Being arrested for DUI in San Bernardino is a serious situation. When the charge involves injury to another person, the stakes are even higher. A DUI with injury is treated as a much more severe offense under California law and can lead to felony charges, state prison time, and devastating consequences for your future.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, our DUI with injury lawyers in San Bernardino, CA have the experience, legal knowledge, and courtroom skills needed to defend you against these charges. We know how local prosecutors handle DUI injury cases and how to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.
In California, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that results in injury to another person is a separate and more serious crime than a standard DUI. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23153, prosecutors can charge you with DUI causing injury if:
You were operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both
You committed an additional negligent act or traffic violation
That act directly resulted in injury to another person
The injury does not have to be severe to trigger these charges. Even minor injuries to a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist can result in a DUI with injury case.
DUI with injury charges can arise from many different situations. In San Bernardino County, some of the most common scenarios include:
Rear-ending another vehicle while under the influence
Causing a crash in an intersection that results in injury
Losing control of your vehicle and hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist
Driving under the influence and being involved in a multi-car accident
Being involved in a DUI accident where a passenger in your vehicle is injured
It is important to remember that you can be charged with DUI with injury even if you did not intentionally harm anyone. All the prosecution needs to prove is that your impaired driving and negligence caused an injury.
DUI with injury in California is known as a wobbler offense. This means the case can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.
Factors that influence whether your case is charged as a felony include:
The severity of the injuries involved
Whether you have prior DUI convictions
Whether gross negligence was involved
The number of people injured
If you have a previous felony DUI conviction or the incident resulted in great bodily injury, you will likely face felony charges.
The penalties for DUI with injury in San Bernardino County depend on whether the case is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Misdemeanor DUI with injury penalties may include:
Up to 1 year in county jail
Fines between $390 and $5,000 plus additional penalty assessments
Payment of restitution to injured parties
Driver’s license suspension
Mandatory DUI education programs
Probation for 3 to 5 years
Felony DUI with injury penalties may include:
16 months to 4 years in state prison
An additional 1 to 3 years for each person who suffered great bodily injury
Fines and restitution
A strike on your record under California’s Three Strikes Law
Driver’s license revocation for up to 5 years
Mandatory completion of a DUI education program
Habitual Traffic Offender status
A felony DUI with injury conviction can have lifelong consequences, which is why it is critical to have experienced legal representation from the start.
DUI with injury cases are complex and often involve a mix of scientific, technical, and legal issues. At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we take a thorough and aggressive approach to defending your case.
Our legal team will:
Conduct a detailed review of the police report and accident scene evidence
Challenge the legality of the traffic stop and arrest
Examine whether field sobriety and chemical tests were properly administered
Work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the cause of the crash
Question whether your actions actually caused the injuries involved
Seek to have charges reduced or dismissed where possible
Negotiate with prosecutors for alternative sentencing options
We understand how San Bernardino County prosecutors pursue these cases and know how to fight back to protect your rights and freedom.
After being arrested for DUI with injury, you will face not only criminal charges but also an administrative license suspension through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
You only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you do not request a hearing, your license will be automatically suspended. Our skilled DUI attorneys represent clients in both DMV hearings and criminal court to provide a complete defense and work to protect your driving privileges.
DUI with injury cases in San Bernardino are handled by the Superior Court of California, San Bernardino County. We represent clients at courthouses throughout the region, including:
San Bernardino Justice Center
Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse
Fontana Courthouse
Victorville Courthouse
Joshua Tree Courthouse
We proudly serve clients across San Bernardino County, including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rialto, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Hesperia, Victorville, and nearby communities. Our familiarity with the local court system gives us an advantage in negotiating with prosecutors and building a defense tailored to your situation.
A DUI with injury charge can change your life in an instant. You need a legal team that understands the stakes and knows how to build a strong defense.
At Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration, we provide:
Extensive experience defending DUI and injury-related cases
A thorough understanding of DUI laws and courtroom procedures
Access to accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
Personalized legal strategies based on the facts of your case
Aggressive negotiation and trial representation
We are committed to protecting your rights, minimizing the penalties, and helping you move forward after a DUI with injury arrest.
No, DUI with injury can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case. If the injuries are minor and you have no prior DUIs, it may be charged as a misdemeanor, but more serious injuries or prior convictions can lead to felony charges.
A misdemeanor DUI with injury can result in up to 1 year in county jail. A felony DUI with injury conviction can result in 16 months to 4 years in state prison, with additional time if victims suffered great bodily injury.
Yes, with a strong legal defense, it is possible to have a DUI with injury charge reduced to a lesser offense. This may depend on the strength of the evidence, your criminal history, and whether the injuries were severe.
If another driver contributed to the accident, that could be an important defense in your case. Your attorney can investigate the facts to challenge whether your driving caused the injuries, which is required for a DUI with injury conviction.
If you are facing DUI with injury charges in San Bernardino County, do not face the legal system alone. These cases carry severe penalties and can affect your life for years to come. The sooner you contact an experienced defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and your future.
Call Liberty Criminal Defense & Immigration today at 909-773-2356 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our DUI with injury lawyers in San Bernardino, CA. We are ready to fight for you and help you move forward.
