DUI Lawyer Calabasas. Calabasas DUI charges are very serious. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. California law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and when you refuse, you can face the same penalties as a high blood-alcohol level DUI. And it doesn't matter if it was alcohol, marijuana, or another substance affecting your ability to drive.
If you've been accused of a DUI in Calabasas, CA, you need someone in your corner. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend your freedom.
We are California's top DUI defense lawyers and have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you choose us, you're getting a team of legal experts who know how to defend your rights in the Calabasas, 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 about your case online to start preparing your defense strategy today.
Calabasas, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
We'd all love to drive without any risk of being pulled over, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Here are four tips from a Calabasas, CA, DUI Lawyer for you that will guide you through your next traffic stop:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
It's typical for an officer to request for your license, registration, and proof of insurance during a traffic stop. If you're struggling to locate them and keep hold of them, the officer may think you're intoxicated. But if you don't need to search for them, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: Don't Talk If Alcohol Is Smelled
If there's a scent of alcohol on your person or in your vehicle, don't talk. You have the right to remain silent during the entirety of your interactions with the law. Even just saying "I only had two drinks" can work against you.
Tip #3: Don't Automatically Consent to Tests
Participation in field sobriety tests is not required for people over the age of 21 who aren't on probation. Refusing won't force the officer to let you go, but on its own, there aren't any penalties for refusing. However, you can face consequences if you refuse a blood alcohol content test after you've been arrested.
Tip #4: Treat the Officer Respectfully
Arguing with the officer 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 helps your defense: By acting out or arguing, you are giving the police more evidence, which could contribute to their probable cause to arrest you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Calabasas?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, or even if you refuse to be tested at all. Police officers can do this because they when they rely on other methods to tell if you are impaired, generally utilizing field sobriety tests, then make judgements based on your performance.
Once you've been arrested, the CA legal system will proceed with 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 – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and you will lose your regular license (at least for now). While you're processing this, the police are updating your records with the DMV to account for the arrest, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will attend a hearing, and a prosecutor will tell you the exact laws you're charged with breaking.
- DMV Hearing: While all of the criminal proceedings are going on, you'll want to set up a DMV hearing within 10 days to protect your license.
- Pretrial Motions: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. Between your potential release and the trial, your Calabasas DUI defense attorney will laying the groundwork of your defense through motions to dismiss charges, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Alongside pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will negotiate with the Calabasas district attorney to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if that doesn't work, your attorney should be preparing now.
- Criminal Trial: Your case probably will not go to trial, but just in case it does, our team always crafts a trial-ready defense.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case turns out, you may face consequences. 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 fight any allegation, on both the criminal defense and administrative side. If you need help today, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
DUIs in Calabasas, CA and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Calabasas, CA, DUI charges require particular expertise because there are two sides that each need to be defended: The criminal case and the administrative case. 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 the key things to be aware of for each, and our process for defending your freedom and license:
Calabasas, 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.
The general court process is the same as any other criminal case – after an arrest, you're formally charged in an arraignment, go through pretrial motions/negotiations, and can eventually go to trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we craft a staunch defense and discredit the charges. We'll examine the lawfulness of the traffic stop, argue against he officer's observations, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can show the events in a more favorable light.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Calabasas, CA. Commonly, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
Calabasas, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect automatically, and in order 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 receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. Instead, the hearing is to determine if you were lawfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to cooperate when the officer tried to test you, 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, you're out of luck. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's critical to contact a Calabasas DUI defense lawyer immediately after being arrested.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Calabasas
Calabasas, CA, DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while many are considered misdemeanors, you're still facing a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be up against, depending on how exactly your charged and your history:
| 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 |
On top of whatever sentence you receive in Calabasas court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as elevated insurance costs and barriers between you and professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences are very serious. 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 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 conviction will qualify an immigrant for deportation. For immigrants seeking citizenship, even if you aren't deported, it can indefinitely pause your efforts to become a citizen.
Whether you are an immigrant citizen, are here on a work visa, or are anywhere in between, a Calabasas, CA, immigration lawyer can help you navigate the situation. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, can provide assistance with all of your legal needs, not just against criminal accusations: We'll explore diversion programs with alternatives to criminal sentencing, represent you at deportation hearings, and guide you through your citizenship application.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found innocent or not, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record can cause some major issues for your life. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A Calabasas, CA, DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you an opportunity to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Calabasas: What You Need to Know
Up against DUI charges? It's imperative to pick the right lawyer to take your case. Your team needs the expertise, background, and ties to find the best outcome for your case. When you speak with Calabasas, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about the following:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI lawyers have previous experience as judges, prosecutors, and police officers, totalling more than five decades of experience.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. You can get a hold of us 24/7.
- Relationships: When your lawyer knows the district attorney you're up against, they'll use that to your advantage. Our team will leverage our connections with the prosecutors in Calabasas and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: If your lawyer is known for successfully fighting DUI charges, that is a major positive. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is proud to have received top ratings from several legal evaluators 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. If you're ready to join our list of successes, call now.
DUI Case Types We Fight in Calabasas
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Calabasas, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared to defend you against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI allegations 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 Tactics in Calabasas, CA
Our Calabasas, CA, DUI lawyers will examine your case and suggest a defensive strategy that will maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When fighting cases, here are some of the possible defenses we'll use.
Contest the Legality of the Traffic Stop
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, we can challenge the evidence, and even the legitimacy of the case itself. This defense could be used if, for example, you were not read your Miranda rights before an interrogation, anything you said could be thrown out.
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 investigate any possible errors that were made when you took the test, retest when possible, and look for any issues in how the evidence was handled.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'horizontal gaze nystagmus,' are a typical part of any traffic stop that turns into a DUI investigation. But there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. Your local DUI lawyer will inspect any records of the test 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 .08 or higher. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, there are still ways to fight it. Medications and health conditions can create false positives – even just over-the-counter cold medicine often contain alcohol, which can linger in your mouth, impacting the test.
Get Rapid Assistance – Call Our Calabasas DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
After a DUI arrest, it can feel like you barely have a chance to think. Your license is suspended, you could find yourself in an interrogation room, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. With everything going on, your best way out is to call a DUI defense lawyer immediately.
Don't give up and let the district attorney win. Don't lose your ability to drive without a fight. Don't wait and realize that it's suddenly too late. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to represent you.
We're experts at defending all Calabasas, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense right now and will begin protecting your license and your freedom now. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Calabasas, CA:
Payment Plans
