DUI Lawyer North Hollywood. The consequences of a DUI can be devastating. This isn't just an administrative issue; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. California law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and the consequences you face might be even worse than a DUI conviction. 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 North Hollywood, CA, you don't want to be alone. 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 prepared for any DUI charges in North Hollywood, CA.
We are California's premier DUI defense lawyers and decades of experience fighting against these charges. When you retain us, you're getting a team of legal experts who know how to protect you in the North Hollywood, CA, legal system and get you the best outcome possible.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Reach out 24/7 at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start constructing your defense strategy today.
North Hollywood, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
You may be a careful driver who doesn't violate any traffic laws, but even if you've done nothing wrong, you need to know how to navigate the situation. Here are four tips from a North Hollywood, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to remember if you're ever pulled over:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
After being pulled over, but before the police officer approaches your car, grab your license, vehicle registration, and insurance documentation. If police see you fumbling as you try to gather these documents, they could think that you've been drinking. But if you don't need to search for them, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: Don't Talk If Alcohol Is Smelled
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 both before and after an arrest. Trying to explain away the smell of alcohol will probably just get you in more trouble.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
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, California does require individuals to participate in in blood and breath tests after they've been arrested, and refusing in these circumstances will lead to an automatic license suspension.
Tip #4: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Refusing to cooperate with the police won't improve your case — it will make things worse. You should be respectful for more than its own sake, though; it also benefits your defense: When you resist or act disrespectfully, you are giving the police more evidence, which can be used against you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in North Hollywood?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you regardless of your blood alcohol level, or even if you don't undergo any tests at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, likely via field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
Once this happens, 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 start the minute the officer arrests you – right away, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. While you're processing this, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the North Hollywood, CA, DMV, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will attend a hearing, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- DMV Hearing: Independant of the criminal charge process, you'll have just 10 days to begin the process of protecting your license.
- Pretrial Motions: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. Meanwhile, your North Hollywood DUI defense attorney will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to review the arrest footage, and a "blood split" motion to retest your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will work directly with the North Hollywood prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if that doesn't work, your attorney should be refining a defense strategy now.
- Criminal Trial: It's unlikely that your DUI case will go to trial, but we don't count on that possibility and will be ready if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on the result of your case, you may face some form of sentence. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, you may be eligible to have your record sealed.
Our DUI legal experts can help you fight any allegation, on both the criminal defense and driver's license side. For advice on any stage with your charges, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are here for you!
Defending Against North Hollywood DUIs: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
North Hollywood, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the driver's case. In CA, these are always two separate processes, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are descriptions of both case categories, and insights into how we protect your freedom and vehicular rights:
North Hollywood, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. To fight them, you'll have to go through CA courts.
The general court process is the same as any other criminal case – 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 listen to your side of the story and push back against the allegations. We'll debate the legality of the traffic stop, poke holes in the subjective analysis of the officer, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and see if there's anything the police missed that can show you are not guilty.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in North Hollywood, CA. For many clients, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
North Hollywood, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your North Hollywood criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is independent of the criminal case, and if you want to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of being arrested.
In many cases, the status of your criminal case doesn't have a huge impact on the DMV hearing. In fact, even if you secure a plea deal for a reduced charge, that won't (directly) affect your license suspension. Instead, this administrative hearing is focused on if you were rightfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to participate in tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with 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 back immediately. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to request that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a North Hollywood DUI defense attorney right away after an arrest.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in North Hollywood, CA
North Hollywood, CA, DUI criminal penalties can leave a mark on your record for life – though you could 'only' be facing misdemeanors, they can still result in up to a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, you can read through the different penalties you could be looking to avoid, depending on the allegations you're facing:
| 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 elevated insurance costs and career setbacks.
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. If you are currently applying to become a U.S. citizen, even if you aren't deported, it will hurt your application chances, especially for repeat or aggravated offenses.
These accusations can be intimidating, but they are not the end. Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer can give you practical advice on what comes next. 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 and plea deals that can keep a DUI off your record, defend you against efforts to expel you from the country, 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. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record doesn't go away easily. Depending on your case outcome, there's a chance you're eligible to either expunge or seal your records. Fortunately, if you're in North Hollywood, CA, our DUI lawyers will also fight to protect you in this way, and give you a path to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Defending yourself against a DUI in North Hollywood? It's important to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the skills, experience, and ties to offer the best possible outcome for your case. When evaluating DUI lawyers in North Hollywood, CA, you want to judge the following:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you will work with a team of attorneys including former judges, district attorneys, and police, totalling more than five decades of experience with the law.
- Availability: You shouldn't need to wait till 9 AM on Monday to contact an attorney. Our offices are always available if you need to talk 24/7.
- Relationships: You need connections to get a good plea deal. We have experience working with the prosecutors in North Hollywood 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 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. If you're ready to join our list of successes, call now.
DUI Case Types We Defend in North Hollywood
Administrative, criminal, or anything else related to DUIs in North Hollywood, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared stand by you against the charges.
Here are some of the DUI allegations we have experience defending:
- 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 Strategies in North Hollywood, CA
Our North Hollywood, CA, DUI lawyers will examine your case and suggest a defensive strategy that will maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Choosing the correct defense for your particular circumstances is essential in finding the best possible outcome. Below are some of the most effective ones.
Contest the Legitimacy of the Arrest
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, your case could be thrown out on legal grounds. This defense is effective 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 your case is centered on a BAC test that put you over the legal limit, that can sound impossible to overcome. But it isn't. We will investigate any possible errors that were made when you took the test, introduce alternative evidence when possible, and find any other mistakes law enforcement made that could exonerate you.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'walk-and-turn,' are a typical part of any traffic stop that turns into a DUI investigation. But there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. Our attorneys will review the footage and point out situations where law enforcement unfairly failed our clients on these tests.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Maybe there were no mistakes with your blood, breath, or urine test, and your BAC was over the legal limit. This may sound bad, but there are still ways to fight it. We can examine your diet and medical conditions to find alternative explanations.
Get Rapid Assistance – Speak With Our North Hollywood DUI Defense Attorneys AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, things move pretty fast. Your license disappears, there could be interrogations, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be like there's no way forward. What you need to do is contact a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Don't let the state decide how your case will go. Don't lose your ability to drive without a fight. Don't just hope it will all just go away. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to represent you.
We're experts at defending all North Hollywood, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense right now and will start protecting your driving privileges and searching for positive outcomes immediately. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no-obligation case review.
We also provide the following legal services in North Hollywood, CA:
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