DUI Lawyer Calabasas. DUI law in Calabasas is complex. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, and by declining, you could face even harsher penalties. And DUIs involving drugs are treated differently than those involving alcohol.
If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you don't want to be alone. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a fight you want backup for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to stand by your side.
We are CA's top DUI defense lawyers and have extensive experience defending against all types of DUI charges. When you hire us, you're getting a team of former prosecutors who know how to navigate the Calabasas, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Reach out now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start preparing your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Calabasas?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or if you don't blow at all. Police officers can do this because they when they rely on other methods to tell if you are impaired, probably via field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on your performance.
Right after your arrest, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. In most DUI cases, here's how things will progress:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can start the minute the officer arrests you – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. In the meantime, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the CA DMV, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will give you a formal notice of the charges you're facing.
- DMV Hearing: While all of the criminal proceedings are going on, you'll have 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: You'll likely be given bail or released on your own recognizance. Meanwhile, your Calabasas DUI defense attorney will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to suppress 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 work directly with the Calabasas prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if it does go to trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's rare that a DUI case will go to trial, but if it reaches that point, we'll have a staunch defense ready for you.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case proceeds, you may face some form of sentence. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, you may be eligible to have your record sealed.
Our DUI legal experts can help you out, no matter where you are in the process, on both the criminal defense and administrative side. For advice on any stage with your charges, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Calabasas DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Calabasas, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the administrative case. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and insights into how we protect your liberty and license:
Calabasas, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
Criminal cases, including DUIs, all follow the same basic process – first, you're arrested. Second, you're informed of the charges at an arraignment. Third, you go through pre-trial motions and negotiations. And finally, if it comes to it, a trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we provide expert defense and fight against the supposed wrongdoing. We'll deconstruct the traffic stop, poke holes in the subjective analysis of the officer, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can result in a not guilty plea.
The vast majority of our DUI clients in Calabasas do not receive any jail sentence. Often, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsowork out probation over jail or prison time.
Calabasas, CA, DUI License Suspension
On the other side of a Calabasas DUI charge is the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, and if you want to 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 hearing is to determine if you were rightfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to 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.
Outside of that ten-day window, though, you'll likely have to endure the suspension. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Calabasas DUI defense lawyer right away after an arrest.
Calabasas DUI Sentences and Consequences
CA DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be trying to avoid, depending on the nature of the allegations:
| 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 increased insurance premiums and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. You'll find, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record keeps coming up and getting in your way. Depending on your case outcome, you may be eligible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense attorney can help you out here, too, and give you a chance to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
When you're facing DUI charges, it's key to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the skills, experience, and ties to secure a positive outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Calabasas, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: If it's both for and against the state, even better. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team that has former judges, prosecutors, and police, totalling more than 50 years of experience.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. We're available 24/7.
- Relationships: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Calabasas and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: The best lawyers are often professionally recognized. 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 CA.
- Track Record of Success: Winners win. It's as simple as that. And we win, a lot. In fact, 95% of our DUI cases result in no jail time.
Our recent DUI Case results speak for themselves. And we'd be proud to represent you as well.
DUI Case Types We Defend Against in Calabasas
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Calabasas, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared to defend you against the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI case types we regularly 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
Timing is Critical – Contact Our Calabasas DUI Defense Attorneys TODAY
After a DUI arrest, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. Your license is suspended, there could be interrogations, you're given a court date…it's easy to feel stressed out. With everything going on, your best way out is to 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 just sit idly by while everything collapses. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Calabasas, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case today and will start safeguarding your license and your freedom immediately. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our contact form online for a confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Calabasas, CA:
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