DUI Lawyer Linda Vista, CA

DUI Lawyer Linda Vista. DUI law in Linda Vista is complex. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. CA law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and that can even result in tougher penalties. And DUIs involving drugs are treated differently than those involving alcohol.

If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you need someone in your corner. Trying to defend yourself against the charges is a challenge nobody should have to face on their own, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend your freedom.

We are CA's best DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of veteran defense attorneys who know how to navigate the Linda Vista, CA, legal system and get you the best outcome possible.

Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Reach out right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense strategy today.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Linda Vista?

CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you blow below the legal limit, or if you aren't tested at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, probably using field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on that.

Right after your arrest, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. In most DUI cases, here's how things will progress:

Suspension: Your license suspension starts right away, when you're arrested – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. Meanwhile, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the CA DMV, officially suspending your license.
Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will tell you the exact laws you're charged with breaking.
DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, you'll need to set up an administrative hearing with the DMV within 10 days to fight the suspension.
Pretrial Motions: Often, at the same time as your arraignment, the court will set conditions for your release, pending a trial. In the meantime, your Linda Vista DUI defense lawyer will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have an independent lab examine your blood sample.
Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will negotiate with the Linda Vista prosecutor to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if it does go to trial, your attorney should be crafting a strategy 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 how your case turns out, you may face sanctions. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, we may be able to help you clean your record.

Our DUI legal experts can provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and license side. No matter where you are in your case, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!

Linda Vista DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings

Linda Vista, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the license suspension. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.

Here are some things you need to know about both, and insights into how we protect your freedom and ability to drive:

Linda Vista, 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 pre-trial motions and negotiations. And finally, if it comes to it, a trial.

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we provide expert defense and attack the allegations. We'll deconstruct the traffic stop, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and see if there's anything the police missed that can exonerate you.

The vast majority of our DUI clients in Linda Vista do not receive any jail sentence. For several cases, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsoargue for probation to maintain your freedom.

Linda Vista, CA, DUI License Suspension

On the other side of a Linda Vista DUI charge is the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, and if you want to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.

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 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 alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you hire us, we'll question the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.

After ten days, though, you're out of luck. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Linda Vista DUI defense lawyer as soon as you can after being arrested.

DUI Punishments in Linda Vista

CA DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – even though some are misdemeanors, they can still result in up to a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.

Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be up 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

You'll also be facing significant collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and barriers between you and professional licenses.

After the Case: Expungement/Sealing

Whether you're found guilty or not guilty, you'll want to get back to life as normal, before the charges. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record can stick with you. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a chance to clean your record.

Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Linda Vista: What You Need to Know

No matter what DUI alleges you've been charged with, it's important to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the abilities, experience, and connections to secure a positive outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in Linda Vista, CA, look for these signs:

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 police, totalling more than 50 years of experience.
Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. Our phones are ready for your call 24/7.
Relationships: You need connections to get a good plea deal. Our firm has experience working with the prosecutors in Linda Vista and all throughout CA.
Reputation: The best lawyers are often professionally recognized. We're proud to have received numerous accolades and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in CA.
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. We're ready to add you to our list of success stories.

Call our DUI Lawyers today for a free consult.

DUI Case Types We Defend Against in Linda Vista

Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Linda Vista, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared for the charges.

Here are some of the DUI charges we often defend:

Timing is Critical – Contact Our Linda Vista DUI Defense Attorneys RIGHT AWAY

After a DUI arrest, it feels like there's no space to breathe. You lose your license, they might try to do additional tests, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to be out of control. And that's why it's all the more important to hire a lawyer immediately.

Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. Don't wait and realize that it's suddenly too late. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.

We're experts at defending all Linda Vista, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense right now and will begin protecting your license and your freedom right away. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a free consultation.

