Aggravated DUI Attorney in Dublin

Your Strategic Defense for Aggravated DUI Charges in Dublin, CA

If you are facing aggravated DUI charges in Dublin, CA, the stakes are high and your next steps matter. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we offer clients not just legal representation, but a strategic defense tailored to the Dublin legal environment. 

With over 30 years of criminal law experience, our team brings a unique understanding of both prosecution and defense tactics. We know how to approach aggravated DUI charges in Dublin in a way that anticipates challenges, maximizes available defenses, and offers attentive guidance through every phase of your case.

The moments following an arrest for an aggravated DUI can be overwhelming, but a Dublin aggravated DUI lawyer is ready to help. Our firm, composed of former prosecutors, offers free consultations and is available 24/7 to help you understand your options. Call us now at (925) 259-3337 or contact us online to speak with our bilingual team and begin building your defense.

Understanding Aggravated DUI Laws in California

In California, a standard DUI (under Vehicle Code §§ 23152(a) and 23152(b)) becomes an "aggravated" offense when it is accompanied by certain circumstances, known as "enhancements." These factors are not a separate crime but rather elements that drastically increase the penalties you face upon conviction.

Common aggravating factors that can turn a standard DUI into a felony include:

• DUI Causing Injury (Vehicle Code § 23153): If your DUI is found to have caused bodily injury to another person, you can be charged with a "wobbler," which can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony conviction can result in state prison time.
• Prior DUI Convictions: A fourth or subsequent DUI conviction within a 10-year period is automatically charged as a felony. The penalties for a felony DUI with priors are severe, including a mandatory prison sentence.
• Driving with a Minor in the Vehicle: Driving under the influence with a child under the age of 14 in the car can lead to a significant sentence enhancement, including additional jail time.
• Excessive Speed: If you were driving at an excessive speed (30 mph over the speed limit on a freeway or 20 mph on a surface street) while under the influence, you can face an additional 60-day jail sentence.
• Refusal to Take a Chemical Test: Under California’s implied consent law, refusing to submit to a chemical test (breath or blood) after a lawful DUI arrest can lead to an automatic one-year suspension of your driver's license and additional jail time.

The prosecution's case rests on proving these aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt. Our firm's experience on the other side of the courtroom gives us a unique perspective on how to challenge these claims and fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed. This is the advantage a dedicated aggravated DUI attorney in Dublin brings to your case.

The Penalties and Collateral Consequences of an Aggravated DUI Conviction

The consequences of an aggravated DUI conviction are far more severe than those for a standard DUI. The penalties multiply with each additional offense or aggravating factor, and a conviction can have a permanent, devastating impact on your life.

Direct Penalties:

• State Prison Time: A felony DUI conviction can result in a sentence of 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison. If the victim suffers great bodily injury, you can face an additional three to six years.
• Significant Fines: You can be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines, penalty assessments, and restitution to the victim.
• Permanent License Revocation: Your driver's license can be revoked for several years or even permanently, depending on the severity of the charge and your criminal history.
• Felony Record: A felony conviction is a permanent mark on your record that will be visible to employers, landlords, and others who conduct background checks.

Collateral Consequences:

• Employment Opportunities: A felony record can make it nearly impossible to find a job, particularly in fields that require professional licensing, security clearance, or driving.
• Immigration Issues: A felony aggravated DUI conviction is considered a crime involving moral turpitude and can lead to deportation for non-citizens.
• Loss of Rights: You will lose your right to own or possess a firearm.
• Civil Liability: In addition to criminal penalties, you can be sued in civil court by the victims of the accident for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We are committed to helping you avoid these life-altering consequences. A dedicated aggravated DUI attorney in Dublin can be your most powerful asset in this fight.

What to Expect During the Aggravated DUI Process in Dublin

Understanding how aggravated DUI cases progress through Dublin’s legal system prepares you for what’s ahead. 

Here’s a look at the key steps:

1. Arrest & Booking: Most aggravated DUI arrests in Dublin result from enforcement by Dublin Police Services or local sheriff’s deputies, with subsequent booking and a first court date scheduled at the East County Hall of Justice.
2. DMV Hearing: Separate from court proceedings, the DMV will schedule a hearing about your driver’s license status. Responding quickly gives you the best chance of keeping your driving privileges while your case is pending.
3. Arraignment: At your first court appearance, your aggravated DUI attorney in Dublin can begin negotiating with the District Attorney’s office or positioning your case for litigation, depending on the facts.
4. Discovery & Investigation: We scrutinize every piece of evidence, from probable cause for the stop to chemical test administration, challenging any procedural errors or constitutional violations found.
5. Negotiation & Litigation: Using strategies built on years in local courts, we negotiate with prosecutors or pursue litigation, always with the goal of achieving the most favorable result given your circumstances.
6. Resolution & Post-Case Guidance: After the case resolves—whether through plea negotiation, reduction of charges, or courtroom litigation—we continue offering advice on long-term impacts, including eligibility for record sealing in the future.

The legal process in Dublin has its own pace and protocols. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we keep you up-to-date at every stage, break down each complex step, and help you prepare for every hearing. We know your questions often concern day-to-day issues—like transportation, court etiquette, or obligations after court. 

Our aggravated DUI lawyers ensure you have easy-to-understand instructions and realistic expectations, helping you feel more in control. When issues arise (as they sometimes do), our team offers practical solutions because we understand the challenges Dublin residents face, both in and out of the local courthouse.

Why Clients in Dublin Rely on Our Aggravated DUI Lawyers

Choosing the right aggravated DUI attorney in Dublin can make a decisive impact on the outcome of your case. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we offer clients a strong advantage through our direct, client-focused service philosophy and a reputation for integrity. 

Attorney Christopher A. Lamiero draws on his prosecutorial background to build comprehensive defense strategies uniquely suited for each client. Our bilingual team serves English- and Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring effective communication and equal access to quality representation throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

If you’re looking for an aggravated DUI lawyer in Dublin who delivers a thorough, locally informed process, here’s what you can expect from us:

• In-Depth Case Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive review of police reports, chemical testing results, procedural details, and your individual history to identify all potential defenses and issues unique to cases in Dublin and Alameda County courts.
• Prosecutorial Insight: With a background in prosecution, we anticipate government strategies and address weaknesses in the evidence against you to build a stronger defense from the outset.
• Personalized Defense Planning: You receive a strategy based on your specific circumstances—considering factors like prior history, employment, and driving needs—to help safeguard your rights and your license.
• Consistent Communication: Our aggravated DUI lawyers deliver prompt responses, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every key decision point—and we are pleased to serve clients in both English and Spanish.
• Focused Advocacy in Dublin Courts: Daily familiarity with the East County Hall of Justice, local officers, and court staff allows us to adapt quickly, recognizing what works in this legal environment.

Contact an Aggravated DUI Lawyer in Dublin Today

For those facing aggravated DUI charges in Dublin, professional support is critical—delays can make your situation harder. Our team will listen, provide clarity about your options, and create a plan to help you move forward with greater confidence. With decades of local experience and a unique prosecutor’s perspective, we strive to ease your burden, protect your immediate rights, and give you honest, practical next steps. The sooner you act, the more options you have—and working with an aggravated DUI lawyer familiar with Dublin courts is one of the most effective ways to secure your future and peace of mind.

Reach out to The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero at (925) 259-3337 today to arrange a confidential consultation with our aggravated DUI attorney in Dublin.