DUI Lawyer Norwalk. Norwalk DUI charges are very serious. This isn't just an administrative issue; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. If you declined to take an alcohol test, you can face separate charges, 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.
When you're up against the CA legal system, you need help from a DUI defense expert. Trying to defend yourself against the charges is a problem you shouldn't have to solve without help, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is at your service.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you hire us, you're getting a team of DUI defense experts who know how to operate the Norwalk, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
If you wait too long to build a defense, it could become too late. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help online to start putting together your case's defense today.
Norwalk, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
You may be a careful driver who doesn't violate any traffic laws, but knowing what to do if you are in a traffic stop can help you avoid an arrest. Here are four tips from a Norwalk, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
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. 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 keeping these documents on hand, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: If You or the Officer Smells Alcohol, Don't Speak
You never need to answer a question that might incriminate you. You have the right to remain silent both before and after an arrest. Even just saying "I only had two drinks" can work against you.
Tip #3: Don't Automatically Consent to Tests
California does not require the majority of people to participate in field sobriety tests, and in fact, you can often refuse without penalty. The two main exceptions are if you are under the age of 21, and/or if you are on probation. You can still be arrested if the officer believes you've broken the law, but you're giving them less evidence this way. 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: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Being rude 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 helps your defense: By acting out or arguing, you are giving the police more evidence, and depending on what you do, it could make you appear intoxicated.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Norwalk?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you refuse to be tested at all. California allows the police to make a call about whether or not you were driving impaired regardless of your alcohol level, generally via field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on how you do.
If you've been placed under arrest, the CA legal system will proceed with both a license suspension and criminal charges. After the arrest, be prepared for the following:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can go into effect at the time of the arrest – right away, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. While you're proceeding through the system, the police are informing the DMV about the arrest, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: Before you are released, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will list out the laws you're accused of breaking.
- DMV Hearing: Even though you might feel overwhelmed by the criminal charges, you'll have 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: Most people accused of DUIs in Norwalk, CA, are able to secure pretrial release, although they'll likely need to pay bail. Between your potential release and the trial, your Norwalk DUI defense attorney will laying the groundwork of your defense through motions to throw out illegal evidence, and a "blood split" motion to reexamine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: In the midst of pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will work directly with the Norwalk prosecutor to find a positive outcome for you that avoids a trial through a plea deal. But if that doesn't work, your attorney should be preparing now.
- Criminal Trial: Most DUI cases won't 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 the outcome of your case, 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 bureaucratic side. If you're facing a potential conviction, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are here for you!
Norwalk DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Norwalk, CA, DUI charges are special because of their dual-nature: The criminal case and the driver's case. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but a leading DUI defense attorney from our offices will fight for you in both cases.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and our process for defending your justice and driving privileges:
Norwalk, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. And that means you'll have to go to Norwalk, CA, court.
Your DUI case will typically go through the same process as any other criminal charge – arrest, arraignment, pretrial activity, and possibly trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we present reasonable doubt and discredit the supposed wrongdoing. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and look for witness testimony and other proof that can show you are not guilty.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our Norwalk, CA, clients from jail time. For several cases, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
Norwalk, CA, DUI License Suspension
While it might be tempting to focus exclusively on the criminal case, you also need to consider the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is independent of the criminal case, and to successfully 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 secure a plea deal for a reduced charge, that won't (directly) affect your license suspension. Instead, the focus of this hearing is whether or not 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. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we'll challenge the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, you're out of options. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to arrange for that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Norwalk DUI defense attorney right away after the traffic stop.
Norwalk DUI Sentences and Consequences
Norwalk, CA, DUI criminal penalties can leave a mark on your record for life – while many are considered misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be trying to avoid, depending on what your charges are:
| 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 Norwalk court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as loss or increased expense of insurance and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences are very serious. The good news is that, currently, a first-time DUI is generally not grounds for removal. 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 will hurt your application chances, especially for repeat or aggravated offenses.
A DUI accusation doesn't have to end your time in the United States. You can get help from your Norwalk, CA, immigration lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we don't stop at just defending you against the criminal charge: We'll explore diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction, defend you against efforts to expel you from the country, and offer expert advice as you apply for citizenship.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found guilty or not guilty, you're liking looking forward to putting this all behind you. It doesn't take long to realize, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record can stick with you. Depending on your case outcome, there's a chance you're eligible to either expunge or seal your records. Our Norwalk, CA, DUI defense team can also assist you with sealing/expunging records, and give you a path to clean your record.
When You're Picking a Norwalk, CA, DUI Lawyer, Consider These Factors
No matter what DUI allegations you've been charged with, it's essential to pick the right lawyer to take your case. Your team needs the talent, experience, and contacts to secure a positive outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Norwalk, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- 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, district attorneys, and law enforcement, totalling more than 50 years of experience handling cases.
- Availability: DUI allegations can happen any time, day or night. We're available 24/7.
- Relationships: When your lawyer knows the district attorney you're up against, they'll use that to your advantage. Our team will leverage our connections with the prosecutors in Norwalk and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Having a good reputation as someone who secures positive outcomes for clients is essential. We're proud to have received numerous accolades and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- Track Record of Success: You want to work with an attorney who has successfully fought DUI charges in the past. We have. In fact, 95% of our DUI cases result in no jail time.
Our recent DUI Case results speak for themselves. With us, you can take advantage of a team that knows how to secure positive outcomes for our clients.
DUI Case Types We Defend Against in Norwalk
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in Norwalk, CA – the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared stand by you against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI case types 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 Norwalk, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our Norwalk, CA, DUI attorneys can help you fight it. There is no one-size-fits-all defensive strategy against DUI allegations, but below, we've listed out some of the most effective ones.
Contest the Legitimacy of the Traffic Stop
If law enforcement made a mistake while conducting their investigation, you might be able to secure a dismissal of the charges. This defense is effective if, for example, you were not read your Miranda rights before an interrogation, anything you said could be thrown out.
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 highlight the ways that these tests can give false readings, re-examine the evidence to look for alternate explanations, and highlight any errors in the chain of custody.
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. We will audit the test records and look for expert analysis that will show your performance in a more favorable light.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
While the police can make mistakes with breathalyzer tests, most of the time they perform them properly. This could be bad news if you were tested and your BAC was over the legal limit. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, we won't give up yet. Medications and health conditions can create false positives – even just over-the-counter cold medicine often contain alcohol, which can linger in your mouth, impacting the test.
Get Immediate Help – Talk To Our Norwalk DUI Defense Attorneys NOW
If you've been arrested or accused of a DUI in Norwalk, CA, things move pretty fast. You lose your license, law enforcement might try to do additional tests, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be out of control. Your path forward begins when you contact a DUI defense attorney now.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. Don't miss your chance for a DMV administrative hearing to protect your license. 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 Norwalk, CA DUI charges. We're standing by to answer your call now and will start safeguarding your license and searching for positive outcomes right away. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Norwalk, CA:
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