A routine DUI stop can become a life-changing Arrest—especially if the driver has a Prior Felony DUI on their record. In Tahoe City, and across Placer County, a new DUI can be filed as a Felony under Vehicle Code 23550.5(a) (people often mistakenly call it “California PC 23550.5(a)”). This is one of the fastest ways a “standard” DUI case escalates into felony territory.
This blog explains what VC 23550.5(a) is, what counts as a “prior felony DUI,” the penalties and license consequences that can follow, what typically happens after an arrest involving the Placer County Sheriff, and how a Bail Bondsmanand Bailbond—including Bail House Bail Bonds—can help when bail is available.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you’re facing charges, consult a qualified California criminal defense attorney immediately.
Even though people commonly say “PC 23550.5(a),” this law appears in the California Vehicle Code. The statute applies when a person is convicted of Vehicle Code 23152 (standard DUI) or 23153 (DUI causing injury), and the new offense occurred within a specific timeframe after certain prior felony DUI-related convictions. Justia Law
VC 23550.5(a) applies when the person is convicted of:
VC 23152 (driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, including per se BAC 0.08% and other DUI subsections), FindLaw Codes or
VC 23153 (driving under the influence and causing bodily injury while also committing an illegal act or neglecting a duty). FindLaw Codes
So, if your case starts as a “normal” DUI, but the prosecutor sees qualifying priors, they may file the new DUI as a felony-level offense under 23550.5(a).
The key idea is this:
If you pick up a new DUI (23152 or 23153) and you have a qualifying prior felony DUI-type conviction, the new DUI can be punished more severely and treated as a felony/wobbler.
VC 23550.5(a) states a person is guilty of a public offense punishable by state prison or county jail (up to one year) and a fine of $390 to $1,000 if they are convicted of 23152 or 23153 and the offense occurred within 10 years of certain listed prior felony-level convictions. Justia Law
That “within 10 years” clock is crucial for subdivision (a). Justia Law
Under VC 23550.5(a), the new DUI must have occurred within 10 years of any of the following:
A prior VC 23152 DUI that was punished as a felony under VC 23550 or VC 23550.5 (or former VC 23175/23175.5), Justia Law
A prior VC 23153 DUI causing injury that was punished as a felony, Justia Law
A prior felony violation of Penal Code 192(c)(1) (gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated) that was punished as a felony. Justia Law
So when people say “felony DUI with a prior felony DUI,” they usually mean scenario #1 (a prior DUI conviction that was punished as a felony). But 23550.5(a) also captures felony DUI-injury convictions and felony DUI manslaughter convictions. Justia Law
Subdivision (b) is another path that can trigger felony-style consequences. It covers a person with certain prior homicide-related DUI convictions (Penal Code 191.5 felony/misdemeanor variations and 192.5(a)) who is later convicted of 23152 or 23153. Justia Law
Most families searching for “felony DUI with prior felony DUI” are focused on (a), but it’s helpful to know (b) exists because it can affect filing decisions when the record involves DUI-related deaths. Justia Law
VC 23550.5(a) states the offense is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison or confinement in county jail for not more than one year, plus a fine of $390 to $1,000. Justia Law
When a statute allows “state prison” but doesn’t list a specific triad, California’s default felony triad often applies: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years (unless another punishment is prescribed). Justia Law
Bottom line: VC 23550.5(a) is commonly handled as a felony-level DUI case because it opens the door to state prison exposure rather than keeping it as a standard misdemeanor DUI.
VC 23550.5 also includes major driver’s license consequences:
It directs DMV license revocation under Vehicle Code 13352 provisions for a conviction punishable under (a) or (b). Justia Law
It also says a person convicted of 23152 or 23153 punishable under this section shall be designated a habitual traffic offender for three years. Justia Law
For many people, the license impact is as life-disrupting as the court case—especially in Tahoe where driving is often essential for work, medical care, and family responsibilities.
Many felony DUI cases in Tahoe City begin with a “normal” DUI stop:
speeding, swerving, or equipment violations
collisions or near-misses
calls from witnesses or businesses
checkpoint-style contacts (when applicable)
Once the stop happens, the investigation often expands into field sobriety tests, chemical testing, and record checks. If the officer or prosecutor sees a Prior Felony DUI within the statutory window, the case can escalate quickly into a felony filing under VC 23550.5(a). Justia Law
After a felony DUI Arrest, families typically want three answers immediately:
Where is my loved one being held?
Is bail set?
How do we get them released?
Placer County lists the Tahoe Substation in Tahoe City at 2501 N Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145 (phone 530-581-6300). Placer County
Placer County’s Corrections page lists:
Auburn Jail — 2775 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603 (530-745-8500) Placer County
South Placer Jail — 11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville, CA 95678 (916-409-8100) Placer County
Placer County’s Sheriff page also notes the jail roster provides booking and bail details. Placer County
If bail is available and set, families generally have two main options:
This typically means posting the full amount to the court (or using an approved court process). If the defendant appears as required, bail may be eligible for return later—subject to court rules and timelines.
A Bailbond allows release without paying the full bail amount upfront. A Bail Bondsman posts a surety bond guaranteeing the bail to the court, and the family pays a premium instead of the full amount.
With a Felony DUI allegation—especially one tied to a Prior Felony—bail can be high enough that a bail bond is the most realistic route for many families.
Even if someone gets out on bail, courts often impose strict conditions, especially for felony DUI filings. Depending on the situation, conditions can include:
no driving without a valid license
alcohol abstinence and/or testing
ignition interlock requirements (case-specific)
stay-away / no-contact orders if a crash or dispute is involved
court check-ins or monitoring programs
Violating conditions can lead to re-arrest, higher bail, or loss of release privileges—so compliance is critical from day one.
It’s commonly said that way, but it’s a Vehicle Code section: VC 23550.5(a). Justia Law
It applies when someone is convicted of VC 23152 (standard DUI) or VC 23153 (DUI causing injury), and the new offense meets the prior-felony conditions. Justia Law+2FindLaw Codes+2
It includes a prior DUI punished as a felony (including prior felony punishment under VC 23550 or 23550.5), a felony DUI-injury conviction, or a felony PC 192(c)(1) conviction—if the new offense occurred within 10 years. Justia Law
The statute allows state prison or up to 1 year in county jail, plus a $390–$1,000 fine. Justia Law When treated as a felony without a specific triad listed, the default felony triad is often 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years. Justia Law
Placer County lists the Tahoe Substation at 2501 N Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530-581-6300). Placer County
When someone is arrested for a Felony DUI under VC 23550.5(a), families are usually dealing with panic, confusion, and urgency—especially in Tahoe City, where distance, weather, and work schedules make everything harder.
Here’s what sets Bail House Bail Bonds apart compared to many other agencies in the area:
Fast response when time matters: DUI arrests happen nights, weekends, and holidays—not just during business hours.
Clear, plain-English guidance: You’ll understand the Bailbond process, required documents, and next steps without confusion.
Local familiarity with Placer County custody logistics: Knowing the general flow of Placer County booking and jail procedures reduces delays and stress. Placer County+1
Professional discretion: Felony DUI cases can feel high-stakes and embarrassing—your situation is treated confidentially.
Steady support for families: You’re not just “posting bail”—you’re getting help navigating a chaotic moment.
If you need a Bail Bondsman after a DUI Arrest in Tahoe City, Bail House Bail Bonds can help you take the next step quickly and confidently.