DUI Lawyer Beaumont. The consequences of a DUI can be devastating. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; if you're facing years in prison for a repeat offense, your car is the least of your worries. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, and in some cases, refusing can give you even worse penalties. And DUIs involving drugs are treated differently than those involving alcohol.
If the Beaumont, CA, district attorney is coming after you, you need someone in your corner. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a challenge nobody should have to face on their own, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to fight for your rights.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and know the ins and outs of DUI defense strategies that work. When you choose us, you're getting a team of veteran defense attorneys who know how to navigate the Beaumont, CA, legal system and provide paths to positive outcomes.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Get in touch anytime, day or night, at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help online to start preparing your defense today.
Beaumont, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Traffic police are just a part of driving. It's not exciting, but even if you've done nothing wrong, you need to know how to navigate the situation. Here are four tips from a Beaumont, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to use the next time a police officer stops you on the road:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
It's normal to be nervous after being pulled over and asked for your ID, registration, and insurance. Many sober people will have trouble gathering up these documents under pressure. By following this tip, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: If You or the Officer Smells Alcohol, Don't Speak
If either the officer alleges that they smell alcohol, or you can smell alcohol yourself, don't answer any questions. You have the right to remain silent at all points in the legal process. Call your DUI lawyer and stay quiet until they arrive.
Tip #3: Refuse Voluntary Tests
Participation in field sobriety tests is not required for people over the age of 21 who aren't on probation. This doesn't stop the officer from arresting you, but can decrease your chances of having this happen. However, if you have been arrested and refuse a blood or breath test, your license will be suspended.
Tip #4: Treat the Officer Respectfully
Resisting the police won't help — it will increase your chances of getting in trouble. Nobody enjoys being pulled over, but remaining calm and respectful not only makes it easier for the officer; it also aids your defense: By acting out or arguing, you are giving the police more evidence, and depending on what you do, it could make you appear intoxicated.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Beaumont?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you blow below the legal limit, or even if you don't blow at all. California allows the police to make a call about whether or not you were driving impaired regardless of your alcohol level, typically with field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
Once this happens, the CA legal system starts moving towards both a license suspension and criminal charges. After the arrest, be prepared for the following:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can go into effect at the time of the arrest – when arrested, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. Meanwhile, they are updating your records with the DMV to account for the arrest, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: While under arrest, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will read out the allegations that you are formally being charged with.
- DMV Hearing: Even though you might feel overwhelmed by the criminal charges, you'll have 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. Meanwhile, your Beaumont DUI defense lawyer will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will contact the Beaumont prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if the case goes to trial, your attorney should be creating a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Outside of extraordinary circumstances, it's rare for a DUI case to go to trial, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're prepared to fight for your freedom in front of a jury, no matter what .
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case turns out, you may face sanctions. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, we may be able to help you clean your record.
Our DUI legal experts can help you fight any allegation, on both the criminal defense and bureaucratic side. Whatever stage in the process you're at, we have the experience to help you move towards a positive outcome!
Beaumont DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Beaumont, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the fight for your license. These will never be handled in the same hearing, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI defense lawyers will fight both.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and our process for defending your justice and driving privileges:
Beaumont, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. And that means you'll have to go to Beaumont, CA, court.
Most of the steps in a DUI criminal case are identical to that of another criminal charge – after being formally told what crime you're being charged with, you'll likely be given terms of release and undergo pretrial procedures such as filing motions. As we mentioned above, trials are rare in DUI cases, but it is possible for them to reach that stage.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we protect your rights and discredit the charges. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, display flaws in the officer's analysis, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and look for evidence that can tell a different story.
If you're facing jail time in Beaumont, CA, our attorneys can help you avoid it. For several cases, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also avoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Beaumont, CA, DUI License Suspension
While it might be tempting to focus exclusively on the criminal case, you also need to consider the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect regardless of where you're at in the criminal process, and to effectively fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
At the administrative hearing, you're not facing criminal charges. In fact, even if you receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. Instead, the entire DMV hearing is about whether or not you were legitimately arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused BAC tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with us, we'll argue over the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you waited too long and it's past the deadline to request a hearing, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. Outside of rare cases, you don't get any more chances to request that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Beaumont DUI defense attorney without delay after the arrest.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Beaumont, CA
Beaumont, CA, DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – though you could 'only' be facing misdemeanors, you're still facing a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be up against, depending on what your charges are:
| DUI Criminal Charge | Jail/Prison Time | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| First Time DUI | 48 Hours to 6 Months | Up to $1,000 |
| Second Time DUI | 96 Hours to 1 Year | Up to $1,000 |
| Third Time DUI | 120 Days to 1 Year | Up to $1,000 |
| Fourth Time DUI (Felony) | 16 Months to 3 Years | Up to $1,000 |
| DUI Injury (Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 Year | Up to $1,000 |
| DUI Injury (Felony) | Up to 4 Years | Up to $5,000 |
| DUI Manslaughter (Misdemeanor) | Up to 1 Year | Up to $1,000 |
| DUI Manslaughter (Felony) | 4, 6 or 10 Years | Up to $10,000 |
On top of whatever sentence you receive in Beaumont court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as loss or increased expense of insurance and barriers between you and professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences are very serious. If this is your first DUI, the good news is that you will likely be able to stay in the country. The bad news is that if you have faced DUI charges before, you can qualify for deportation. What's worse, if H.R.875 passes, any DUI conviction will qualify an immigrant for deportation. If you are trying to become an American citizen, even if you aren't deported, it can count against your "good moral character," which you need to establish before becoming a citizen.
