DUI Lawyer Blythe. Blythe DUI charges are very serious. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, and that can even result in tougher penalties. And while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you shouldn't need to do this without help. Trying to defeat the allegations is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to defend you.
We are California's leading DUI defense lawyers and have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you choose us, you're getting a team of former prosecutors who know how to protect you in the Blythe, CA, justice system and find the best result for your case.
Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Reach out without delay at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help online to start building your defense today.
Blythe, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Traffic police are just a part of driving. It's not exciting, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Here are four tips from a Blythe, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
Tip #1: Be Prepared With Your Documents
It's normal to be nervous after being pulled over and asked for your ID, registration, and insurance. If you're struggling to locate them and keep hold of them, the officer may think you're intoxicated. But if you already have them ready, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
If law enforcement asks how much you've had to drink tonight, you don't need to give them an answer. You have the right to remain silent at all points in the legal process. Protect yourself by keeping quiet until your lawyer arrives.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
The state of California only legally requires drivers to participate in field sobriety tests if they are either under the age of 21, or are on probation. You can still be arrested if the officer believes you've broken the law, but you're giving them less evidence this way. However, this isn't the case for every test; if you're already in custody and are asked to perform a breath or blood based test, California law does require you to participate.
Tip #4: Don't Argue With the Officer
Acting belligerent and uncooperative won't improve your case — it will come back to bite you. Nobody enjoys being pulled over, but remaining calm and respectful not only makes it easier for the officer; it also benefits 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 Blythe?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you don't undergo any tests at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, likely using field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on that.
Right after your arrest, the CA legal system starts moving towards both a license suspension and criminal charges. Most DUI cases in Blythe, CA, follow this progression:
- Suspension: Your license suspension starts right away, when you're arrested – at that time, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your actual license will be taken. In the meantime, the police are ensuring that the arrest is added to your DMV record, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will announce what charges you're up against.
- DMV Hearing: Separate from the criminal charges, you'll want to set up a DMV hearing within 10 days to protect your license.
- Pretrial Motions: Most people accused of DUIs in Blythe, CA, are able to secure pretrial release, although they'll likely need to pay bail. In the meantime, your Blythe DUI defense lawyer will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to review the arrest footage, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will bargain with the Blythe district attorney to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if you do have to fight the charges in a trial, your attorney should be preparing now.
- Criminal Trial: Most DUI cases won't go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case turns out, you may face a punishment. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, our record clearing attorneys can help you get a fresh start.
Our DUI legal experts can help you out, no matter where you are in the process, on both the criminal defense and DMV side. If you need help today, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Blythe DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Blythe, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the driver's case. This will always require two separate defenses, but a leading DUI defense attorney from our offices will fight for you in both cases.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and our process for defending your freedom and ability to drive:
Blythe, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. To protect yourself against the allegations, you'll need to fight in the Blythe, CA, legal system.
Criminal cases, including DUIs, all follow the same basic process – charges are formally filed against you, you'll probably be given bail and/or conditions of release, then your attorney will proceed with pretrial motions and negotiations. It's unlikely (but possible) that you'll reach a trial at some stage.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we listen to your side of the story and fight against the criminal accusations. We'll examine the lawfulness of the traffic stop, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and see if there's anything the police missed that can show you are not guilty.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our Blythe, CA, clients from jail time. For many clients, 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.
Blythe, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, and to successfully fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
It's typical for the criminal case to be, by and large, separate from the DMV hearing. In fact, no matter what the court decision was, it won't automatically give you back your license. Instead, the focus of this hearing is whether or not you were lawfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with us, we'll challenge the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
After ten days, though, you'll likely have to endure the suspension. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's vital to contact a Blythe DUI defense lawyer without delay after being arrested.
