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A DUI arrest is stressful in any situation—but when the arrest involves a prior felony DUI history, the stakes can rise fast. In Auburn California and across Placer County, a repeat DUI can trigger felony-level exposure under Vehicle Code 23550.5(a) (often referenced online in shorthand like “PC 23550.05(a)”). Under this law, a new DUI can become a felony case when it happens within ten years of certain felony DUI-related convictions. Justia Law
If you or someone you care about has been taken into custody by the Placer County Sheriff after a DUI arrest, understanding what VC 23550.5(a) actually means—and how bail works—can help you make clearer decisions right away. This guide breaks down the charge in plain English, what prosecutors must show, what the court process looks like in Placer County, and how a Bail Bondsman and Bailbond through Bail House Bail Bonds can help someone get released while the case moves forward.
What Is VC 23550.5(a), and Why Is It Treated Like a Felony DUI?
Vehicle Code 23550.5(a) says a person is guilty of a public offense (with potential state prison exposure) if they are convicted of VC 23152 or VC 23153 and the offense occurred within 10 years of certain qualifying felony convictions. Justia Law
In simpler terms: if you get a new DUI conviction and you have the wrong kind of felony DUI-related history within the last decade, the law allows the new DUI to be handled as a felony-level case.
What DUI charges does VC 23550.5(a) connect to?
It applies when someone is convicted of:
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VC 23152 (the standard DUI statute), or
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VC 23153 (DUI causing injury). Justia Law
What prior convictions can trigger VC 23550.5(a)?
The statute lists several “trigger priors,” including:
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A prior VC 23152 that was punished as a felony under certain DUI felony provisions (including VC 23550 or VC 23550.5, or older former sections). Justia Law
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A prior VC 23153 that was punished as a felony. Justia Law
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A prior felony conviction for Penal Code 192(c)(1) (gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated) that was punished as a felony. Justia Law
So even if your new DUI looks “routine” at first glance, the prior felony history can change how the case is charged and what penalties are on the table.
Common Reasons People Get Arrested for Felony-Level DUI in Placer County
A felony-style DUI arrest tied to VC 23550.5(a) often happens when:
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A driver is stopped for suspected impairment (swerving, speeding, collision, suspicious driving)
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Officers discover a prior felony DUI history during records checks
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The situation includes aggravating details (accident, very high BAC allegations, refusal issues, etc.)
In Placer County, the investigating agency is sometimes the placer county sheriff (or local police), and their report becomes the foundation for what prosecutors file next.
Penalties and Consequences: What’s at Risk Under VC 23550.5(a)?
VC 23550.5(a) describes punishment as either imprisonment in state prison or confinement in county jail for not more than one year, plus a fine range. Justia Law
Because the law allows state prison exposure, it’s often treated as “felony DUI after a prior felony DUI.” The exact outcome depends on the facts, record, and how the District Attorney files the case.
License consequences can be severe
The statute also links to DMV consequences. For convictions punishable under VC 23550.5(a) or (b), the privilege to drive is revoked under VC 13352, and the person is designated a “habitual traffic offender” for three years. Justia Law
This matters because many people in Auburn and Placer County rely on driving for work, family, and daily life. A felony-level DUI case can disrupt employment, childcare, and stability quickly.
What Happens Right After a DUI Arrest in Auburn, California?
A DUI arrest typically follows a predictable sequence:
1) Detention and booking
The arrested person is taken to jail for booking (fingerprints, photo, paperwork, property inventory).
Placer County corrections facilities include the Auburn Jail (2775 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603) and the South Placer Jail in Roseville. Placer County
Where someone is held can depend on the arrest location and capacity.
2) Bail is set (often by a schedule)
In many cases, bail starts with a standard schedule amount and can be adjusted later by a judge.
For felony DUI-related charges, the initial bail can be high. The Placer County felony bail schedule lists a presumptive bail amount for VC 23550.5(a) “DUI with prior felony DUI” at $100,000. Placer Courts
(Real-world bail can still vary depending on facts, holds, warrants, and judicial decisions.)
