a mere infraction the way a minor traffic ticket might be; instead, a "reduction" more often means a plea to a lesser related offense, such as a "wet reckless," depending on the facts and how a given county's prosecutors and courts handle the case. Whether any reduction is available under California law depends on things like the alleged blood-alcohol level, prior history, and local practice, so it varies by county. What options might realistically apply to a specific situation is worth raising with an attorney who can look at the actual charges and evidence. General information only; not legal advice.

In California, a DUI can generally be charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor in certain situations, such as when a DUI causes injury or death to another person, when there are multiple prior DUI convictions within a set period, or when a person already has a prior felony DUI on their record. Under California law, a felony DUI is treated more seriously than a misdemeanor and can carry heavier potential consequences, though how a case is actually charged and resolved varies by county and depends on the specific facts. Because whether conduct qualifies as a felony often turns on details like prior convictions and injuries, the specifics are worth raising with an attorney who can look at an individual situation. General information only; not legal advice.