DUI Lawyer Covina. Covina DUI charges are very serious. You're not just facing the loss of your license; depending on your history, you could go to prison. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, and the consequences you face might be even worse than a DUI conviction. And while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
When you're up against the CA legal system, you should consult with an expert to find your best path forward. Trying to defend yourself against the charges is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to fight for your rights.
We are California's leading DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you hire us, you're getting a team of DUI defense experts who know how to operate the Covina, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
If you wait too long to build a defense, it could become too late. Get a hold of us right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your defense strategy today.
Covina, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
We'd all love to drive without any risk of being pulled over, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Below are four tips from a Covina, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
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 don't need to search for them, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Don't Talk If Alcohol Is Smelled
If there's a scent of alcohol on your person or in your vehicle, don't talk. You have the right to remain silent both before and after an arrest. Even just saying "I only had two drinks" can work against you.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
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 can face consequences if you refuse a blood alcohol content test after you've been arrested.
Tip #4: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Acting belligerent and uncooperative won't help — it will make things worse. This isn't just something you're doing out of courtesy, though; it also benefits your defense: If you try to talk back or argue with the officer, you are giving the police more evidence, which could contribute to their probable cause to arrest you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Covina?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you refuse to be tested at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, generally with field sobriety tests, then make arrests 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. After the arrest, be prepared for the following:
- Suspension: Your license suspension starts right away, when you're arrested – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and you will lose your regular license (at least for now). Meanwhile, they are providing a record of the arrest to the Covina, CA, DMV, which means your license is officially suspended.
- 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: While all of the criminal proceedings are going on, you'll have just 10 days to begin the process of protecting your license.
- Pretrial Motions: Most people accused of DUIs in Covina, CA, are able to secure pretrial release, although they'll likely need to pay bail. Meanwhile, your Covina DUI defense attorney will laying the groundwork of your defense through motions to dismiss charges, and a "blood split" motion to retest your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Inbetween pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will work directly with the Covina district attorney to find a positive outcome for you that avoids a trial through a plea deal. But if the prosecutor won't give you a favorable offer, your attorney should be building a defense 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 the outcome of your case, you may face consequences. 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 fight any allegation, on both the criminal defense and bureaucratic side. If you're facing a potential conviction, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are here for you!
Covina DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Covina, CA, DUI charges are special because of their dual-nature: The criminal case and the fight for your license. This will always require two separate defenses, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are descriptions of both case categories, and ways we defend your freedom and right to drive:
Covina, 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 – 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 present reasonable doubt and dissect the accusations. We'll debate the legality of the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and see if there's anything the police missed that can show the events in a more favorable light.
The vast majority of our DUI clients in Covina do not receive any jail sentence. In many cases, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also avoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Covina, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is independent of the criminal case, and in order to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
It's typical for the criminal case to be, by and large, separate from the DMV hearing. In fact, you can lose your license regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. 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 blow, 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.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to arrange for that hearing. This is why it's vital to contact a Covina DUI defense attorney promptly after the arrest.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Covina
Covina, CA, DUI criminal penalties are a lot to face – while many are considered misdemeanors, you're still facing a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be fighting against, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense:
| 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 Covina court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as elevated insurance costs and barriers between you and professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be incredibly serious. The good news is that, currently, a first-time DUI is generally not grounds for removal. 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 can result in removal from the country. If you are trying to become an American citizen, even if you aren't deported, it can set your efforts back by several years.
If any of the above situations apply to you, don't panic: Call one of our Covina, CA, immigration lawyers to get immediate help. 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 to protect your record, represent you at deportation hearings, and assist you with the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether your case ends in a conviction or an acquittal, you'll want to get back to life as normal, before the charges. However, your arrest and/or criminal record can cause some major issues for your life. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. Fortunately, if you're in Covina, CA, our DUI lawyers will also fight to protect you in this way, and give you an opportunity to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Covina: What You Need to Know
Accused of a DUI in Covina? It is essential to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the proficiency, practice, and relationships to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. When you speak with Covina, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about 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 officers, totalling more than five decades of experience.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: An attorney who knows the local prosecutor can use that relationship to their advantage. We're familiar with the prosecutors in Covina and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Having a good reputation as someone who secures positive outcomes for clients is essential. 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. With us, you can take advantage of a team that knows how to secure positive outcomes for our clients.
DUI Case Types We Fight in Covina
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Covina, CA – your DUI defense lawyer from our team prepared help you navigate the charges.
Below are some of the DUI cases we often 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
DUI Defense Strategies in Covina, CA
Every DUI case needs a defensive strategy, and our Covina, 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.
Contest the Legitimacy of the Arrest
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, you might be able to secure a dismissal of the charges. This defense is relevant if, for example, the officer did not observe you for the full 15-minute period required before asking you to take a breath test.
Show Issues With BAC Tests
Many DUI cases center around a blood-alcohol content test. Our team will investigate any possible errors that were made when you took the test, retest when possible, and look for any issues in how the evidence was handled.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are a typical part of any traffic stop that turns into a DUI investigation. But field sobriety tests are not objective measures of whether you're safe to drive or not. Our attorneys will review the footage and provide additional context for your performance, such as the stress of the situation.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Perhaps the officer properly conducted a breathalyzer test, and your BAC was over the legal limit. While this is can be difficult to overcome, our lawyers have more defense strategies we can pull from. 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.
Get Rapid Assistance – Talk To Our Covina DUI Defense Lawyers RIGHT AWAY
If you've been arrested or accused of a DUI in Covina, CA, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. You lose your license, you might be interrogated, you're given a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. And that's why it's all the more important to speak to a DUI defense lawyer 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 try to handle it on your own. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Covina, CA DUI charges. We're standing by to answer your call right now and will work on a strategy to defend your license and searching for positive outcomes right away. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or let us know what you need online for a free consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Covina, CA:
Payment Plans
