Aggravated DUI Attorney in Fresno
40+ Years of Combined Experience. Felony DUI Defense Built Around Your Case.
California law doesn’t use the phrase “aggravated DUI” as a standalone statute. The term describes a DUI charge elevated to felony level by one or more aggravating factors, and the consequences are in a different category entirely from a standard misdemeanor DUI. A conviction can mean state prison, a permanent felony record, and years of collateral damage to your career, housing, and professional licenses. If you’re facing that situation in Fresno, the window to act is narrow. Our team at Sawl Law Group, Inc. answers calls 24/7, offers free consultations, and brings over 40 years of combined experience in criminal defense to every case we handle.
An aggravated DUI arrest demands an immediate response. Call us at (559) 205-7757 to speak with a member of our criminal defense team today, at no cost to you.
What Makes a DUI “Aggravated” Under California Law
Several circumstances can elevate a DUI charge to felony status. Even a first-time offender with no prior record can face felony prosecution when these factors are present.
Aggravating factors recognized by California law include:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher
- A minor passenger under age 14 in the vehicle
- Causing bodily injury to another person, charged under Vehicle Code 23153
- Causing death, which can be prosecuted as vehicular manslaughter or as second-degree murder under the Watson murder doctrine
- A fourth or subsequent DUI within a 10-year period
- A prior felony DUI conviction, which makes future DUI charges subject to felony prosecution regardless of circumstances
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license at the time of the arrest
- Excessive speed, defined as 20 mph or more over the limit on surface streets or 30 mph or more over on a freeway, while under the influence
- Refusing chemical testing after a lawful arrest, which can add mandatory jail time and a longer suspension with no restricted license option
Penalties for a Felony DUI in California
The criminal penalties for an aggravated DUI conviction depend on which factors are present, but the baseline is severe. A standard felony DUI can carry 16 months to 4 years in state prison. When great bodily injury is involved, that range can extend to 16 years. Fines can reach $5,000 before penalty assessments are added, which may multiply the base amount several times over.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction can bring driver’s license revocation for up to four years, mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation, enrollment in an 18- or 30-month DUI education program, a habitual traffic offender designation, and victim restitution. Sentencing enhancements can add mandatory time on top of the base sentence: each additional person injured can add up to one year, a minor passenger under 14 adds a minimum of 48 hours, and excessive speed adds 60 consecutive days.
The DMV consequences run on a separate track. Even if criminal charges are later reduced or dismissed, the administrative suspension may still apply. You have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV Administrative Per Se hearing to contest that suspension. Missing that deadline can forfeit your right to contest it.
A felony conviction reaches well beyond the courtroom. Employment background checks, professional licensing boards, housing applications, and immigration status for non-citizens can all be affected by a felony DUI on your record.
How Sawl Law Group, Inc. Defends Aggravated DUI Cases in Fresno
We approach every aggravated DUI case the same way: thorough investigation first, then strategy. That means pulling police reports, reviewing BAC testing records, examining field sobriety documentation, and identifying every point where the prosecution’s case may be vulnerable. Felony DUI cases in Fresno County Superior Court are frequently resolved through plea negotiations, and identifying evidentiary weaknesses early can give us leverage when engaging the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
Our practice covers both criminal defense and personal injury, which matters when a DUI charge also involves an injured party. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury clients across a wide range of cases, and that depth of litigation experience informs how we evaluate and defend complex criminal matters. Attorney Martin Taleisnik also serves Spanish-speaking clients. Serving Fresno and the surrounding area, our goal at every stage is to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward the best outcome the facts allow.
Talk to a Fresno Aggravated DUI Attorney Today
A felony DUI charge isn’t a situation where waiting to consult an attorney works in your favor. The earlier our team gets involved, the more options there may be to challenge the evidence, protect your license, and shape the direction of your case.
We offer free consultations and answer calls around the clock. If you or someone you know is facing an aggravated DUI charge in Fresno, contact Sawl Law Group, Inc. now at (559) 205-7757.
Clients Trust Us
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"Right away you can see this is a very professional firm. They did everything they said they would, including working things out so I did not have to appear in court."
