San Bernardino Felony DUI Lawyers

Felony DUI Defense in San Bernardino County, Victorville, Apple Valley & Redlands, CA

At Bullard & Powell, APC., our skilled attorneys bring over 30 years of combined legal experience to every case, offering tailored defense strategies when a felony DUI charge threatens your future, your freedom, and your family. Our approach is personal, professional, and focused. We are committed to fighting for your rights and providing guidance every step of the way.

As a local law firm backed by decades of experience, we know the San Bernardino criminal courts, prosecutors, and judges you could be up against. We regularly handle cases at the San Bernardino Justice Center and other courthouses in Victorville and Redlands, adjusting our strategies based on local procedures and how area officials typically handle felony DUI charges. By staying current on county-specific legal trends, we bring added value to your defense.

Arrested for felony DUI in San Bernardino? Contact our defense team online or call (909) 771-2304 for a consultation with an experienced San Bernardino felony DUI lawyer from our team.

How Bullard & Powell, APC. Can Help

At Bullard & Powell, APC., we know California DUI laws and the local landscape of San Bernardino County. Our legal team offers guidance and advocacy designed to protect your interests from start to finish.

Felony DUI cases in San Bernardino can involve different agencies and resources, including alcohol treatment providers and county programs. We know the court staff, prosecutors, and support systems that play a role in local cases and can give you realistic timelines, keep you informed about next steps, and adjust strategies to respond to new developments as your case progresses.

When you work with our legal team, you benefit from: 

• Personalized defense strategies: We listen first, then build a strategy that matches your goals and the facts of your case. We're responsive, thorough, and committed to keeping you informed throughout your case. 
• Elite, partner-level attention on every case: Unlike larger firms where clients may be passed to junior associates or paralegals, we operate on a model where our founding partners—Jeffrey Bullard and Sarah Powell—are directly involved in every case. 
• Negotiation skills: Our attorneys know how to deal with prosecutors and can effectively guide productive conversations about charges and sentencing alternatives. Our running list of case dismissals and reductions speak for themselves. 
• Access to resources: Our network includes professionals who can support your case when needed, from medical consultants to investigators.
• Steady support: We answer questions and help you move through each phase with confidence, so you never feel lost or alone in the process.

When Is DUI Charged as a Felony in California?

In California, most DUI cases are misdemeanors.

However, certain circumstances elevate a DUI charge to a felony, including:

• Fourth DUI Offense: DUI becomes a felony if you have three prior DUI or wet reckless convictions within a 10-year period.
• DUI with Injury: If your impaired driving results in the injury or death of another person, you could face felony charges.
• Prior Felony DUI Convictions: If you have a prior felony DUI conviction, any subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony, regardless of the circumstances.

Our attorneys at Bullard & Powell, APC. understand California’s Vehicle Code and the unique challenges that arise in felony drunk driving cases in San Bernardino. We navigate the specific legal procedures of the county to address each client’s situation with care and clarity.

Officers from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and city police often conduct DUI checkpoints on main routes such as Interstate 10, Interstate 215, and Highway 18. When arrests happen in these high-activity zones, the process from booking to arraignment usually goes fast. Our attorneys help you address each stage, using local insights to strengthen your defense. We keep up with regional enforcement programs and diversion initiatives, ensuring you understand any factors that could influence your case outcome.

Penalties for Felony DUI in San Bernardino

Felony DUI convictions in San Bernardino bring consequences that affect every part of your life.

Some potential penalties include:

• Imprisonment ranging from months to years, depending on the specifics of the case.
• Fines that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus substantial penalty assessments.
• License suspension or revocation.
• Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
• Designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender by the DMV.
• Mandatory DUI school.

Judges in San Bernardino County consider aggravating factors like a high blood alcohol content, excessive speed, or an accident involving injuries when sentencing a felony DUI. Some cases lead to longer jail or prison time and license suspensions that go beyond the standard period. If you have prior DUI convictions in the region, prosecutors may request tougher penalties. 

Exploring Alternative Sentencing Options

Facing a felony DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but reviewing all sentencing options gives hope when the stakes are high. Some people may qualify for alternatives that focus on rehabilitation and community service. We look for every way to help our clients secure options that fit their case and the court’s requirements.

Courts in San Bernardino County support alternative sentencing programs that balance rehabilitation with public safety. Some local judges refer eligible cases to county-approved alcohol and drug treatment programs. We advocate for solutions such as work release or home confinement, often making the case for alternatives that allow our clients to continue employment or meet family obligations. Our local knowledge helps build a path toward lasting improvement and a better outlook for your future.