A DUI accusation doesn't have to end your time in the United States. You can get help from your Beaumont, CA, immigration lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can help you in all aspects of your case: We'll explore diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction, defend you against efforts to expel you from the country, and act as your guide through the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found innocent or not, you're liking looking forward to putting this all behind you. It doesn't take long to realize, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record won't go away on its own. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A Beaumont, CA, DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a path to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Beaumont: What You Need to Know
Defending yourself against a DUI in Beaumont? It's crucial to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the talent, preparation, and contacts to find the best outcome for your case. The top Beaumont, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team that has former judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling more than five decades of experience with the law.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. Our phones are ready for your call 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We know how to connect with the prosecutors in Beaumont and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Having a good reputation as someone who secures positive outcomes for clients is essential. We're proud to have received numerous accolades and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- Track Record of Success: Regardless of all of the points above, you want someone who knows how to get a positive outcome for your case. And we have a history of doing just that. In fact, 95% of our DUI cases result in no jail time.
Our recent DUI Case results speak for themselves. With us, you can take advantage of a team that knows how to secure positive outcomes for our clients.
DUI Case Types We Defend Against in Beaumont
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Beaumont, CA – our DUI defense team is prepared help you navigate the charges.
Here are some of the DUI case types we frequently defend:
- Boating Under the Influence
- Breathalyzer Test
- Commercial Driver CDL DUI
- Disorderly Conduct
- Disturbing the Peace
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving Without a License
- Driving Without Insurance
- Drug DUI
- Drunk in Public
- DUI Alcohol
- DUI and Professional Licenses in California
- DUI Blood Test Defense
- DUI Causing Injury
- DUI Checkpoint Defense Attorney
- DUI Defense Costs
- DUI Expungement in California
- DUI Immigration Consequences
- DUI License Reinstatement
- DUI Probation Violation
- DUI Marijuana
- DUI Prescription Drugs
- DUI Refusal Cases
- DUI Penalties
- DUI with Child Passenger
- Evasion
- Exhibition of Speed
- Felony DUI
- Field Sobriety Tests
- First-Time DUI
- Fourth DUI Felony Escalation
- Hit and Run
- Hit and Run DUI
- Hit and Run with Injury or Death
- Ignition Interlock Device Violations
- Out-of-State DUI
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Driving
- Street Racing
- Second Time DUI
- Third DUI California
- Underage DUI
- Watson Murder / DUI Murder
- Wet Reckless
DUI Defense Strategies in Beaumont, CA
If you want to craft an effective defense strategy, our Beaumont, CA, DUI lawyers are here to help. Choosing the correct defense for your particular circumstances is essential in finding the best possible outcome. Below are some of the most effective ones.
Contest the Legality of the Traffic Stop
If law enforcement made a mistake while conducting their investigation, we can argue for your case to be dismissed. This defense is relevant if, for example, you were not read your Miranda rights before an interrogation, anything you said could be thrown out.
Flaws in BAC Tests
Many DUI cases center around a blood-alcohol content test. Our team will investigate whether or not the procedure was followed when administering the tests, introduce alternative evidence when possible, and highlight any errors in the chain of custody.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'horizontal gaze nystagmus,' are a widely-recognized way of evaluating somebody's level of impairment. But there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. We will examine the evidence and look for expert analysis that will show your performance in a more favorable light.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
It's easy to feel like you're out of options if you were tested and your BAC was over the legal limit. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, you do still have viable defense strategies. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, we can use that to help provide an alternate explanation to elevated BAC levels.
Get Immediate Help – Speak With Our Beaumont DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
If you've been arrested or accused of a DUI in Beaumont, CA, it feels like there's no space to breathe. Your license is suspended, a law enforcement official might be asking you hard questions, you get a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. With everything going on, your best way out is to hire aBeaumont, CA, DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case against you. Don't lose your ability to drive without a fight. Don't just hope it will all just go away. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to fight for you.
We're experts at defending all Beaumont, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case today and will can fight for your license and your liberty immediately. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online for a no-obligation case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Beaumont, CA:
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