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sam@gellerlawsf.com
Felony DUI Lawyer Walnut Creek, CA
Protecting your future against severe criminal charges.
What a Dedicated Felony DUI Lawyer in Walnut Creek, CA, Can Do for Your Case
A felony DUI in California is not a minor traffic matter. It is a serious criminal charge that can lead to state prison, years of probation, and a permanent felony record. At Geller Law, PC, based in Walnut Creek, CA, we help people face these charges with a clear plan and strong defense.
California law treats certain DUI cases as felonies. That happens when a crash causes injury, when a driver has three or more prior DUI convictions, or when a child was in the vehicle.
A felony DUI conviction under California Vehicle Code §23550 can mean up to three years in state prison. Fines can reach thousands of dollars. Your driver’s license can be suspended for years. These are life-changing outcomes.
The consequences reach beyond the court.
A felony on your record can cost you your job, your housing, and your right to own a firearm. Employers and landlords run background checks.
The Contra Costa County courts — which handle cases from Walnut Creek — move quickly once charges are filed. The sooner you act, the more options stay open.
A knowledgeable felony DUI lawyer can challenge the evidence, question the arrest, and work toward the most favorable outcome given the facts of your case.
PRACTICE AREAS
How Geller Law Fights a Felony DUI Charge in Walnut Creek
A felony DUI calls for a fast, focused response. At Geller Law, PC, we start by taking a hard look at every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use against you.
We review the traffic stop itself. Was there a valid reason to pull you over? We examine how the field sobriety tests were conducted. We check whether the breathalyzer or blood test was handled correctly.
Any break in procedure can matter. Weak evidence gives us real ground to work with.
From there, we look at the full picture of your case. Prior DUI history, injury allegations, and blood alcohol levels all affect how the prosecution builds its case. We analyze each factor to identify exactly where the weaknesses lie.
Our goal is to pursue the most favorable outcome, given the facts.
That may mean pushing to reduce a felony DUI to a lesser charge. It may mean working to keep you out of state prison. In some cases, it means challenging the charge outright. Every path depends on what the evidence actually shows.
Consequences of a DUI Felony in California
Under California law, a DUI causing injury is classified as a “wobbler” offense. This gives prosecutors the discretion to file the case as either a misdemeanor or a felony, largely depending on the driver’s prior criminal record and the severity of the victim’s injuries.
When the state pursues felony charges, a conviction carries severe, life-altering consequences.
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Incarceration: A standard felony conviction carries a minimum state prison sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years.
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Fines and Restitution: Court-ordered financial penalties include statutory fines up to $5,000. Additionally, the court can order the defendant to pay full restitution to compensate victims for medical bills and lost wages.
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License Revocation: The California DMV aggressively penalizes felony offenders by imposing a multi-year suspension or revocation of driving privileges, which typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the driver’s history.
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Mandatory DUI Programs: To eventually regain driving privileges, offenders need to enroll in and complete an intensive, state-approved alcohol and drug education program.
At Geller Law, we know the local courts in Contra Costa County and understand how prosecutors in this area operate. Your case is not a template. We treat it that way.
Why Walnut Creek Clients Trust Geller Law With Felony DUI Cases
Choosing the right lawyer for a felony DUI charge in Walnut Creek matters. The stakes are too high for anything less than a focused, knowledgeable defense.
Lead Attorney Sam Geller Handles Your Case Directly
At Geller Law, Sam Geller leads every case. You won’t get passed off to a junior associate. Sam is a knowledgeable trial attorney who brings courtroom strength to every felony DUI defense — from the first review of your arrest to the final argument before a judge or jury.
Criminal Defense Focused on DUI Cases in California
Geller Law focuses its criminal defense work on DUI cases — including felony DUI charges under California Vehicle Code § 23153. This is not a general law firm that handles every type of case. DUI defense is a core focus, which means Sam knows the law, the evidence, and the tactics that matter most in these cases.
