DUI Lawyer Pico Rivera. If you're up against a DUI in Pico Rivera, it can feel overwhelming. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. CA law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and that can even result in tougher penalties. And there are differences in DUI alcohol versus DUI marijuana cases, or other drugs.
If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you need help from a DUI defense expert. Trying to fight against the prosecution is a fight you want backup for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to stand by your side.
We are CA's best DUI defense lawyers and know the ins and outs of DUI defense strategies that work. When you hire us, you're getting a team of accomplished defense attorneys who know how to defend your rights in the Pico Rivera, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Get in touch right away at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start constructing your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Pico Rivera?
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 arrest you based on that.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system starts moving towards 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 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. In the meantime, they are informing the DMV about the arrest, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: While under arrest, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will give you a formal notice of the charges you're facing.
- DMV Hearing: Separate from the criminal charges, you'll need to set up an administrative hearing with the DMV within 10 days to fight the suspension.
- Pretrial Motions: You'll likely be given bail or released on your own recognizance. Meanwhile, your Pico Rivera DUI defense attorney will be filing motions, including motions to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, and a "blood split" motion to get a second test for your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will contact the Pico Rivera prosecutor to avoid a trial with a plea deal that protects you. But if you do have to fight the charges in a trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Only a small percentage of DUI charges go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case proceeds, you may face sanctions. 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 with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and DMV side. No matter where you are in your case, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Pico Rivera DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Pico Rivera, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the license suspension. These are handled separately by the state, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and ways we defend your liberty and ability to drive:
Pico Rivera, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. To fight them, you'll have to go through CA courts.
Your DUI case will typically go through the same process as any other 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 craft a staunch defense and push back against the charges. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, argue against he officer's observations, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and see if there's anything the police missed that can exonerate you.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time. Frequently, we'll negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsoavoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Pico Rivera, CA, DUI License Suspension
On the other side of a Pico Rivera DUI charge is the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect automatically, and if you want 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, you can lose your license regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. 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 alcohol 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.
After ten days, though, you're out of options. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Pico Rivera DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest.
DUI Punishments in Pico Rivera
CA DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be trying to avoid, depending on how exactly your charged and your history:
| 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 rising insurance rates and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, odds are, you'll want to leave it in the past and move forward with your life. You'll find, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record can stick with you. Depending on your case outcome, you may be eligible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense attorney can help you out here, too, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Pico Rivera: What You Need to Know
No matter what DUI alleges you've been charged with, it's critical to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the expertise, practice, and connections to secure a positive outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, look for these signs:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes former judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling more than 50 years of experience.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. We're available 24/7.
- Relationships: You need connections to get a good plea deal. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Pico Rivera and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Not just with clients and friends, but also amongst their peers. 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 Pico Rivera
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Pico Rivera, CA – our DUI defense team is prepared to defend you against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI allegations we frequently 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 – Contact Our Pico Rivera DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, things move pretty fast. Your license disappears, they might try to do additional tests, you're given a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. And that's why it's all the more important to contact a DUI defense attorney immediately.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case 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 defend you.
We're experts at defending all Pico Rivera, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense today and will begin protecting your license and your rights right away. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our contact form online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Pico Rivera, CA:
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