Aggravated DUI Serving Families Throughout Fresno & The Surrounding Areas

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.

How an Aggravated DUI Case Moves Through the Fresno Court System

Knowing the procedural stages of a felony DUI case helps defendants understand what to expect and where defense work has the most impact.

Arrest & the 10-Day DMV Deadline

After a DUI arrest, the officer typically issues a temporary license and confiscates the physical driver’s license. From that date, you have 10 days to request a DMV Administrative Per Se hearing. This hearing is separate from criminal proceedings and is the only opportunity to contest automatic license suspension before it takes effect. Missing the deadline means the suspension proceeds without review.

Arraignment in Fresno County Superior Court

Felony arraignment timelines vary depending on whether the defendant is in custody. At arraignment, formal charges are presented and the defendant enters an initial plea. This is also when bail conditions are addressed. Having defense counsel present at this stage can affect bail arguments and sets the tone for how the case proceeds.

Pre-Trial Motions

Before trial, the defense can file motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful stop, challenge the admissibility of BAC results, or contest other procedural violations. A successful suppression motion can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and may create the conditions for a favorable plea negotiation.

Plea Negotiations or Trial

Most felony DUI cases are resolved before trial through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial where the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. A conviction may be appealed, though appeals must be filed within a specific time frame after sentencing.

Defense Strategies in California Felony DUI Cases

No two aggravated DUI cases are identical, and the strongest defenses are built around the specific facts of each arrest. Several categories of legal challenge, though, apply across many felony DUI cases.

Challenging BAC Evidence

Breathalyzer machines require regular calibration and maintenance. Blood samples must follow strict chain-of-custody protocols from collection through laboratory analysis. Errors in either area can make results inadmissible or unreliable enough to dispute at trial. Certain medical conditions, medications, and instances of mouth alcohol contamination can also produce falsely elevated BAC readings.

Contesting the Legality of the Stop

Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop. If that threshold wasn’t met, evidence gathered during the stop, including BAC results, may be suppressible. We review the circumstances of every stop as a matter of course.

Disputing Aggravating Factors

The prosecution must prove each aggravating element beyond a reasonable doubt. Whether an injury meets the legal threshold for “serious bodily injury,” whether a minor was actually present and under age 14, or whether speed genuinely exceeded the statutory limit are all factual questions that can be contested. Successfully challenging a single aggravating factor can affect whether the charge remains a felony or may be reduced.

Field Sobriety Test Administration

Standardized field sobriety tests must be administered according to established National Highway Traffic Safety Administration protocols. Deviations from those procedures can undermine the officer’s assessment of impairment and the weight a jury gives that testimony.

Plea Negotiation to a Reduced Charge

When the evidence doesn’t support outright dismissal, negotiating a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor, or to a lesser offense, may significantly limit the consequences a defendant faces. We evaluate the prosecution’s case carefully and use identifiable weaknesses as leverage in discussions with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

Continue Reading Read Less

Clients Trust Us

Award-Winning Reputation with

"They made what was a bad situation into a calm and comforting one."
Sawl Law Group was great experience. They made what was a bad situation into a calm and comforting one. I would recommend them to anyone.

- Everardo G.
"This was such a relief to me. My fee was very affordable, and I was able to be put on a payment arrangement. I couldn’t of asked for better service."
Sawl Law Group was such a big help to me. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs a lawyer to them. I currently live in a different state and was unable to appear in court. Sawl Law Group stood in on my behalf. I was so grateful. In the end my warrant was recalled, and I was able to complete the stipulations of my case in my current state. This was such a relief to me. My fee was very affordable, and I was able to be put on a payment arrangement. I couldn’t of asked for better service. My person of contact was Claudia, and she was very helpful, and informative. She answered all my questions, always contacted me back when a message was left, and was always available for me. She walked me through the whole process and I appreciate her support. I just want to thank my lawyer Michelle for working on my behalf and Sawl Law Group for helping me out when I most needed it. So if your searching for a good lawyer who would work on your behalf, please choose Sawl Law Group.

- Michelle G.
"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.
"The Sawl Law Group really, really did an outstanding job for me. They were very invested in my interest to pursue a dismissal for some things I did as a young man."
The Sawl Law Group really, really did an outstanding job for me. They were very invested in my interest to pursue a dismissal for some things I did as a young man. We won the dismissal and my attorney Michelle did a great job and was really caring about my situation. I definitely recommend this group to anyone seeking legal representation!

- Rodney M.
"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.
"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.
"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
"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.

- Satisfied Client

Contact Us Today

Request a Free Case Evaluation

At Sawl Law Group, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Sawl Law Group, Inc. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
A Respected Reputation with the Judges & the D.A.
Caring Service with Proven Results
Attorney Taleisnik Speaks Spanish
Phone Is Answered 24/7