Recently, 27-year-old Jose A. Ortiz of Napa was stopped by St. Helena Police officers after failing to stop at a stop sign. Now, Ortiz faces a felony DUI charge after it was determined it was Ortiz’s fourth arrest for driving under the influence within the last 10 years, according to news reports.
Ortiz allegedly turned onto southbound Main Street from eastbound Spring Street without stopping; officers also noted that Ortiz sped up to 41 mph in a 25 mph zone before they pulled him over, according to Sgt. Chris Hartley.
Hartley claims that Ortiz had a BAC (blood alcohol content) above the .08 percent legal limit in California upon taking a breath test. He also failed field sobriety tests, and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. A fourth DUI arrest in California is charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Ortiz was booked into the Napa County Jail.
In the state of Michigan, a third DUI arrest is charged as a felony and leaves the offender facing serious penalties if found guilty. Up to five years in prison, substantial fines, loss of your driving privilege, and a criminal record are a few of the consequences of a felony DUI conviction. Being a convicted felon also impacts your reputation and career; your vehicle may also be impounded, and when you finally regain your privilege to drive, you may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicles you drive.
Driving under the influence is a serious criminal charge, particularly when it is a third or subsequent felony offense. The fact that you have been charged with DUI does not mean you will be found guilty, however you must work with a reputable and experienced Michigan felony DUI attorney to have any hope of reaching a positive outcome in your case. Don’t put your freedom and future in jeopardy; consult with an aggressive defense lawyer immediately.