Some alternative sentencing options may include:

• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs: Instead of traditional jail time, you may be able to participate in a rehabilitation program that addresses substance use issues.
• Community Service: Completing a certain number of hours of community service can sometimes reduce the severity of your sentence.
• Work Release Programs: These programs allow you to maintain employment while serving your sentence in a more flexible manner.
• Probation: In some cases, a judge may grant probation instead of incarceration, allowing you to serve your sentence under supervision.

We look for every opportunity to show the court your commitment to positive change and responsible steps. Our legal team works with you to gather what’s needed, present a strong request for alternatives, and support you throughout the process.

The Timeline of a Felony DUI Case in San Bernardino County

If police charge you with a felony DUI, you will follow a set process that starts soon after arrest. After booking, arraignment usually occurs within days at a San Bernardino County Superior Court location. At your first appearance, the judge tells you the charges, sets bail if needed, and guides you on the next steps. Early preparation with a qualified attorney can help you make choices that shape your future from day one.

Your case then moves to the pretrial phase, where negotiations begin with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. Local prosecutors closely review the evidence before proposing any plea deal. This part of the process depends on reviewing police reports, chemical test results, and every detail the prosecution may use. Our approach is thorough: we analyze each element, challenge errors, and work to identify any information that supports your case. If you go to trial, procedures in San Bernardino courts follow state law and established local rules. 

What Happens After a Felony DUI Arrest in San Bernardino?

After a felony DUI arrest by a local agency—whether the San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, or the California Highway Patrol—you go through booking and processing, often at a county detention center. Release may require posting bail or attendance at a bail hearing. Responding on time to all San Bernardino Superior Court appearance dates and paperwork matters; missing a deadline can mean extra charges or a warrant for your arrest.

Once released, the local DMV often begins separate proceedings to suspend your driver’s license. Fast action helps preserve your driving privilege. The DMV in San Bernardino follows strict timelines, so it pays to know your deadlines and how administrative hearings work. Our team helps you understand the process, stay organized, and meet critical requirements so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

How We Fight Felony DUI Charges 

At Bullard & Powell, APC., our dedicated attorneys know how to challenge felony DUI charges effectively.

We may use various defense strategies against felony DUI charges, including:

• Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop: If law enforcement did not have a valid reason for the initial stop, we will argue to suppress the evidence obtained.
• Questioning Field Sobriety and Chemical Tests: We will scrutinize the administration and results of field sobriety, breathalyzer, and blood tests.
• Proving Lack of Probable Cause: We can argue that the police officer did not have probable cause for the DUI arrest.

We appear regularly before judges at the San Bernardino Superior Court and have a strong sense of how local prosecutors build their cases. Our knowledge of area courtrooms helps us tailor arguments to what actually works in San Bernardino County. We examine arrest reports in detail and dig for mistakes or weaknesses in the prosecution’s approach. Working with us means having a defense plan built on local knowledge, careful review, and determined advocacy at every stage of your case.

The Impact of a Felony DUI Conviction

A felony DUI conviction brings immediate and long-term consequences. You may lose job opportunities, see barriers in education, and even face strained personal relationships. Many landlords and lenders in San Bernardino run background checks, which can make housing or credit more difficult to obtain. With these risks, a careful legal strategy is essential.

Along with direct sentencing, a felony DUI affects your license through both court action and DMV proceedings. Drivers in San Bernardino County must attend separate hearings to restore privileges. For workers in fields like transportation, logistics, or healthcare, having a felony record may mean stricter review or risk to employment. Our team outlines every possible effect and stays by your side to help you handle these challenges.

Contact Our Firm Today

If you're facing felony DUI charges, act quickly. Bullard & Powell, APC. stands ready to defend you with a combination of real experience and detailed knowledge of California's DUI and drunk driving laws. Every call is confidential, and every client receives the respect, attention, and straightforward answers they deserve.

We welcome clients from every part of San Bernardino County, whether your court date is downtown, in Victorville, Redlands, or you’ve received notice from the DMV after an arrest. Our team walks you through next steps, local rules, and the procedural requirements unique to the region. Acting early in your case gives you more choices for defense, so contact us the moment you have questions or concerns.

Contact Bullard & Powell, APC. to schedule an initial consultation. Serving San Bernardino County, Redlands, Victorville, Apple Valley, and beyond! Call today!

FAQs

How soon after a felony DUI arrest should I seek legal help?

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Early legal advice helps you meet court and DMV deadlines, increases your defense options, and can lessen the stress during this critical period.

What if my felony DUI involved an accident or injury?

Felony DUI cases with injuries or accidents usually result in tougher prosecution and heavier penalties. It is essential to work with a defense attorney who knows the region’s court process and understands how local prosecutors handle cases involving injuries.

Can I keep my license after a felony DUI arrest?

After most arrests, the DMV will try to suspend your license. Acting quickly to request a DMV hearing gives you a better chance at maintaining your driving privileges. Your attorney can help ensure all deadlines are met and can represent you throughout the process.