3) Release or jail hold
Some people are released once bail is posted and release procedures are completed. Others may have delays due to:
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Additional charges
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Outstanding warrants
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Holds from other jurisdictions
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Medical clearance or classification issues
4) Arraignment and the start of court
Arraignment is the first major court date. Charges are read, a plea is entered, and conditions of release may be set (including alcohol restrictions, ignition interlock requirements, travel limits, or no-driving orders).
How a Bailbond Works for a Felony DUI Arrest
When bail is high—like many felony DUI cases—paying the full amount in cash is unrealistic for most families. That’s where a Bailbond can help.
A Bail Bondsman posts the bond so the defendant can be released from custody while the case proceeds. In exchange, the defendant (and usually a co-signer) agrees to follow conditions, including appearing at every court date.
Why families use a Bail Bondsman
A felony DUI arrest doesn’t just lock someone up—it can also:
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Put jobs at risk immediately
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Create childcare and household emergencies
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Stop the person from getting to an attorney quickly
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Make it harder to gather documents, witnesses, and timelines
Getting out fast gives someone a better chance to stabilize life, start the legal process the right way, and stay compliant with court requirements.
Key Mistakes to Avoid After Release
If someone is released on a Bailbond after a DUI arrest tied to a prior felony, the biggest risks usually come from compliance issues, not just the case itself.
Avoid these common mistakes:
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Missing court (this can trigger a bench warrant and a new arrest)
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Driving when restricted (court and DMV consequences can stack quickly)
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Violating alcohol/drug conditions (if the court orders testing or abstinence)
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Talking about the case on recorded lines (including jail calls, texts, or social media posts)
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Assuming “it’s just a DUI” (felony-level cases move differently and can carry heavier penalties)
A good plan is simple: show up, follow orders, stay sober if ordered, and let your attorney do the fighting in court.
How DUI With a Prior Felony Is Different From a “Regular” DUI
Most people think of DUI as a misdemeanor—fines, classes, license issues. But VC 23550.5(a) cases feel different because:
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The court treats the person as higher-risk due to the prior felony history
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Bail is typically higher (and release conditions can be stricter) Placer Courts
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The consequences can include state prison exposure, not just county jail Justia Law
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The DMV consequences can be more disruptive, including revocation and “habitual traffic offender” status Justia Law
That’s why the first 24–48 hours after arrest matter so much—getting bail handled, getting an attorney, and getting organized quickly can change how the case unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About VC 23550.5(a) Felony DUI
1) What does “VC 23550.5(a)” actually mean?
It’s a California Vehicle Code section that increases penalties for a new DUI conviction (VC 23152 or 23153) when the new offense occurs within 10 years of certain felony DUI-related convictions. Justia Law
2) Does a prior felony automatically make my new DUI a felony?
Not every felony triggers this statute. VC 23550.5(a) is tied to specific priors—like prior felony DUI convictions or felony DUI injury convictions listed in the law. Justia Law
3) How much is bail for DUI with a prior felony in Placer County?
Bail can vary, but the Placer County felony bail schedule lists VC 23550.5(a) with a presumptive bail amount of $100,000. Placer Courts
4) Can I get out of jail fast after a felony DUI arrest?
Often yes—once bail is set and the release process is completed. Using a Bail Bondsman to post a Bailbond can be the fastest path to release when the bail amount is high.
5) What should I do first if my family member was arrested for felony DUI?
Get the booking details, confirm where they’re being held (Auburn Jail or South Placer Jail are common facilities in the county), and start the bail process promptly so they can return home and meet with an attorney. Placer County
What Makes Bail House Bail Bonds Stand Out Compared to Other Agencies in Placer County
When a loved one is arrested, you don’t just need a bond—you need an agency that answers quickly, explains the process clearly, and treats you with respect.
Bail House Bail Bonds stands out in the Auburn and Placer County area because they focus on what families actually need in a crisis:
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Fast response when someone is sitting in custody and time matters
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Clear, simple explanations of the Bailbond process and what happens next
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Professional discretion, especially with sensitive cases like felony DUI
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Local experience with Placer County procedures and common release steps
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Supportive communication that helps you stay calm and compliant through court dates
If the Placer County Sheriff has made an arrest and you’re trying to bring someone home, Bail House Bail Bonds is the kind of Bail Bondsman people call when they want speed, clarity, and reliable follow-through.