DUI Lawyer La Mirada. If you're up against a DUI in La Mirada, it can feel overwhelming. You're not just facing the loss of your license; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, 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.
When you're up against the CA legal system, you need help from a DUI defense expert. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a problem you shouldn't have to solve without help, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any DUI charges in La Mirada, CA.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and have extensive experience defending against all types of DUI charges. When you choose us, you're getting a team of legal experts who know how to defend your rights in the La Mirada, CA, court system and provide paths to positive outcomes.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Speak with one of our attorneys anytime, day or night, at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to start building your case's defense today.
La Mirada, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Most people don't plan to be pulled over, but knowing how to handle the situation is important for all La Mirada, CA, residents. Here are four tips from a La Mirada, CA, DUI Lawyer for you that will guide you through your next traffic stop:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
Keep your license, insurance card, and vehicle registration together and easily accessible. Dropping them or failing to find them could just be a result of stress, but it can give the impression that you're impaired. When you're already prepared to give them to the officer, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
You aren't required to answer any questions if the officer says that they smell alcohol. You have Fifth Amendment protections at all points in the legal process. Even just saying "I only had two drinks" can work against you.
Tip #3: Don't Automatically Consent to Tests
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. This doesn't stop the officer from arresting you, but can decrease your chances of having this happen. However, this isn't the case for every test; if you're already in custody and are asked to perform a breath or blood based test, California law does require you to participate.
Tip #4: Respect the Law Enforcement Officer
Resisting the police won't help — it will increase your chances of getting in trouble. You should be respectful for more than its own sake, though; it also benefits your defense: By acting out or arguing, you are giving the police more evidence, which can be used against you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in La Mirada?
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. The police can use other methods to determine whether or not you were safe to drive, often through field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on how you do.
Once this happens, 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 start the minute the officer arrests you – right away, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. While you're proceeding through the system, the police are updating your records with the DMV to account for the arrest, officially suspending your license.
- 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: Separate from the criminal charges, you'll have just 10 days to begin the process of protecting your license.
- Pretrial Motions: Often, at the same time as your arraignment, the court will set conditions for your release, pending a trial. Meanwhile, your La Mirada DUI defense attorney will file pretrial motions, likely including some to review the arrest footage, 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 communicate with the La Mirada district attorney to present you with plea deal offers that could protect your freedom. But if that doesn't work, your attorney should be creating a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Your case probably will not go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on the result of your case, 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 driver's license side. If you need help today, you can start with a call to our offices!
La Mirada DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
La Mirada, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the license suspension. In CA, these are always two separate processes, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and insights into how we protect your liberty and driving privileges:
La Mirada, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
Criminal cases, including DUIs, all follow the same basic process – charges are formally filed against you, you'll probably be given bail and/or conditions of release, then your attorney will proceed with pretrial motions and negotiations. It's unlikely (but possible) that you'll reach a trial at some stage.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we present reasonable doubt and fight against the accusations. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can exonerate you.
We know what it takes to keep DUI defense clients out of jail in La Mirada, CA. Frequently, 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.
La Mirada, CA, DUI License Suspension
On the other side of a La Mirada DUI charge is the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension doesn't wait for your criminal case, and to successfully fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
In many cases, the status of your criminal case doesn't have a huge impact on the DMV hearing. In fact, your license can still be suspended even if you do not receive a criminal conviction. Instead, the entire DMV hearing is about whether or not you were lawfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you hire us, 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 an extra chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's essential to contact a La Mirada DUI defense attorney right away after the arrest.
Sentence You Could Face for a DUI in La Mirada, CA
La Mirada, CA, DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while some are 'just' misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
On this table, you can review the different penalties you could be looking to avoid, depending on the nature of the allegations:
| 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 |
Beyond the La Mirada, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as rising insurance rates and barriers between you and professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences have the potential to be life-altering. The level of impact often depends on how many prior offenses are on your record. First-time alleged DUIs don't typically result in deportation. The bad news is that if you have faced DUI charges before, you can qualify for deportation. What's worse, if H.R.875 passes, any DUI will become grounds for deportation. 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.
A DUI accusation doesn't have to end your time in the United States. You can get help from your La Mirada, 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 to protect your record, fight against removal proceedings, and offer expert advice as you apply for citizenship.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, 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 can cause some major issues for your life. Depending on your case outcome, there's a chance you're eligible to either expunge or seal your records. A La Mirada, CA, DUI defense attorney can help you out here, too, and give you a path to clean your record.
Important Qualities You Need in a La Mirada, CA DUI Attorney
No matter what DUI allegations you've been charged with, it's critical to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the abilities, background, and relationships to offer the best possible outcome for your case. The top La Mirada, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, several of our members are former judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling more than five decades of experience handling cases.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. Our phones are ready for your call 24/7.
- Relationships: An attorney who knows the local prosecutor can use that relationship to their advantage. Our firm has experience working with the prosecutors in La Mirada and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Both in the community and in the legal sphere. We are proud to be respected amongst our peers 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. We want you to be our next success story.
DUI Case Types We Take On in La Mirada
Administrative, criminal, or anything else related to DUIs in La Mirada, CA – your DUI defense lawyer from our team prepared stand by you against the charges.
This is a list of the DUI charges we commonly 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 Tactics in La Mirada, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our La Mirada, 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.
Contest the Legality of the Arrest
If law enforcement made a mistake while conducting their investigation, you might be able to secure a dismissal of the charges. This defense is a good option 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 Blood, Breath, and/or Urine Tests
Many DUI cases center around a blood-alcohol content test. Our team will investigate whether or not the procedure was followed when administering the tests, introduce alternative evidence when possible, and highlight any errors in the chain of custody.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are a normal part of the process when police are evaluating if someone is driving intoxicated or not. But these tests are subjective. Our attorneys will review the footage and show whether or not you were fairly judged.
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. This may sound bad, but it's not the end of your case. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, we can use that to help provide an alternate explanation to elevated BAC levels.
Start Your Defense Today – Talk To Our La Mirada DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
When you're up against La Mirada DUI charges, it can be a whirlwind of legal processes. The police officer takes your license, there could be interrogations, you get a court date…it's easy to feel stressed out. In order to find a way out of all that, you need to speak to aLa Mirada, CA, DUI attorney right away.
Don't give up and let the district attorney win. Don't lose your ability to drive 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 La Mirada, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case today and will work on a strategy to defend your license and your liberty immediately. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a confidential case review.
We also provide the following legal services in La Mirada, CA:
Payment Plans