This was the first time I had needed to hire an attorney. I met with 7 different lawyers before I decided. Right away you can see this is a very professional firm. They did everything they said they would, including working things out so I did not have to appear in court. I am very pleased with the service and the way the case was handled. I would and do recommend them to my friends.
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"Previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding."
This was the first time I had ever been involved in any situation like this. I had spoken with a few lawyers before heading to Sawl Law Group. The previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding.
They took immediate ownership of the problem at hand. This problem had wrecked havoc on my life by draining my time and my finances. Sawl Law Group was affordable and handled the case so I wasn’t required to miss work and physically be present. I would highly recommend Sawl Law Group to friends, family and anyone who needs a tough lawyer to receive justice.
- Rebekah A. -
"They were able to lower my DUI to a much lesser charge of “Wet Reckless” saving me thousands of dollars, and time. So thank you Sawl Law Group, Claudia, and Michelle."
I just wanted to say a few things about Sawl Law Group. I had never needed to hire an attorney before, so I didn’t know what I was doing, or what to expect. When i had just been charged with a DUI; I had a pile of law offices to choose from. The first one that stood out was Sawl Law Group. They were very professional, and welcoming. Claudia made a long drive, just to meet with me face to face, and have a short conversation about my case, and my options. She made me feel confident that I could do much better than I had hoped. Claudia paired me up with Michelle, the attorney that would then, represent me. She took care of all my court dates (after signing a document of course) which was especially helpful with my crazy work schedule. Not only that, but they were able to lower my DUI to a much lesser charge of “Wet Reckless” saving me thousands of dollars, and time. So thank you Sawl Law Group, Claudia, and Michelle. And to anyone else who finds themselves in a bind; I definitely recommend starting here!
- Justin R. -
"I would highly recommend the Sawl Law group to family and friends if they were ever in need of their services."
Just wanted to thank the Sawl Law group for a job well done. Corina did a great job and was very helpful. Corina explained the procedure in great detail. She always kept me well informed and always made herself available to me via phone, email and in person. I would highly recommend the Sawl Law group to family and friends if they were ever in need of their services.
Thanks again for all your help and hard work!
- Google Reviews – Juan G. -
"Corina is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend."Corina Burchfield walked me step by step through the whole process she is very professional definitely recommend her. She is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend.- Google Review - Brianna M.
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"Martin was the perfect person to work on helping me get through my DUI."10/10 would recommend Martin, communication was always there, he was the perfect person to work on helping me get through my DUI.- Google Reviews - C.D. Carter
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"I highly recommend Martin Taleisnik to anyone needing legal representation and would seek him out again, if needed."
Our Experience with the Sawl Law Group was only positive. My adult son was in serious trouble and refused to follow our extended family’s advice on how to plea, so as to enable him to get the help we thought he needed. Martin Taleisnik represented us and went above and beyond his call-to-duty on repeatedly meeting with our son and trying to talk sense into him. Because of his familiarity with the D.A.’s and judges, he was able to counsel us as to what to expect and whom to avoid, if possible.
All we were concerned about was that my son would get a fair hearing and not be swept aside by the court process. During one court appearance, Mr. Taleisnik was in the judge’s chambers for over 20 minutes, presenting the mitigating factors in my son’s case. At the sentencing hearing, Mr. Taleisnik gave an impassioned speech to the judge which persuaded the judge to give my son probation. During that speech, a female sitting behind us in court tapped us on the shoulder and told us that she was impressed by our attorney.
Regarding the fee. We were quoted a reasonable global fee that would cover anything that would transpire, short of a trial. My son’s case was continued almost monthly for 6 months, due to his co-defendant and other court procedures. Mr. Taleisnik was always there, on time, and would speak to us afterward in the hall, at length, about what the proceedings meant and what the next step was.
I highly recommend Martin Taleisnik to anyone needing legal representation and would seek him out again, if needed.
- Chanah C. -
"Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night."Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night. I didn't have to follow up they were handling the matter so professionally. I would indeed go back to them if I had another issue. They were so kind and understanding.- Valerie R.