DUI is typically a misdemeanor. You pay a fine and you're done. Unless you hit someone or something, or some other unusual circumstances apply.
Douglas Doyle drives while intoxicated in August 2008. He doesn't hit anyone or anything. It's a routine DUI. The exact same circumstances that you see a hundred times a day here in California.
Except he's sentenced to 29 years to life. The Court of Appeal affirms.
Welcome to the world of Three Strikes.