DUI Lawyer Manhattan Beach. If convicted, a DUI can permanently change your life for the worse. 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 in some cases, refusing can give you even worse 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 defeat the allegations is a problem you shouldn't have to solve without help, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to defend you.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and decades of experience fighting against these charges. When you choose us, you're getting a team of DUI defense experts who know how to fight for you in the Manhattan Beach, CA, legal system and find the best result for your case.
If you wait too long to build a defense, it could become too late. Call right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start constructing your defense today.
Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
We'd all love to drive without any risk of being pulled over, but even if you've done nothing wrong, you need to know how to navigate the situation. Below are four tips from a Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to use the next time a police officer stops you on the road:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
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. By keeping these documents on hand, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: If You or the Officer Smells Alcohol, Don't Speak
If either the officer alleges that they smell alcohol, or you can smell alcohol yourself, don't answer any questions. You have Fifth Amendment protections during any form of questioning. Don't talk without an attorney present.
Tip #3: Refuse Voluntary Tests
Participation in field sobriety tests is not required for people over the age of 21 who aren't on probation. Refusing won't force the officer to let you go, but on its own, there aren't any penalties for refusing. However, you can face consequences if you refuse a blood alcohol content test after you've been arrested.
Tip #4: Treat the Officer Respectfully
Resisting the police won't improve your case — it will come back to bite you. This doesn't just help you get through the traffic stop; it also aids your defense: Any time you open your mouth, whether or not the police asked you a question, you are giving the police more evidence, which can be used against you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Manhattan Beach?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you don't undergo any tests at all. Police officers can do this because they when they rely on other methods to tell if you are impaired, generally utilizing field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on your performance.
If you've been placed under arrest, the CA legal system will proceed with both a license suspension and criminal charges. Most DUI cases in Manhattan Beach, CA, follow this progression:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as 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, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the Manhattan Beach, CA, DMV, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will attend a hearing, and a prosecutor will list out the laws you're accused of 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: Most people accused of DUIs in Manhattan Beach, CA, are able to secure pretrial release, although they'll likely need to pay bail. Meanwhile, your Manhattan Beach DUI defense attorney will be filing motions, including motions to suppress evidence, 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 work directly with the Manhattan Beach prosecutor to present you with plea deal offers that could protect your freedom. But if the case goes to trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's unlikely that your DUI case will go to trial, but if it reaches that point, we'll have a staunch defense ready for you.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case turns out, you may face consequences. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, you can explore record clearing options with our lawyers.
Our DUI legal experts can help you with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and driver's license side. No matter where you are in your case, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Manhattan Beach DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI charges require particular expertise because there are two sides that each need to be defended: The criminal case and the fight for your license. These will never be handled in the same hearing, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI defense lawyers will fight both.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and insights into how we protect your liberty and license:
Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
If you're familiar with the process of other criminal charges, DUI cases follow the same format – 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 craft a staunch defense and fight against the charges. 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 look for witness testimony and other proof that can exonerate you.
The vast majority of our DUI clients in Manhattan Beach do not receive any jail sentence. 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.
Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your Manhattan Beach criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension doesn't wait for your criminal case, and if you want to 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, 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 legitimately arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to cooperate when the officer tried to test you, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you hire us, we'll challenge the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you waited too long and it's past the deadline to request a hearing, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license back immediately. Outside of rare cases, you don't get any more chances to arrange for that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Manhattan Beach DUI defense lawyer promptly after being arrested.
Sentence You Could Face for a DUI in Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while some are 'just' misdemeanors, you're still facing a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, you can read through the different penalties you could be fighting against, depending on how exactly your charged and your history:
| DUI Criminal 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 increased insurance premiums and impacts on your employment.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be devastating. 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 something made this allegation more serious, like an injured bystander, 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 will hurt your application chances, especially for repeat or aggravated offenses.
If you're a United States immigrant facing a DUI, you need to stay in the country and contact a Manhattan Beach, CA, immigration lawyer immediately. 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 against removal proceedings, and assist you with the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found guilty or not guilty, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. It doesn't take long to realize, though, that 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 Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also assist with this process, and give you a path to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Up against DUI charges? It's important to pick the right lawyer to defend your innocence. Your team needs the abilities, history, and contacts to provide the optimal outcome for your case. When evaluating DUI lawyers in Manhattan Beach, CA, you want to judge the following:
- 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, prosecutors, and police officers, totalling more than five decades of experience with the law.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. You can get a hold of us 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Manhattan Beach and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: If your lawyer is known for successfully fighting DUI charges, that is a major positive. We're proud to have received numerous accolades 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. We want you to be our next success story.
DUI Case Types We Fight in Manhattan Beach
Whatever type of DUI charge you need help with in Manhattan Beach, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared help you navigate the charges.
Here are some of the DUI case types 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 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 Manhattan Beach, CA
Every DUI case needs a defensive strategy, and our Manhattan Beach, CA DUI defense lawyers are here to help you find the right one. Choosing the correct defense for your particular circumstances is essential in finding the best possible outcome. Below are some of the most effective ones.
Challenge the Legality of the Arrest
If law enforcement made a mistake while conducting their investigation, we can argue for your case to be dismissed. This defense could be used 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 Chemical Tests
Chemical tests that measure the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine are strong evidence, but are not infallible. We will look into any potential procedural errors, 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 'horizontal gaze nystagmus,' are a normal part of the process when police are evaluating if someone is driving intoxicated or not. But these tests are subjective. We will examine the evidence and look for expert analysis that will show your performance in a more favorable light.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Perhaps the officer properly conducted a breathalyzer test, 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.
Get Immediate Help – Talk To Our Manhattan Beach DUI Defense Attorneys NOW
When you're up against Manhattan Beach DUI charges, it can feel like you don't even have time to think. The police officer takes your license, law enforcement might try to do additional tests, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be like there's no way forward. In order to find a way out of all that, you need to speak to a lawyer right away.
Don't give up and let the district attorney win. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't wait and realize that it's suddenly too late. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to defend you.
We're experts at defending all Manhattan Beach, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case now and will can fight for your license and your rights now. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or let us know what you need online for a free case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Manhattan Beach, CA:
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