We also provide the following legal services in Linda Vista, CA:

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Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
Orange County(714) 442-2601
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
San Bernardino County / Riverside County(909) 748-5272
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
Kern / Santa Barbara(661) 473-0422
Northern California(530) 427-4167

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Areas We Serve

Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Orange County(714) 442-2601
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Bernardino County(909) 748-5272
Riverside County(951) 329-9499
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
Santa Barbara(805) 791-2162
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
South L.A. / Long Beach(562) 786-8383
City of L.A. / East L.A.(310) 882-6466
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
San Fernando Valley(818) 614-9567
OC Coastal Cities(949) 891-0102
Bakersfield / Kern(661) 473-0422
San Francisco(510) 403-8809

Recent Results

Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico. Our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victim's mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!
Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!
Client's estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.
Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client's glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

Awards and Certifications

What our clients say Client Testimonials

I am truly pleased with my experience with the Law Offices of David S Chesley. They answered all my questions and provided me with great advice and legal services. My case was resolved quickly. Thank you! Rodrigo L.

I left court yesterday with my last case being wrapped up. Two court appearances and that’s it. He represented me in a couple of different cases and was impressive to say the least. Always a phone call or text message away. Confident and aggressive when he needed to be. Calming and thorough when meeting with me. Attorney Chesley did exactly what he said he would, and I got the results I needed. He seemed to know all the right people at the Temple Street courthouse. You can always get in contact with him quickly, and he is a great lawyer. I highly recommend his legal services. Ricardo Esteves

My brother was given a very caring attorney that was assigned to his case, and we had very helpful case managers throughout the process. I strongly recommend David Chesley to anyone who is in trouble. I called in to get help on my brother’s case, and right away, I liked their service. My brother’s charges were eventually dismissed after the attorney got him into a program, now he can go on without the trouble of having anything on his record Erica Geller

I retained Mr. Chesley and his firm, and from the beginning, they were extremely professional both in communicating the status of my case to me, explaining the situation as a whole, and just downright taking care of business. It was money well spent for a job well done. Thanks again to David and Melissa, and others that worked on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Don’t just accept things the courts force on you; call this firm and protect yourself. Elizabeth F.

I contacted Mr. Chesley and his firm because some unfortunate events had left me in a jam. Detectives were demanding I testify or be prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit. (I wasn’t involved or even at the scene of the alleged crime when it supposedly took place.) Mr. Chesley explained to me that he had been through similar situations with his clients before and understood exactly what was going on. His response to what took place was nothing short of amazing. No matter how small my concern, Mr. Chesley addressed it in a timely manner. He advocated for what is right and empathized with me in dealing with the Court system. After meeting with the supervising D.A. and providing alibi evidence, he was able to get me out of the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him. Leon Hanley

I hired David Chesley for my criminal defense in 2012. He was recommended to us for his successful results and his low fees. David is very smart, and his professional legal advice was honest & much appreciated during these stressful times. David’s knowledge, advice, and communication about what we were to expect was reassuring and beneficial to me. He charged me a reasonable flat rate and didn’t charge me any surprise fees. In my case, David Chesley was able to negotiate with the prosecution attorney for the best result I could hope for. He had success at getting my criminal charges dismissed with the judge’s approval. You will not be disappointed if you hire The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Britanny Givens

David is very professional, yet very casual. Although it is typically not easy to speak straight up with an attorney, he is very easy to talk to. He replied to my questions quickly and was available all hours. Not only did he get my case resolved with a dismissal, he went above and beyond and got me an expungement without me even requesting it. He never beats around the bush and tells you like it is. At the same time is willing to work overtime to get the results you request. I would use David’s services again in the future. Andrew A.

Very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dismissed. Negin was on top of our cases, she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! Thanks a lot Negin! Rita K.

I don’t write many reviews; however, this time I had to share my admiration and appreciation for this firm. Attorney Negin Akhavan is definitely a person you want representing you in any criminal legal battle. She is the clear definition of the phrase “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” She is not only knowledgeable, she also has the relationships with the right people. I couldn’t be happier with the results she was able to provide.Thank you Negin. Gabriel V.

An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own recognizance on a felony charge in July, which has never happened to me, and got it dismissed in October. He was responsive when I called and always kept me updated. Got my case dismissed, was easy to work with, and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense. Jason Corona

They really helped me out in a timely manner. I had a drug charge from 16 years ago, and they dealt with it quickly. I can’t recommend them enough. If you have a criminal charge, check them out; they are awesome. Santiago L.