DUI Lawyer Hanford. DUI law in Hanford is complex. This isn't just an administrative issue; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. In California, you're required to participate in DUI tests if you're driving. Refusal to do so is another crime, and that can even result in tougher 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 should consult with an expert to find your best path forward. Trying to fight against the prosecution is a fight that you need a team for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to defend you.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you choose us, you're getting a team of accomplished defense attorneys who know how to operate the Hanford, CA, judicial system and provide paths to positive outcomes.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Get a hold of us right away at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online to start building your case's defense today.
Hanford, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Nobody gets excited when they see red and blue flashing lights behind them, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Here are four tips from a Hanford, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to use the next time a police officer stops you on the road:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
It's normal to be nervous after being pulled over and asked for your ID, registration, and insurance. With an officer staring you down, asking for documents you may not have had to touch in months, it's easy to get flustered. By keeping these documents on hand, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
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. Even just saying "I only had two drinks" can work against you.
Tip #3: Don't Automatically Consent to Tests
In California, field sobriety tests are voluntary unless you are under the age of 21 or are on probation. This doesn't stop the officer from arresting you, but can decrease your chances of having this happen. However, you cannot legally refuse a BAC test once you are in custody, without losing your driving privileges.
Tip #4: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Arguing with the officer won't improve your case — it will come back to bite you. You should be respectful for more than its own sake, though; 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 Hanford?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you aren't tested at all. California allows the police to make a call about whether or not you were driving impaired regardless of your alcohol level, generally utilizing field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on how you do.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system will proceed with both a license suspension and criminal charges. In most DUI cases, here's how things will progress:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can go into effect at the time of the arrest – when arrested, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. Meanwhile, the police are contacting the DMV about your DUI arrest, at which point, you're officially facing a license suspension.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will attend a hearing, and a prosecutor will give you a formal notice of the charges you're facing.
- DMV Hearing: Even though you might feel overwhelmed by the criminal charges, you'll have just 10 days to begin the process of protecting your license.
- 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 Hanford DUI defense lawyer will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to reexamine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Alongside pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will bargain with the Hanford prosecutor to find a positive outcome for you that avoids a trial through a plea deal. But if the case goes to trial, your attorney should be refining a defense strategy now.
- Criminal Trial: Most DUI cases won't go to trial, but we don't count on that possibility and will be ready if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how you plea or are found, you may face sanctions. 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 provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and administrative side. If you need help today, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
Defending Against Hanford DUIs: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Hanford, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the license suspension. These are handled separately by the state, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are important factors for both case types, and what our attorneys will do for your liberty and license:
Hanford, 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 – after an arrest, you're formally charged in an arraignment, go through pretrial motions/negotiations, and can eventually go to trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we protect your rights and discredit the allegations. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for faults in laboratory examinations, and hunt for other evidence that can show the events in a more favorable light.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our Hanford, CA, clients from jail time. In many cases, 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 to give you an alternative to jail, in the form of probation.
Hanford, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect regardless of where you're at in the criminal process, 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 receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. Instead, the focus of this hearing is whether or not you were legitimately arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to participate in tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with a Hanford, CA, DUI lawyer from our firm, 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, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to arrange for that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Hanford DUI defense lawyer immediately after an arrest.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Hanford, CA
Hanford, CA, DUI criminal penalties can permanently affect your life – while some are 'just' 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 trying to avoid, 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 Hanford court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and impacts on your employment.
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 conviction will qualify an immigrant for deportation. If you are currently applying to become a U.S. citizen, even if you aren't deported, it hurts your application process.
These accusations can be intimidating, but they are not the end. Your Hanford, CA, immigration lawyer can give you practical advice on what comes next. 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 and plea deals that can keep a DUI off your record, 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're liking looking forward to putting this all behind you. It doesn't take long to realize, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record won't go away on its own. Depending on your case outcome, you could have an avenue to either expunge or seal your records. Fortunately, if you're in Hanford, 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 Hanford, CA DUI Attorney
When you're facing DUI charges, it's crucial to pick the right lawyer to take your case. Your team needs the proficiency, preparation, and contacts to provide the optimal outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in Hanford, CA, look for these signs:
- Experience: As defense attorneys, and also prosecutors. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes former judges, prosecutors, and police officers, totalling more than 50 years of experience.
- Availability: You shouldn't need to wait till 9 AM on Monday to contact an attorney. We're available 24/7.
- Relationships: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Hanford 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: Regardless of all of the points above, you want someone who knows how to get a positive outcome for your case. And we have a history of doing just that. In fact, 95% of our DUI cases result in no jail time.
Our recent DUI Case results speak for themselves. If you're ready to join our list of successes, call now.
DUI Case Types We Fight in Hanford
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Hanford, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared help you navigate the charges.
Here are some of the DUI case types 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 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 Hanford, CA
Our Hanford, CA, DUI lawyers will examine your case and suggest a defensive strategy that will maximize your chances of a positive outcome. While there are many effective legal strategies available, picking the right one can make all the difference.
Challenge the Legitimacy of the Arrest
If the arresting officer failed to obey the rules for investigating a DUI, we can argue for your case to be dismissed. 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 Blood, Breath, and/or Urine Tests
If you were arrested and given a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test, that can be the center of the prosecution's case. Our team will look into any issues with how the equipment was stored or used, push for tests to be redone, and look for any issues in how the evidence was handled.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'walk-and-turn,' are a typical part of any traffic stop that turns into a DUI investigation. But there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. Your local DUI lawyer will inspect any records of the test 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 .08 or higher. Even though this is harder to fight, there are still ways to fight it. 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 – Talk To Our Hanford DUI Defense Attorneys AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
After a DUI arrest, it can feel like you don't even have time to think. Your license disappears, you might be interrogated, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. With everything going on, your best way out is to speak to a DUI defense lawyer immediately.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't try to handle it on your own. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to fight for you.
We're experts at defending all Hanford, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense now and will start safeguarding your license and searching for positive outcomes now. Talk to one of our team members now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online for a confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Hanford, CA:
Payment Plans
