DUI Lawyer Pasadena. DUI law in Pasadena is complex. You're not just facing the loss of your license; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. Declining a breathalyzer or blood test on its own can result in charges, and that can even result in tougher penalties. And it doesn't matter if it was alcohol, marijuana, or another substance affecting your ability to drive.
If the Pasadena, CA, district attorney is coming after you, you should consult with an expert to find your best path forward. 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 ready to stand by your side.
We are California's leading DUI defense lawyers and decades of experience fighting against these charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of legal experts who know how to protect you in the Pasadena, CA, justice system and will always be honest with you about the state of your case and the best path forward.
While you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Get a hold of us anytime, day or night, at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start crafting your case's defense today.
Pasadena, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Nobody gets excited when they see red and blue flashing lights behind them, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Here are four tips from a Pasadena, CA, DUI Lawyer for you that will guide you through your next traffic stop:
Tip #1: Be Prepared With Your Documents
Your heart might start to pound as soon as the police officer asks for your ID, registration, and insurance. With an officer staring you down, asking for documents you may not have had to touch in months, it's easy to get flustered. By keeping these documents on hand, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Don't Talk If Alcohol Is Smelled
If law enforcement asks how much you've had to drink tonight, you don't need to give them an answer. You have the right to remain silent during the entirety of your interactions with the law. Protect yourself by keeping quiet until your lawyer arrives.
Tip #3: Refuse Voluntary 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. This doesn't stop the officer from arresting you, but can decrease your chances of having this happen. 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: Don't Argue With the Officer
Acting belligerent and uncooperative won't help — it will likely be something you regret. This doesn't just help you get through the traffic stop; it also benefits your defense: When you resist or act disrespectfully, you are giving the police more evidence, which may come back up later in court.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Pasadena?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, or even if you aren't tested at all. The police can use other methods to determine whether or not you were safe to drive, likely utilizing field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
If you've been placed under arrest, the CA legal system will proceed with 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 proceeding through the system, they are providing a record of the arrest to the Pasadena, CA, DMV, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- 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: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. Meanwhile, your Pasadena DUI defense attorney will laying the groundwork of your defense through motions to throw out illegal evidence, and a "blood split" motion to get a second test for your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will communicate with the Pasadena prosecutor to present you with plea deal offers that could protect your freedom. But if the prosecutor won't give you a favorable offer, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's unlikely that your DUI case will 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 how you plea or are found, you may face consequences. 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 provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and driver's license side. If you need help today, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
DUIs in Pasadena, CA and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Pasadena, CA, DUI charges require particular expertise because there are two sides that each need to be defended: The criminal case and the administrative case. This will always require two separate defenses, but both cases can be fought by the same DUI defense lawyer.
Here are descriptions of both case categories, and insights into how we protect your liberty and license:
Pasadena, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. And that means you'll have to go to Pasadena, CA, court.
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 pretrial motions and negotiations. And finally, if it comes to it, a trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we listen to your side of the story and dissect the charges. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and look for evidence that can exonerate you.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Pasadena, CA. Often, we'll plea bargain for a reduction of the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also avoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Pasadena, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your Pasadena 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 to effectively fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
When you go through the DMV hearing, your criminal charges may not be a major focus. In fact, even if you secure a plea deal for a reduced charge, that won't (directly) affect your license suspension. Instead, the hearing is to determine if you were lawfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with us, we'll argue over the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, you're out of luck. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Pasadena DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Pasadena
Pasadena, CA, DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – though you could 'only' be facing misdemeanors, you're still facing a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be fighting against, depending on the allegations you're facing:
| Formal DUI 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 |
On top of whatever sentence you receive in Pasadena court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as loss or increased expense of insurance and barriers between you and professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can turn your world upside down. If this is your first DUI, the good news is that you will likely be able to stay in the country. The bad news is that if you have faced DUI charges before, 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.
If any of the above situations apply to you, don't panic: Call one of our Pasadena, CA, immigration lawyers to get immediate help. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you can rest assured that our lawyers can guide you through both your criminal case and your citizenship process: We'll explore diversion programs with alternatives to criminal sentencing, fight against removal proceedings, and act as your guide through the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, it's natural to want to move on and leave this in the past. It doesn't take long to realize, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record doesn't go away easily. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A Pasadena, CA, DUI defense attorney can help you out here, too, and give you a path to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Pasadena: What You Need to Know
Defending yourself against a DUI in Pasadena? It's vital to pick the right lawyer to take your case. Your team needs the proficiency, preparation, and contacts to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. The top Pasadena, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: Experience gives your attorney knowledge on how to win these cases. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI lawyers have previous experience as judges, district attorneys, and police officers, totalling over five decades of experience.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. You can speak with one of our team members 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 Pasadena 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: 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. If you're ready to join our list of successes, call now.
DUI Case Types We Take On in Pasadena
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in Pasadena, CA – all of our DUI defense attorneys are prepared help you navigate the charges.
Here are some of the DUI charges we often 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 Pasadena, CA
Our Pasadena, CA, DUI lawyers will examine your case and suggest a defensive strategy that will maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When fighting cases, here are some of the possible defenses we'll use.
Challenge the Legality of the Traffic Stop
If the arresting officer failed to obey the rules for investigating a DUI, then the evidence arising from that traffic stop could be invalid. This defense is a good option if, for example, the police officer did not properly calibrate the breathalyzer before administering the test, that evidence is invalid.
Show Issues With BAC Tests
If you were arrested and given a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test, that can be the center of the prosecution's case. We will investigate whether or not the procedure was followed when administering the tests, re-examine the evidence to look for alternate explanations, and find any other mistakes law enforcement made that could exonerate you.
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 there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. 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
Maybe there were no mistakes with your blood, breath, or urine test, and your BAC was .08 or higher. While this is can be difficult to overcome, you do still have viable defense strategies. 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.
Start Your Defense Today – Call Our Pasadena DUI Defense Attorneys RIGHT AWAY
After a DUI arrest, it feels like there's no space to breathe. Your license is suspended, you might be interrogated, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. With everything going on, your best way out is to contact aPasadena, CA, DUI lawyer now.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. 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 defend you.
We're experts at defending all Pasadena, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense fast and will start protecting your driving privileges and your rights right away. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our contact form online for a no-obligation consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Pasadena, CA:
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