DUI Lawyer Perris. DUI law in Perris is complex. You're not just facing the loss of your license; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. Declining a breathalyzer or blood test on its own can result in charges, and when you refuse, you can face the same penalties as a high blood-alcohol level DUI. And it doesn't matter if it was alcohol, marijuana, or another substance affecting your ability to drive.
If you find yourself in this situation, you don't want to be alone. Trying to stand up for yourself against the prosecution is a fight that you need a team for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend your freedom.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. When you hire us, you're getting a team of former prosecutors who know how to protect you in the Perris, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Get a hold of us anytime, day or night, at (800) 755-5174 or tell us how we can help online to start preparing your defense strategy today.
Perris, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Nobody gets excited when they see red and blue flashing lights behind them, but knowing how to handle the situation is important for all Perris, CA, residents. Here are four tips from a Perris, 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. When you're already prepared to give them to the officer, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
You never need to answer a question that might incriminate you. You have the right to remain silent during any form of questioning. Protect yourself by keeping quiet until your lawyer arrives.
Tip #3: Don't Automatically Consent to Tests
In California, field sobriety tests are voluntary unless you are under the age of 21 or are on probation. The officer may not like it, but they can't compel you to participate. However, you can face consequences if you refuse a blood alcohol content test after you've been arrested.
Tip #4: Don't Argue With the Officer
Arguing with the officer won't improve your case — it can end up making your case harder to defend. This doesn't just help you get through the traffic stop; it also helps your defense: When you resist or act disrespectfully, you are giving the police more evidence, which could contribute to their probable cause to arrest you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Perris?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you independant of your blood alcohol concentration, or even if you aren't tested at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, typically using field sobriety tests, then decide whether or not to arrest you based on that.
If you've been placed under arrest, the CA legal system will proceed with both a license suspension and criminal charges. Here's the typical process for a DUI case to make its way through the system:
- Suspension: Your license suspension effective immediately after your arrest – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your actual license will be taken. While you're proceeding through the system, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the Perris, CA, DMV, officially suspending your license.
- Arraignment: Sometime after arriving at the police station, you will be summoned to a court hearing, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, you'll want to set up a DMV hearing within 10 days to protect your license.
- Pretrial Motions: It's possible to be held in jail before your trial, but that's not very likely in DUI cases. While you're waiting for the trial, your Perris DUI defense attorney will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to review the arrest footage, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: In the midst of pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will work directly with the Perris district attorney to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if you end up on trial in front of a judge, your attorney should be crafting a strategy now.
- Criminal Trial: Only a small percentage of DUI charges 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 a punishment. 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 fight any allegation, on both the criminal defense and bureaucratic side. If you're facing a potential conviction, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
Perris DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Perris, CA, DUI charges are special because of their dual-nature: The criminal case and the administrative case. These will never be handled in the same hearing, but both cases can be fought by the same DUI defense lawyer.
Here are important factors for both case types, and how we fight to protect your liberty and driving privileges:
Perris, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. And that means you'll have to go to Perris, CA, court.
Most of the steps in a DUI criminal case are identical to that of another criminal charge – after an arrest, you're formally charged in an arraignment, go through pretrial motions/negotiations, and can eventually go to trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we provide expert defense and discredit the criminal accusations. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can exonerate you.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Perris, CA. In many 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 work out probation over jail or prison time.
Perris, CA, DUI License Suspension
Even though the criminal charges may sound like the more serious matter, don't neglect the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect regardless of where you're at in the criminal process, and to effectively 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 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 alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, 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, the suspension is probably hear to stay. Outside of rare cases, you don't get an extra chance to request that hearing. This is why it's vital to contact a Perris DUI defense lawyer immediately after the arrest.
Sentence You Could Face for a DUI in Perris, CA
Perris, CA, DUI criminal penalties can leave a mark on your record for life – while some are 'just' misdemeanors, they can still result in up to a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be fighting against, 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 |
Beyond any sentence that a judge in Perris, CA, sentences you to, you also need to worry about collateral consequences, such as elevated insurance costs 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 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 become grounds for deportation. For immigrants seeking citizenship, even if you aren't deported, it can indefinitely pause your efforts to become a citizen.
If any of the above situations apply to you, don't panic: Call one of our Perris, CA, immigration lawyers to get immediate help. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can help you in all aspects of your case: 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
Whether you're found innocent or not, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. You'll find, 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 Perris, CA, DUI defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also assist with this process, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Perris: What You Need to Know
When you're facing DUI charges, it's key to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the skills, experience, and relationships to find the best outcome for your case. When you speak with Perris, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about the following:
- Experience: As defense attorneys, and also prosecutors. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes former judges, district attorneys, and police, totalling more than five decades of experience.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. Our offices are always available if you need to talk 24/7.
- Relationships: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. We know how to connect with the prosecutors in Perris and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Having a good reputation as someone who secures positive outcomes for clients is essential. 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 California.
- 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. We're ready to add you to our list of success stories.
DUI Case Types We Take On in Perris
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in Perris, CA – your DUI defense lawyer from our team prepared for the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI case types 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 Perris, CA
Every DUI case needs a defensive strategy, and our Perris, 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.
Contest the Legality of the Traffic Stop
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, then the evidence arising from that traffic stop could be invalid. This defense could be used if, for example, the police officer did not properly calibrate the breathalyzer before administering the test, that evidence is invalid.
Flaws in Blood, Breath, and/or Urine Tests
Fighting against chemical tests can be difficult, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will know how to look for flaws in them. We will investigate any possible errors that were made when you took the test, retest when possible, and highlight any errors in the chain of custody.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are often used by officers to evaluate whether someone is impaired or not. But these tests are subjective. An experienced Perris, CA, DUI attorney will know how to dissect any records and point out situations where law enforcement unfairly failed our clients on these tests.
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 .08 or higher. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, we won't give up yet. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, we can use that to help provide an alternate explanation to elevated BAC levels.
Start Your Defense Today – Speak With Our Perris DUI Defense Lawyers NOW
After a DUI arrest, it can feel like you barely have a chance to think. You lose your right to drive, you could find yourself in an interrogation room, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. With everything going on, your best way out is to get in touch with a lawyer immediately.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case against you. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't just hope it will all just go away. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to fight for you.
We're experts at defending all Perris, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case now and will can fight for your license and your freedom now. Speak with a lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a no strings attached case review.
We also provide the following legal services in Perris, CA:
Payment Plans
