DUI Lawyer Camarillo. If convicted, a DUI can permanently change your life for the worse. You're not just facing the loss of your license; depending on your history, you could go to prison. In California, you're required to participate in DUI tests if you're driving. Refusal to do so is another crime, 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 Camarillo, CA, you don't want to be alone. Trying to fight against the prosecution is a problem you shouldn't have to solve without help, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend your freedom.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you hire us, you're getting a team of veteran defense attorneys who know how to operate the Camarillo, CA, justice 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. Call as soon as possible at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help online to start constructing your defense strategy today.
Camarillo, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
You may be a careful driver who doesn't violate any traffic laws, but knowing how to handle the situation is important for all Camarillo, CA, residents. Here are four tips from a Camarillo, CA, DUI Lawyer for you which can protect you from arrests and charges:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
Your heart might start to pound as soon as the police officer asks for your ID, registration, and insurance. Dropping them or failing to find them could just be a result of stress, but it can give the impression that you're impaired. But if you already have them ready, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
If there's a scent of alcohol on your person or in your vehicle, don't talk. You have Fifth Amendment protections during the entirety of your interactions with the law. Protect yourself by keeping quiet until your lawyer arrives.
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. The officer may not like it, but they can't compel you to participate. However, you cannot legally refuse a BAC test once you are in custody, without losing your driving privileges.
Tip #4: Don't Argue With the Officer
Being rude won't improve your case — it will increase your chances of getting in trouble. You should be respectful for more than its own sake, though; it also helps your defense: Any time you open your mouth, whether or not the police asked you a question, you are giving the police more evidence, which may help justify an arrest.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Camarillo?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you don't blow at all. Officers are able to arrest you this way because CA allows them to make subjective judgements, often with field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
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 begin as soon as you're arrested – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. Meanwhile, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the Camarillo, CA, DMV, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, you'll need to start fighting for your license right away. This starts with arranging a DMV hearing, which you need to do within 10 days.
- Pretrial Motions: Most people accused of DUIs in Camarillo, CA, are able to secure pretrial release, although they'll likely need to pay bail. While you're waiting for the trial, your Camarillo DUI defense attorney will laying the groundwork of your defense through motions to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: In the midst of pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will bargain with the Camarillo district attorney to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if it does go to trial, your attorney should be preparing now.
- Criminal Trial: Only a small percentage of DUI charges go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how you plea or are found, you may face penalties. 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 with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and administrative side. Whatever stage in the process you're at, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Defending Against Camarillo DUIs: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Camarillo, CA, DUI charges require particular expertise because there are two sides that each need to be defended: The criminal case and the driver's case. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.
Here are descriptions of both case categories, and insights into how we protect your freedom and license:
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.
Your DUI case will typically go through the same process as any other criminal charge – after being formally told what crime you're being charged with, you'll likely be given terms of release and undergo pretrial procedures such as filing motions. As we mentioned above, trials are rare in DUI cases, but it is possible for them to reach that stage.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we provide expert defense and attack the charges. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for faults in laboratory examinations, and look for evidence that can present an alternate narrative.
If you're facing jail time in Camarillo, CA, our attorneys can help you avoid it. Commonly, we'll negotiate a plea deal 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
On the other side of a Camarillo DUI charge is 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 being arrested.
At the administrative hearing, you're not facing criminal charges. In fact, even if you secure a plea deal for a reduced charge, that won't (directly) affect your license suspension. Instead, this administrative hearing is focused on if you were rightfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to blow, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with a Camarillo, CA, DUI lawyer from our firm, we'll challenge the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If it's been more than ten days after your arrest, though, the suspension is probably hear to stay. Outside of rare cases, you don't get an extra chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's vital to contact a Camarillo DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest.
Sentence You Could Face for a DUI in Camarillo, CA
Camarillo, CA, DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while many are considered misdemeanors, you could still be sentenced to 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 |
Beyond the Camarillo, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as more expenses on your insurance and impacts on your employment.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences are very serious. If this is your first DUI, the good news is that you will likely be able to stay in the country. 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 trying to become an American citizen, even if you aren't deported, it can set your efforts back by several years.
Whether you are an immigrant citizen, are here on a work visa, or are anywhere in between, a Camarillo, 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 that can protect you from a conviction, fight to keep you in the country, and offer expert advice as you apply for citizenship.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. However, your arrest and/or criminal record can stick with you. Depending on your case outcome, there's a chance you're eligible to either expunge or seal your records. Fortunately, if you're in Camarillo, CA, our DUI lawyers will also fight to protect you in this way, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Important Qualities You Need in a Camarillo, CA DUI Attorney
When you're facing DUI charges, it's vital to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the talent, practice, and connections to secure a positive outcome for your case. When evaluating DUI lawyers in Camarillo, CA, you want to judge 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, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling over five decades of experience with the law.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. Our phones are ready for your call 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 Camarillo and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Having a good reputation as someone who secures positive outcomes for clients is essential. We are proud of our reputation with former clients and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- Track Record of Success: At the end of the day, results matter. And our results are great. In fact, 95% of our DUI cases result in no jail time.
Our recent DUI Case results speak for themselves. We want you to be our next success story.
DUI Case Types We Defend in Camarillo
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in Camarillo, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared stand by you against the charges.
Here is a list 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 Camarillo, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our Camarillo, CA, DUI attorneys can help you fight it. There are several defensive tactics available, but not every one will work for your case. Below are some of the most common ones we use.
Challenge the Legality of the Arrest
If law enforcement made a mistake while conducting their investigation, we can argue for your case to be dismissed. This defense could be used if, for example, the police officer pulled you over without probable cause, the entire traffic stop could be made invalid.
Show Issues With Blood, Breath, and/or Urine Tests
Many DUI cases center around a blood-alcohol content test. We will highlight the ways that these tests can give false readings, push for tests to be redone, and find any other mistakes law enforcement made that could exonerate you.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are often used by officers to evaluate whether someone is impaired or not. But there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. We will audit the test records and provide alternate explanations for your performance.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Maybe there were no mistakes with your blood, breath, or urine test, and your BAC was over the legal limit. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, you do still have viable defense strategies. 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 Immediate Help – Call Our Camarillo DUI Defense Lawyers RIGHT AWAY
After a DUI arrest, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. Your license disappears, you might be interrogated, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. To fight through the allegations, your first step is to speak to an attorney now.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. 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 Camarillo, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense now and will begin protecting your license and searching for positive outcomes now. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a no strings attached case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Camarillo, CA:
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