DUI Lawyer Moorpark. If you're up against a DUI in Moorpark, it can feel overwhelming. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. Declining a breathalyzer or blood test on its own can result in charges, and in some cases, refusing can give you even worse penalties. And while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
If you find yourself in this situation, you need someone in your corner. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a challenge nobody should have to face on their own, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is available to protect you in Moorpark.
We are CA's leading DUI defense lawyers and have extensive experience defending against all types of DUI charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of legal experts who know how to navigate the Moorpark, CA, legal system and get you the best outcome possible.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Reach out now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to start preparing your defense strategy today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Moorpark?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, or if you aren't tested at all. Police officers can do this because they when they rely on other methods to tell if you are impaired, probably using field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on your performance.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system starts moving towards both a license suspension and criminal charges. You can expect the following steps to play out in your case:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as you're arrested – at that time, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. Meanwhile, they are providing a record of the arrest to the CA DMV, officially suspending your license.
- Arraignment: While under arrest, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- DMV Hearing: While all of the criminal proceedings are going on, you'll want to set up a DMV hearing within 10 days to protect your license.
- Pretrial Motions: You'll likely be given bail or released on your own recognizance. Meanwhile, your Moorpark DUI defense lawyer will file pretrial potions, likely including some to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have an independent lab examine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: In the midst of pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will communicate with the Moorpark prosecutor to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if it does go to trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Only a small percentage of DUI charges 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 proceeds, 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 help you with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and DMV side. Whatever stage in the process you're at, we have the experience to help you move towards a positive outcome!
Moorpark DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Moorpark, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the administrative case. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and how we fight to protect your liberty and license:
Moorpark, 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 – arrest, arraignment, pretrial activity, and possibly trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we craft a staunch defense and fight against the charges. We'll deconstruct the traffic stop, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and look for evidence that can show you are not guilty.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time. 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 alsowork out probation over jail or prison time.
Moorpark, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your Moorpark criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect automatically, and 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, 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 rightfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to BAC tests, 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 it's been more than ten days after your arrest, though, you're out of options. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Moorpark DUI defense lawyer as soon as you can after an arrest.
Moorpark DUI Sentences and Consequences
CA DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while many are considered misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be facing, 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 |
On top of whatever sentence you receive in Moorpark court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as more expenses on your insurance and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
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. However, 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. Our DUI defense team can also assist you with sealing/expunging records, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Moorpark: What You Need to Know
No matter what DUI alleges you've been charged with, it's key to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the expertise, history, and relationships to secure a positive outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in Moorpark, CA, look for these signs:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team that has former judges, prosecutors, and police, totalling over 50 years of experience.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. You can get a hold of us 24/7.
- Relationships: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. We're familiar with the prosecutors in Moorpark and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: The best lawyers are often professionally recognized. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is proud to have received top ratings from several legal evaluators and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in CA.
- 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 Defend in Moorpark
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Moorpark, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared for the charges.
Here are some of the DUI allegations we regularly 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
Timing is Critical – Call Our Moorpark DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
After a DUI arrest, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. The police officer takes your license, you might be interrogated, you're given a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. And that's why it's all the more important to hire an attorney immediately.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case against you. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. Don't just sit idly by while everything collapses. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Moorpark, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case right now and will begin protecting your license and your freedom immediately. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Moorpark, CA:
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