DUI Lawyer Blythe. Blythe DUI charges are very serious. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. Declining a breathalyzer or blood test on its own can result in charges, 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've been accused of a DUI in Blythe, CA, you should consult with an expert to find your best path forward. Trying to stand up for yourself against the prosecution is a fight you want backup for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is available to protect you in Blythe.
We are California's premier DUI defense lawyers and decades of experience fighting against these charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of DUI defense experts who know how to navigate the Blythe, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Get a hold of us 24/7 at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start crafting your defense strategy today.
Blythe, 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. Below are four tips from a Blythe, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
Your heart might start to pound as soon as the police officer asks for your ID, registration, and insurance. If police see you fumbling as you try to gather these documents, they could think that you've been drinking. But if you don't need to search for them, 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 Fifth Amendment protections during any form of questioning. Even just saying "I only had two drinks" can work against you.
Tip #3: Refuse Voluntary Tests
California does not require the majority of people to participate in field sobriety tests, and in fact, you can often refuse without penalty. The two main exceptions are if you are under the age of 21, and/or if you are on probation. This doesn't stop the officer from arresting you, but can decrease your chances of having this happen. However, you can face consequences if you refuse a blood alcohol content test after you've been arrested.
Tip #4: Respect the Law Enforcement Officer
Being rude won't improve your case — it will likely be something you regret. You should be respectful for more than its own sake, though; it also aids your defense: By acting out or arguing, you are giving the police more evidence, which can be used against you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Blythe?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you blow below the legal 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, probably using field sobriety tests, then make judgements based on your performance.
Once you've been arrested, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. You can expect the following steps to play out in your case:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as you're arrested – at that time, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. Meanwhile, they are updating your records with the DMV to account for the arrest, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will give you a formal notice of the charges you're facing.
- DMV Hearing: Independant of the criminal charge process, you'll need to set up an administrative hearing with the DMV within 10 days to fight the suspension.
- Pretrial Motions: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. While you're waiting for the trial, your Blythe DUI defense attorney will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, and a "blood split" motion to get a second test for your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will contact the Blythe district attorney to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if that doesn't work, your attorney should be refining a defense strategy now.
- Criminal Trial: Your case probably will not 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 the result of your case, you may face some form of sentence. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, it's possible that your record will be eligible for sealing.
Our DUI legal experts can help you with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and driver's license side. Whether you've just been arrested or are on the eve of your trial (or anywhere in-between), we have the experience to help you move towards a positive outcome!
Blythe, CA, DUI Differences: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Blythe, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the license suspension. These will never be handled in the same hearing, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are important factors for both case types, and ways we defend your liberty and right to drive:
Blythe, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, for which you will need to go through the 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 defend your freedom and fight against the accusations. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and look for evidence that can exonerate you.
We know what it takes to keep DUI defense clients out of jail in Blythe, CA. Frequently, we'll plea bargain for a reduction of the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
Blythe, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your Blythe criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect automatically, and if you want to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
When you go through the DMV hearing, your criminal charges may not be a major focus. In fact, even if you secure a plea deal for a reduced charge, that won't (directly) affect your license suspension. Instead, the outcome of the DMV hearing hinges on whether or not you were legitimately 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 question the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
After ten days, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's critical to contact a Blythe DUI defense attorney right away after the arrest.
Sentence You Could Face for a DUI in Blythe, CA
Blythe, CA, DUI criminal penalties can permanently affect your life – while some are 'just' misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be trying to avoid, depending on the allegations you're facing:
| Alleged DUI Offense | 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 |
Beyond any sentence that a judge in Blythe, CA, sentences you to, you also need to worry about collateral consequences, such as elevated insurance costs and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be devastating. The level of impact often depends on how many prior offenses are on your record. First-time alleged DUIs don't typically result in deportation. The bad news is that if certain circumstances apply, like DUIs causing injury or repeat offenses, you can qualify for deportation. What's worse, if H.R.875 passes, any DUI can result in removal from the country. If you are currently applying to become a U.S. citizen, even if you aren't deported, it will hurt your application chances, especially for repeat or aggravated offenses.
A DUI accusation doesn't have to end your time in the United States. You can get help from your Blythe, CA, immigration lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can rest assured that our lawyers can guide you through both your criminal case and your citizenship process: We'll explore diversion programs with alternatives to criminal sentencing, fight against removal proceedings, and guide you through your citizenship application.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. It doesn't take long to realize, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record can cause some major issues for your life. Depending on your case outcome, you could have an avenue to either expunge or seal your records. A Blythe, CA, DUI defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also assist with this process, and give you a chance to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Up against DUI charges? It's important to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the abilities, practice, and connections to provide the optimal outcome for your case. When you speak with Blythe, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about the following:
- Experience: If possible, both defending against charges and as government agents. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes former judges, prosecutors, and police officers, totalling over 50 years of experience.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. Our phones are ready for your call 24/7.
- Relationships: An attorney who knows the local prosecutor can use that relationship to their advantage. We're familiar 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 don't want to trust your case to someone who doesn't know how to win it. Our attorneys do. 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 in Blythe
Administrative, criminal, or anything else related to DUIs in Blythe, CA – your DUI defense lawyer from our team prepared for the charges.
This is a list of the DUI allegations we commonly 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 Tactics in Blythe, CA
If you want to craft an effective defense strategy, our Blythe, 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.
Challenge the Legitimacy of the Traffic Stop
The police need to follow rules when initiating a traffic stop and investigating a potential DUI. If they broke those rules, then the evidence arising from that traffic stop could be invalid. This defense could be used if, for example, the police officer did not properly calibrate the breathalyzer before administering the test, that evidence is invalid.
Flaws in BAC Tests
Chemical tests that measure the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine are strong evidence, but are not infallible. Our team will highlight the ways that these tests can give false readings, re-examine the evidence to look for alternate explanations, and analyze the state's case to see if there was an error made in how your evidence was processed.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'horizontal gaze nystagmus,' are standard practice for police officers to use. But field sobriety tests are not objective measures of whether you're safe to drive or not. We will audit the test records and show whether or not you were fairly judged.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
While the police can make mistakes with breathalyzer tests, most of the time they perform them properly. This could be bad news if you were tested and your BAC was .08 or higher. Even though this is harder to fight, we won't give up yet. If you have a respiratory ailment, or another medical condition, that could impact how the breathalyzer measures your BAC, we will use that as a part of your defense.
Get Rapid Assistance – Call Our Blythe DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
After a DUI arrest, it feels like there's no space to breathe. You lose your license, there could be interrogations, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be out of control. To fight through the allegations, your first step is to get in touch with a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Don't let the state decide how your case will go. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't try to handle it on your own. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to fight for you.
We're experts at defending all Blythe, CA DUI charges. We're available to help now and will begin protecting your license and keep you out of jail now. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a confidential case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Blythe, CA:
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