Aggravated DUI Attorney in Salinas

Your First Step After an Aggravated DUI Charge in Salinas

Facing an aggravated DUI charge can feel overwhelming. At The Worthington Law Centre, we help clients in Salinas and throughout Monterey County navigate these difficult matters with clear guidance and focused representation. 

Our team brings over 50 years of criminal defense experience, offering knowledge and a steady approach to every stage of your case. We want you to know you never have to figure out your next steps alone.

Local law enforcement and prosecutors in Monterey County investigate each aggravated DUI arrest with thorough attention, which can create stress for those unfamiliar with the process. By reaching out early, you give our defense team the chance to gather details, answer questions, and consider the best strategy for your case based on your circumstances and the tendencies of local courts.

Secure a Salinas aggravated DUI lawyer to fight the GBI enhancement and "Three Strikes" felony. Schedule your consultation by calling (831) 704-1852 or reaching out online now. We are available 24/7.

Understanding California’s Aggravated DUI Laws

The term Aggravated DUI refers to any standard DUI offense (BAC ≥0.08% or driving under the influence) that is enhanced by specific statutory factors (Vehicle Code §23572 et seq.), often elevating the charge to a felony.

Major Aggravating Factors

• Prior Convictions: Having three or more prior DUI or wet reckless convictions within the preceding 10 years automatically elevates the fourth offense to a felony.
• DUI Causing Injury (VC §23153): This is the most common Aggravated DUI felony. This is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail) or a felony (up to 4 years in state prison, plus sentencing enhancements).
• High BAC Enhancement (VC §23578): While not always a felony, driving with an extremely high BAC (≥0.15% or ≥0.20%) results in increased jail time, longer mandatory DUI school programs, and extended Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements.
• Child Endangerment (VC §23572): Driving under the influence with a minor under the age of 14 as a passenger results in mandatory, consecutive jail time (48 hours to 90 days), in addition to the underlying DUI sentence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Aggravated DUI in Salinas

A conviction for aggravated DUI carries severe penalties that escalate with the number of victims and the severity of the injury.

Direct Sentencing Consequences

• Felony Prison Time: Up to four years in state prison for the base felony, plus sentencing enhancements:
• Great Bodily Injury (GBI) Enhancement: If a victim suffers GBI, an additional 3 to 6 years in state prison can be added to the sentence, and the crime is deemed a Strike under the Three Strikes Law.
• Multiple Victims Enhancement: An additional year of prison time is added for every victim who suffers bodily injury.
• Driver's License Revocation: License suspensions range from one year up to four years, depending on the number of prior offenses. Reinstatement requires the mandatory installation of an IID.
• Strike Offense: Felony DUI causing GBI or Death counts as a "strike," exposing the defendant to double sentences for future felonies and a potential sentence of 25 years to life for a third strike.

Lifelong Collateral Consequences

• Permanent Felony Record: A felony conviction is permanent, restricting employment, professional licenses, and housing.
• Restitution: Courts mandate full victim restitution, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for permanent injuries.
• Mandatory IID: Mandatory IID installation for at least two years upon reinstatement.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Aggravated DUI Defense

The Worthington Law Centre uses a forensic and procedural defense approach to challenge felony enhancements.

• Challenging Causation and Negligence: We argue the accident was not caused by the client's intoxication but by a third party, road defects, or factors beyond the client's control. Our firm utilizes independent investigators and accident reconstructionists to prove the lack of causation required by VC §23153.
• Attacking the Great Bodily Injury (GBI) Enhancement: We challenge the medical evidence to argue the victim's injuries do not meet the strict GBI standard, thereby removing the mandatory prison enhancement and the "strike" status.
• Scientific Defense: We scrutinize the breathalyzer's calibration records, blood sample chain of custody, and the timeline of alcohol absorption ("Rising BAC" defense) to disprove the BAC level at the time of driving.
• Wet Reckless Negotiation: We aim to reduce the charge to a "wet reckless" (VC §23103.5), which significantly reduces penalties and avoids the most severe consequences of a felony conviction.

What Sets Our Aggravated DUI Lawyers in Salinas Apart

Choosing a qualified aggravated DUI lawyer in Salinas makes a difference. Our firm, led by two attorneys certified in criminal law by the California State Bar, brings a level of commitment and professional recognition that few firms possess. 

We operate as a family-owned business, offering direct communication, personalized attention, and reliable guidance throughout your case. Our record serving a wide range of clients—from local residents to public officials—demonstrates our focus on individualized advocacy for each person who seeks our help. 

A multilingual staff and deep community roots in the historic Hitchcock House ensure we deliver accessible guidance for everyone in Salinas.

How Our Salinas Defense Team Supports You at Every Step

When you need an aggravated DUI attorney in Salinas, you deserve a team that stands beside you from the first consultation through every court date and discussion. Here’s what you can expect when working with our defense lawyers:

• Personalized initial consultation: We listen closely to your concerns and outline possible next steps—your first meeting is always free.
• Comprehensive review: Our attorneys review the arrest details, charge documents, and all available case materials.
• Open communication: We answer your questions plainly and keep you informed as your case moves forward.
• Attention to every detail: We examine all evidence, police procedures, and records to identify possible legal arguments and defense opportunities.
• Support at every stage: Our family-based team provides consistent support inside and outside the courthouse.

We represent people from all backgrounds. Whether this is your first arrest or you face heightened risk due to past convictions, our goal is to provide practical—never judgmental—guidance tailored to your situation.

Contact Our Aggravated DUI Attorney Team in Salinas

If you or a loved one faces an aggravated DUI charge, contact The Worthington Law Centre for honest, supportive guidance from knowledgeable aggravated DUI lawyers in Salinas. Our attorneys, certified in criminal law, offer free consultations in a confidential, welcoming environment. 

When you reach out, you’ll receive clear direction regarding your rights and options, along with insight grounded in years of trusted advocacy for the Salinas community. 

Let us help you move forward—call (831) 704-1852 or fill out this online form to schedule your consultation today.