DUI Lawyer Camarillo. Camarillo DUI charges are very serious. You're being accused of a crime; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. In California, you're required to participate in DUI tests if you're driving. Refusal to do so is another crime, and by declining, you could face even harsher penalties. And it doesn't matter if it was alcohol, marijuana, or another substance affecting your ability to drive.
Regardless of whether you're innocent or not, you don't want to be alone. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a fight that you need a team for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to stand by your side.
We are California's leading DUI defense lawyers and know the ins and outs of DUI defense strategies that work. When you work with us, you're getting a team of DUI defense experts who know how to defend your rights in the Camarillo, CA, judicial system and will always be honest with you about the state of your case and the best path forward.
Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Get a hold of us right away at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online to start constructing your defense strategy today.
Camarillo, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Most people don't plan to be pulled over, but knowing how to handle the situation is important for all Camarillo, CA, residents. Below are four tips from a Camarillo, CA, DUI Lawyer for you that will guide you through your next traffic stop:
Tip #1: Be Prepared With Your Documents
After being pulled over, but before the police officer approaches your car, grab your license, vehicle registration, and insurance documentation. With an officer staring you down, asking for documents you may not have had to touch in months, it's easy to get flustered. But if you don't need to search for them, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Don't Talk If Alcohol Is Smelled
You never need to answer a question that might incriminate you. You have Fifth Amendment protections both before and after an arrest. Don't talk without an attorney present.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
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, 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: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Arguing with the officer won't help — it will come back to bite you. This isn't just something you're doing out of courtesy, though; it also benefits your defense: When you resist or act disrespectfully, you are giving the police more evidence, which could contribute to their probable cause to arrest you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Camarillo?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you independant of your blood alcohol concentration, or even if you don't blow 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.
If you've been placed under arrest, the CA legal system starts moving towards both a license suspension and criminal charges. Most DUI cases in Camarillo, CA, follow this progression:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can start the minute the officer arrests you – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and you will lose your regular license (at least for now). Meanwhile, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the Camarillo, CA, DMV, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: Before you are released, you will be summoned to a court hearing, and a prosecutor will read out the allegations that you are formally being charged with.
- DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, 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. In the meantime, your Camarillo 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 working through pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will negotiate with the Camarillo district attorney to find a positive outcome for you that avoids a trial through a plea deal. But if you do have to fight the charges in a trial, your attorney should be crafting a strategy now.
- Criminal Trial: It's rare that a DUI case will go to trial, but we don't count on that possibility and will be ready if it does.
- 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 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, we have the experience to help you move towards a positive outcome!
Camarillo, CA, DUI Differences: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Camarillo, CA, DUI charges can be twice as complicated as some other charges, because of their two-sided nature: The criminal case and the fight for your license. In CA, these are always two separate processes, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI defense lawyers will fight both.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and insights into how we protect your justice and driving privileges:
Camarillo, 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.
If you're familiar with the process of other criminal charges, DUI cases follow the same format – first, you're arrested. Second, you're informed of the charges at an arraignment. Third, you go through pretrial motions and negotiations. And finally, if it comes to it, a trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we defend your freedom and fight against the accusations. We'll debate the legality of the traffic stop, display flaws in the officer's analysis, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and look for witness testimony and other proof that can result in a not guilty plea.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Camarillo, CA. Commonly, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also work out probation over jail or prison time.
Camarillo, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your Camarillo criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension doesn't wait for your criminal case, and if you want to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
The criminal charges are not always relevant in the DMV hearing. In fact, no matter what the court decision was, it won't automatically give you back your license. Instead, the outcome of the DMV hearing hinges on whether or not you were rightfully 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 fight the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If it's been more than ten days after your arrest, though, you're out of options. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's critical to contact a Camarillo DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest.
DUI Punishments in Camarillo
Camarillo, CA, DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, you could still be sentenced to a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be looking to avoid, depending on the nature of the allegations:
| Formal DUI 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 |
Beyond the Camarillo, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as rising insurance rates and career setbacks.
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 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. If you are currently applying to become a U.S. citizen, even if you aren't deported, it hurts your application process.
If any of the above situations apply to you, don't panic: Call one of our Camarillo, CA, immigration lawyers to get immediate help. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can help you in all aspects of your case: We'll explore diversion programs and plea deals that can keep a DUI off your record, fight against removal proceedings, and offer expert advice as you apply for citizenship.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether your case ends in a conviction or an acquittal, it's natural to want to move on and leave this in the past. It doesn't take long to realize, 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. Our Camarillo, CA, DUI defense team can also assist you with sealing/expunging records, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Camarillo: What You Need to Know
Defending yourself against a DUI in Camarillo? It's crucial to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the proficiency, history, and connections to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. When you speak with Camarillo, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about the following:
- Experience: Experience gives your attorney knowledge on how to win these cases. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes former judges, district attorneys, and police officers, totalling over 50 years of experience with the law.
- Availability: You should be able to get help fast, whenever you need it. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. We know how to connect with the prosecutors in Camarillo and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: The best lawyers are often professionally recognized. 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. And we'd be proud to represent you as well.
DUI Case Types We Defend in Camarillo
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in Camarillo, CA – the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to battle against the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI cases we can provide defenses for:
- 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 Camarillo, CA
When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, your Camarillo, CA, DUI attorney will draw from years of experience with effective defense strategies. There is no one-size-fits-all defensive strategy against DUI allegations, but below, we've listed out some of the most effective ones.
Contest the Legitimacy of the Arrest
If law enforcement made a mistake while conducting their investigation, then the evidence arising from that traffic stop could be invalid. This defense is effective if, for example, the police officer pulled you over without probable cause, the entire traffic stop could be made invalid.
Show Issues With BAC Tests
Fighting against chemical tests can be difficult, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will know how to look for flaws in them. Our team will look into any issues with how the equipment was stored or used, retest when possible, and find any other mistakes law enforcement made that could exonerate you.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'horizontal gaze nystagmus,' are standard practice for police officers to use. But you can still challenge them – they are not ironclad proof of guilt. We will examine the evidence and provide alternate explanations for your performance.
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.
Start Your Defense Today – Contact Our Camarillo DUI Defense Attorneys NOW
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, it feels like there's no space to breathe. Your license disappears, you could find yourself in an interrogation room, you're given a court date…it's easy to feel overwhelmed. And that's why it's all the more important to hire a lawyer immediately.
Don't give the state a chance to put you behind bars. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. Don't just hope it will all just go away. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to represent you.
We're experts at defending all Camarillo, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case right now and will work on a strategy to defend 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 Camarillo, CA:
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