Bay Area Courtroom Presence Across Contra Costa County
Geller Law serves clients across the San Francisco Bay Area, including Contra Costa County, which covers Walnut Creek. Sam knows how local courts operate, including the Contra Costa County Superior Court, where most felony DUI cases are heard. That local knowledge shapes how your case is handled from day one.
Personalized Defense Built Around Your Specific Situation
Every felony DUI case is different. Prior convictions, accident details, and blood alcohol levels all affect what your case looks like. At Geller Law, your defense is built around your facts and not a template.
Sam takes the time to understand what happened and how to challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn.
Free Consultation for Walnut Creek Felony DUI Cases
You can speak with Sam Geller directly before making any decisions. Geller Law offers a free consultation, so you get honest, clear answers about your situation right away. There is no pressure. Just real information from a knowledgeable attorney who focuses on DUI defense in the Bay Area.
What Happens During a Felony DUI Case in California
A felony DUI case in California moves through several clear stages. Each stage has its own rules, deadlines, and choices that shape what comes next.
Stage 1: Arrest and Bail (Day 1–2)
Police take you in after a DUI stop. You are booked at the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) if arrested in Walnut Creek. Bail is set based on the charges and your prior record.
As of 2026, felony DUI bail amounts are often higher than those for misdemeanors, sometimes $50,000 or more. Our job at this stage is to move fast. We work to get you released as quickly as possible so you can prepare your defense.
Stage 2: Arraignment (Within 48 Hours)
Your first court appearance occurs within 48 hours of your arrest, excluding weekends. You appear at the Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. A judge reads the charges and asks for a plea.
You plead not guilty at this stage. We appear with you, review the formal charges, and begin requesting police reports, breathalyzer records, and any dashcam footage.
Stage 3: Preliminary Hearing (4–6 Weeks Out)
A judge decides whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. This hearing occurs within 10 court days of arraignment, unless we waive time for strategic reasons. We challenge weak evidence here.
If blood test results are flawed or the traffic stop lacked legal cause, we raise it now.
Stage 4: Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations (2–6 Months)
This stage is where cases often shift. We file motions to suppress evidence, challenge breathalyzer calibration records, or question the legality of a field sobriety test. The prosecution may offer a plea deal. You decide whether to accept or go to trial.
We give you a clear, honest picture of both paths so you can choose with confidence.
Stage 5: Trial or Sentencing
If your case goes to trial, it is heard in Contra Costa Superior Court before a judge or jury. A felony DUI conviction under California Vehicle Code § 23153 can carry state prison time, heavy fines, and a multi-year license suspension. If a plea is reached, the court sets a sentencing date.
Talk to a Felony DUI Lawyer in Walnut Creek Today
A felony DUI charge in Contra Costa County moves fast. The sooner you act, the more options you have. At Geller Law, we are ready to review your case, build a strong defense, and represent you at every court date in Walnut Creek and beyond.
Do not wait for the process to move against you. Our skilled felony DUI lawyers are available now.
Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation. Take the first step toward protecting your future.
Common Questions About Felony DUI in Walnut Creek
1. Can I travel outside California while my felony DUI case is pending?
Travel may be restricted as a condition of your bail or release. You should ask your attorney before making any travel plans, including trips outside the country.
2. Will a felony DUI affect my ability to own a firearm?
A felony conviction in California typically strips your right to own or possess a firearm (California Penal Code 29800). This loss is permanent under state law unless a court later grants relief.
3. How long does a felony DUI stay on my record in California?
A felony DUI conviction stays on your criminal record for life unless you seek post-conviction relief. Some people may qualify for expungement under Penal Code § 1203.4, but eligibility depends on your specific case facts.
4. Can my felony DUI charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
In some cases, a wobbler charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor through negotiation or a motion to reduce after probation. The outcome depends on the facts of your case and how the Contra Costa County prosecutor filed the charge.
5. What happens to my driver’s license after a felony DUI arrest in Walnut Creek?
The DMV will start a separate process to suspend your license immediately, independent of any criminal case. You have only 10 days from your arrest to request a DMV hearing, or your license suspension may become automatic.