DUI Lawyer Lakewood. Lakewood 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 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've been accused of a DUI in Lakewood, CA, you should consult with an expert to find your best path forward. Trying to fight against the prosecution is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any DUI charges in Lakewood, CA.
We are California's premier DUI defense lawyers and have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you retain us, you're getting a team of DUI defense experts who know how to defend your rights in the Lakewood, CA, judicial system and find the best result for your case.
If you want to build an effective defense, you need to act now. Get a hold of us 24/7 at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start constructing your case's defense today.
Lakewood, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Nobody gets excited when they see red and blue flashing lights behind them, but knowing what to do if you are in a traffic stop can help you avoid an arrest. Below are four tips from a Lakewood, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
Your heart might start to pound as soon as the police officer asks for your ID, registration, and insurance. Dropping them or failing to find them could just be a result of stress, but it can give the impression that you're impaired. By following this tip, 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 the right to remain silent at all points in the legal process. Call your DUI lawyer and stay quiet until they arrive.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
In California, field sobriety tests are voluntary unless you are 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, 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
Acting belligerent and uncooperative won't improve your case — it will likely be something you regret. This doesn't just help you get through the traffic stop; 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 Lakewood?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, 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 through field sobriety tests, then decide whether or not to arrest you based on that.
Once you've been arrested, 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 effective immediately after your arrest – when arrested, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. While you're proceeding through the system, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the Lakewood, CA, DMV, which means your license is officially suspended.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will be summoned to a court hearing, 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 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 Lakewood DUI defense expert will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to review the arrest footage, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Alongside pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will speak with the Lakewood prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if the case goes to trial, your attorney should be creating a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Outside of extraordinary circumstances, it's rare for a DUI case to go to trial, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're prepared to fight for your freedom in front of a jury, no matter what .
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case proceeds, you may face sanctions. 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 provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and license side. If you need help today, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Defending Against Lakewood DUIs: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Lakewood, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: 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 descriptions of both case categories, and our process for defending your freedom and driving privileges:
Lakewood, 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.
Criminal cases, including DUIs, all follow the same basic process – 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 attack the accusations. We'll debate the legality of the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for faults in laboratory examinations, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can show you are not guilty.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Lakewood, CA. For several cases, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce 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.
Lakewood, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, 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, your license can still be suspended even if you do not receive a criminal conviction. Instead, the outcome of the DMV hearing hinges on whether or not you were lawfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused BAC tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with a Lakewood, CA, DUI lawyer from our firm, we'll question the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, the suspension is probably hear to stay. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's essential to contact a Lakewood DUI defense lawyer without delay after an arrest.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Lakewood, CA
Lakewood, CA, DUI criminal penalties are a lot to face – even though some are misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be facing, depending on the nature of the allegations:
| 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 loss or increased expense of insurance and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences have the potential to be life-altering. 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. For individuals working on the naturalization process, 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 Lakewood, 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 and plea deals that can keep a DUI off your record, represent you at deportation hearings, and act as your guide through 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. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record keeps coming up and getting in your way. Depending on your case outcome, you could have an avenue to either expunge or seal your records. A Lakewood, CA, DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Lakewood: What You Need to Know
Defending yourself against a DUI in Lakewood? It's crucial to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the skills, practice, and ties to provide the optimal outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Lakewood, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: If it's both for and against the state, even better. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI lawyers have previous experience as judges, district attorneys, and police, totalling over 50 years of experience handling cases.
- Availability: You should be able to get help fast, whenever you need it. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. Our team will leverage our connections with the prosecutors in Lakewood 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: At the end of the day, results matter. And our results are great. 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 Lakewood
Administrative, criminal, or anything else related to DUIs in Lakewood, CA – the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to battle against the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI charges we typically 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 Strategies in Lakewood, CA
When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, your Lakewood, CA, DUI attorney will draw from years of experience with effective defense strategies. When fighting cases, here are some of the possible defenses we'll use.
Challenge the Legitimacy of the Arrest
If the arresting officer failed to obey the rules for investigating a DUI, 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 you were arrested and given a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test, that can be the center of the prosecution's case. We will highlight the ways that these tests can give false readings, retest in some cases, using a "blood-split" motion, and find any other mistakes law enforcement made that could exonerate you.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'walk-and-turn,' are often used by officers to evaluate whether someone is impaired or not. But ultimately, these are judgment calls on the part of the officer. An experienced Lakewood, CA, DUI attorney will know how to dissect any records and show whether or not you were fairly judged.
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 .08 or higher. This may sound bad, but there are still ways to fight it. If you have a respiratory ailment, or another medical condition, that could impact how the breathalyzer measures your BAC, we will use that as a part of your defense.
Start Your Defense Today – Talk To Our Lakewood DUI Defense Lawyers RIGHT AWAY
Lakewood, CA, DUI accusations are serious. After an arrest, things move pretty fast. Your license is suspended, you could find yourself in an interrogation room, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. Your path forward begins when you get in touch with aLakewood, CA, DUI attorney right away.
Don't give the state a chance to put you behind bars. Don't miss your chance for a DMV administrative hearing to protect your license. Don't hesitate and lose your freedom. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to defend you.
We're experts at defending all Lakewood, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case now and will begin protecting your license and your rights right away. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or let us know what you need online for a confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Lakewood, CA:
Payment Plans
