DUI Lawyer Chatsworth. If convicted, a DUI can permanently change your life for the worse. You're not just facing the loss of your license; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. California law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, 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 find yourself in this situation, you need help from a DUI defense expert. Trying to defeat the allegations is a problem you shouldn't have to solve without help, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is at your service.
We are California's premier DUI defense lawyers and decades of experience fighting against these charges. When you hire us, you're getting a team of accomplished defense attorneys who know how to protect you in the Chatsworth, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Talk to a lawyer without delay at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start constructing your defense today.
Chatsworth, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
We'd all love to drive without any risk of being pulled over, but knowing what to do if you are in a traffic stop can help you avoid an arrest. Below are four tips from a Chatsworth, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
It's normal to be nervous after being pulled over and asked for your ID, registration, and insurance. Many sober people will have trouble gathering up these documents under pressure. But if you already have them ready, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
You never need to answer a question that might incriminate you. You have Fifth Amendment protections at all points in the legal process. Protect yourself by keeping quiet until your lawyer arrives.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
The state of California only legally requires drivers to participate in field sobriety tests if they are either under the age of 21, or are on probation. Refusing won't force the officer to let you go, but on its own, there aren't any penalties for refusing. However, if you have been arrested and refuse a blood or breath test, your license will be suspended.
Tip #4: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Resisting the police won't help — it can end up making your case harder to defend. Nobody enjoys being pulled over, but remaining calm and respectful not only makes it easier for the officer; it also aids your defense: When you resist or act disrespectfully, you are giving the police more evidence, which can be used against you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Chatsworth?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you regardless of your blood alcohol level, 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 with field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
If you've been placed under 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 – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your actual license will be taken. In the meantime, they are informing the DMV about the arrest, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will list out the laws you're accused of breaking.
- 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: It's possible to be held in jail before your trial, but that's not very likely in DUI cases. In the interim, your Chatsworth DUI defense attorney will be filing motions, including motions to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, and a "blood split" motion to retest your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will negotiate with the Chatsworth prosecutor to present you with plea deal offers that could protect your freedom. But if the prosecutor won't give you a favorable offer, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Your case probably will not 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 consequences. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, our record clearing attorneys can help you get a fresh start.
Our DUI legal experts can help you with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and driver's license side. For advice on any stage with your charges, you can start with a call to our offices!
Defending Against Chatsworth DUIs: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Chatsworth, CA, DUI charges are special because of their dual-nature: The criminal case and the DMV case. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and insights into how we protect your justice and ability to drive:
Chatsworth, 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 build your defense and push back against the allegations. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, poke holes in the subjective analysis of the officer, look for faults in laboratory examinations, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can show the events in a more favorable light.
We know what it takes to keep DUI defense clients out of jail in Chatsworth, CA. Commonly, 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 work out probation over jail or prison time.
Chatsworth, CA, DUI License Suspension
Even though the criminal charges may sound like the more serious matter, don't neglect the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, and to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of being arrested.
The criminal charges are not always relevant in the DMV hearing. In fact, even if you receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. Instead, this administrative hearing is focused on if you were lawfully 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. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we'll work to undermine 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 any more chances to schedule that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Chatsworth DUI defense attorney promptly after being arrested.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Chatsworth, CA
Chatsworth, CA, DUI criminal penalties can leave a mark on your record for life – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, they can still result in up to 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:
| 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 |
You'll also be facing significant collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and career setbacks.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be devastating. 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 will be put on the same level as serious felonies when it comes to immigration consequenceses. If you are currently applying to become a U.S. citizen, even if you aren't deported, it hurts your application process.
A DUI accusation doesn't have to end your time in the United States. You can get help from your Chatsworth, CA, immigration lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we know that you need someone who has knowledge of both immigration and criminal law. We have both: We'll explore diversion programs that will protect you from the harshest outcomes, fight against removal proceedings, and guide you through your citizenship application.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, odds are, you'll want to leave it in the past and move forward with your life. You'll find, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record won't go away on its own. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. Fortunately, if you're in Chatsworth, CA, our DUI lawyers will also fight to protect you in this way, and give you a path to clean your record.
Important Qualities You Need in a Chatsworth, CA DUI Attorney
When you're facing DUI charges, it's vital to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the talent, experience, and relationships to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. When evaluating DUI lawyers in Chatsworth, CA, you want to judge the following:
- Experience: If possible, both defending against charges and as government agents. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you will work with a team of attorneys including former judges, district attorneys, and police, totalling more than 50 years of experience handling cases.
- Availability: You shouldn't need to wait till 9 AM on Monday to contact an attorney. You can speak with one of our team members 24/7.
- Relationships: An attorney who knows the local prosecutor can use that relationship to their advantage. We're familiar with the prosecutors in Chatsworth and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: The best lawyers are often professionally recognized. We are proud to be respected amongst our peers and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- 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 Take On in Chatsworth
Whatever type of DUI charge you need help with in Chatsworth, CA – your DUI defense lawyer from our team prepared to battle against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI allegations we frequently 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 Chatsworth, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our Chatsworth, CA, DUI attorneys can help you fight it. While there are many effective legal strategies available, picking the right one can make all the difference.
Contest the Legality of the Traffic Stop
If the police did not follow proper procedure while stopping and examining 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 Blood, Breath, and/or Urine Tests
If your case is centered on a BAC test that put you over the legal limit, that can sound impossible to overcome. But it isn't. We will highlight the ways that these tests can give false readings, introduce alternative evidence 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 a widely-recognized way of evaluating somebody's level of impairment. But these tests are subjective. We will audit the test records and provide additional context for your performance, such as the stress of the situation.
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. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, there are still ways to fight it. 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.
Timing is Critical – Contact Our Chatsworth DUI Defense Attorneys AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Chatsworth, CA, DUI accusations are serious. After an arrest, it can feel like you don't even have time to think. The police officer takes your license, there could be interrogations, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to be lost. Your path forward begins when you hire aChatsworth, CA, DUI lawyer right away.
Don't let the state decide how your case will go. Don't wait too long and lose your driving privileges. Don't just hope it will all just go away. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to defend you.
We're experts at defending all Chatsworth, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case fast and will can fight for your license and searching for positive outcomes now. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online for a free consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Chatsworth, CA:
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