Sentence You Could Face for a DUI in Blythe, CA
Blythe, CA, DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – though you could 'only' be facing misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, you can read through the different penalties you could be facing, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense:
| 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 |
In addition to any criminal sentence in Blythe, CA, you're also facing collateral consequences, such as elevated insurance costs and impacts on your employment.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can turn your world upside down. If this is the first time you've been accused of driving under the influence, you probably won't face removal proceedings. The bad news is that if something made this allegation more serious, like an injured bystander, you can qualify for deportation. What's worse, if H.R.875 passes, any DUI will become grounds for deportation. For immigrants seeking citizenship, even if you aren't deported, it can indefinitely pause your efforts to become a citizen.
If you're a United States immigrant facing a DUI, you need to stay in the country and contact a Blythe, CA, immigration lawyer immediately. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we know that you need someone who has knowledge of both immigration and criminal law. We have both: We'll explore diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction, defend you against efforts to expel you from the country, and offer expert advice as you apply for citizenship.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether your case ends in a conviction or an acquittal, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. The bad news is that your arrest and/or criminal record doesn't go away easily. Depending on your case outcome, you may be eligible to either expunge or seal your records. A Blythe, CA, DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a path to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Blythe: What You Need to Know
No matter what DUI allegations you've been charged with, it's imperative to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the abilities, background, and relationships to offer the best possible outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Blythe, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: Experience gives your attorney knowledge on how to win these cases. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you will work with a team of attorneys including former judges, district attorneys, and police officers, totalling over five decades of experience with the law.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: When your lawyer knows the district attorney you're up against, they'll use that to your advantage. Our firm has experience working with the prosecutors in Blythe and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Both in the community and in the legal sphere. We are proud of our reputation with former clients and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- Track Record of Success: You want to work with an attorney who has successfully fought DUI charges in the past. We have. 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 Fight in Blythe
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Blythe, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared to defend you against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI case types we typically 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 Accident Defense
- 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 in Construction Zones and School Zones
- DUI License Reinstatement
- DUI Probation Violation
- DUI Process – What to Expect
- DUI Marijuana
- DUI Prescription Drugs
- DUI Refusal Cases
- DUI Trial – Jury Trial Defense
- 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
- Illegal Traffic Stop – Probable Cause Defense
- Medical Conditions as a Defense to DUI
- Misdemeanor vs Felony DUI Overview
- Mouth Alcohol Defense to DUI
- Out-of-State DUI
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Driving
- Rising Blood Alcohol Defense
- Street Racing
- Second Time DUI
- Third DUI California
- Title 17 Violation of Breath and Blood Test Procedures Defense
- Underage DUI
- Watson Murder / DUI Murder
- Wet Reckless
DUI Defense Strategies in Blythe, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our Blythe, CA, DUI attorneys can help you fight it. While there are many effective legal strategies available, picking the right one can make all the difference.
Contest the Legality of the Arrest
The police need to follow rules when initiating a traffic stop and investigating a potential DUI. If they broke those rules, we can argue for your case to be dismissed. This defense is a good option if, for example, the police officer pulled you over without probable cause, the entire traffic stop could be made invalid.
Show Issues With Chemical Tests
If you were arrested and given a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test, that can be the center of the prosecution's case. We will look into any issues with how the equipment was stored or used, retest in some cases, using a "blood-split" motion, and highlight any errors in the chain of custody.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'walk-and-turn,' are standard practice for police officers to use. But ultimately, these are judgment calls on the part of the officer. We will examine the evidence and provide additional context for your performance, such as the stress of the situation.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Perhaps the officer properly conducted a breathalyzer test, and your BAC was .08 or higher. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, it's not the end of your case. If you have certain medical conditions, those can cause false positives. For example, some inhalers can artificially raise the amount of alcohol in your breath, depending on how they are used.
Don't Wait – Talk To Our Blythe DUI Defense Attorneys TODAY
Blythe, CA, DUI accusations are serious. After an arrest, things move pretty fast. Your license disappears, you might be interrogated, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. What you need to do is hire an attorney immediately.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't hesitate and lose your freedom. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Blythe, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense right now and will start safeguarding your license and your freedom now. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online for a confidential case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Blythe, CA:
Payment Plans
