DUI Lawyer Corona. If convicted, a DUI can permanently change your life for the worse. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. If you declined to take an alcohol test, you can face separate charges, and by declining, you could face even harsher penalties. And fighting against a DUI case involving drugs is very different than fighting against a DUI involving alcohol.
If you've been accused of a DUI in Corona, CA, you shouldn't need to do this without help. Trying to defend yourself against the charges 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 best DUI defense lawyers and know the ins and outs of DUI defense strategies that work. When you retain us, you're getting a team of veteran defense attorneys who know how to operate the Corona, CA, legal system and get you the best outcome possible.
While you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Get a hold of us anytime, day or night, at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start building your defense strategy today.
Corona, 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. Here are four tips from a Corona, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to remember if you're ever pulled over:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
Keep your license, insurance card, and vehicle registration together and easily accessible. If you're struggling to locate them and keep hold of them, the officer may think you're intoxicated. But if you already have them ready, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: If You or the Officer Smells Alcohol, Don't Speak
If there's a scent of alcohol on your person or in your vehicle, don't talk. You have Fifth Amendment protections during any form of questioning. Protect yourself by keeping quiet until your lawyer arrives.
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. The officer may not like it, but they can't compel you to participate. However, California does require individuals to participate in in blood and breath tests after they've been arrested, and refusing in these circumstances will lead to an automatic license suspension.
Tip #4: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Being rude won't help — it will likely be something you regret. Nobody enjoys being pulled over, but remaining calm and respectful not only makes it easier for the officer; it also benefits your defense: If you try to talk back or argue with the officer, you are giving the police more evidence, which can be used against you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Corona?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you blow below the legal limit, 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, likely with field sobriety tests, then decide whether or not to arrest you based on how you do.
Once this happens, the CA legal system will proceed with both a license suspension and criminal charges. You can expect the following steps to play out in your case:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as you're arrested – at that time, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and the police will take away your existing license. In the meantime, the police are informing the DMV about the arrest, which means your license is officially suspended.
- Arraignment: While under arrest, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will read out the allegations that you are formally being charged with.
- DMV Hearing: Separate from the criminal charges, you'll have 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. In the meantime, your Corona DUI defense lawyer will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to throw out illegal evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While working through pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will contact the Corona district attorney to avoid a trial with a plea deal that protects you. But if the prosecutor won't give you a favorable offer, your attorney should be creating a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Most DUI cases won't go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case proceeds, you may face a punishment. 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 bureaucratic side. Whether you've just been arrested or are on the eve of your trial (or anywhere in-between), call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Corona, CA, DUI Differences: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Corona, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the DMV case. This will always require two separate defenses, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI defense lawyers will fight both.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and ways we defend your freedom and ability to drive:
Corona, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
The general court process is the same as any other criminal case – 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 defend your freedom and fight against the allegations. We'll examine the lawfulness of the traffic stop, poke holes in the subjective analysis of the officer, look for faults in laboratory examinations, and look for witness testimony and other proof that can tell a different story.
We know what it takes to keep DUI defense clients out of jail in Corona, CA. For many clients, 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 argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
Corona, 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 doesn't wait for your criminal case, and in order to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of being arrested.
It's typical for the criminal case to be, by and large, separate from 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 legitimately 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 argue over the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license back immediately. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to request that hearing. This is why it's essential to contact a Corona DUI defense lawyer immediately after an arrest.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Corona, CA
Corona, CA, DUI criminal penalties can permanently affect your life – while some are 'just' misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, you can read through the different penalties you could be up against, depending on the allegations you're facing:
| 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 |
You'll also be facing significant collateral consequences, such as more expenses on your insurance and career setbacks.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be devastating. 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 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 can count against your "good moral character," which you need to establish before becoming a citizen.
If any of the above situations apply to you, don't panic: Call one of our Corona, 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 to protect your record, fight to keep you in the country, and assist you with the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, odds are, you'll want to leave it in the past and move forward with your life. However, your arrest and/or criminal record keeps coming up and getting in your way. Depending on your case outcome, there's a chance you're eligible to either expunge or seal your records. A Corona, CA, DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a path to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Corona: What You Need to Know
When you're facing DUI charges, it's imperative to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the abilities, preparation, and relationships to secure a positive outcome for your case. The top Corona, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: If possible, both defending against charges and as government agents. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI lawyers have previous experience as judges, prosecutors, and police, totalling more than 50 years of experience with the law.
- Availability: You should be able to get help fast, whenever you need it. Our offices are always available if you need to talk 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We know how to connect with the prosecutors in Corona and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Not just with clients and friends, but also amongst their peers. We're proud to have received numerous accolades 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. With us, you can take advantage of a team that knows how to secure positive outcomes for our clients.
DUI Case Types We Take On in Corona
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Corona, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared stand by you against the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI charges we have experience defending:
- 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 Corona, CA
Every DUI case needs a defensive strategy, and our Corona, CA DUI defense lawyers are here to help you find the right one. There is no one-size-fits-all defensive strategy against DUI allegations, but below, we've listed out some of the most effective ones.
Challenge the Legitimacy of the Traffic Stop
If the arresting officer failed to obey the rules for investigating a DUI, you might be able to secure a dismissal of the charges. This defense is relevant if, for example, the police officer pulled you over without probable cause, the entire traffic stop could be made invalid.
Flaws in Chemical 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 investigate whether or not the procedure was followed when administering the tests, 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 audit the test records and provide additional context for your performance, such as the stress of the situation.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
In most cases, law enforcement will follow proper procedure when testing your blood alcohol level. Let's say that this is true for your stop, and your BAC was over the legal limit. Even though this is harder to fight, you do still have viable defense strategies. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, we can use that to help provide an alternate explanation to elevated BAC levels.
Timing is Critical – Call Our Corona DUI Defense Attorneys NOW
Corona, CA, DUI accusations are serious. After an arrest, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. Your license is suspended, you could find yourself in an interrogation room, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. What you need to do is contact a DUI defense attorney now.
Don't give up and let the district attorney win. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. Don't hesitate and lose your freedom. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to represent you.
We're experts at defending all Corona, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case right now and will can fight for your license and your liberty right away. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a free, confidential case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Corona, CA:
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