DUI Lawyer Rialto. If you're up against a DUI in Rialto, it can feel overwhelming. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. CA law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and that can even result in tougher penalties. And DUIs involving drugs are treated differently than those involving alcohol.
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 battle you need a team behind you 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 have extensive experience defending against all types of DUI charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of accomplished defense attorneys who know how to defend your rights in the Rialto, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Get in touch now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to start constructing your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Rialto?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you blow below the legal limit, or if you aren't tested at all. Officers are able to arrest you this way because CA allows them to make subjective judgements, likely via field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on your performance.
Once this happens, the CA legal system starts moving towards both a license suspension and criminal charges. In most DUI cases, here's how things will progress:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as you're arrested – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and the police will take away your existing license. In the meantime, the police are contacting the DMV about your DUI arrest, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will tell you the exact laws you're charged with breaking.
- DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, you'll have 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: Often, at the same time as your arraignment, the court will set conditions for your release, pending a trial. In the meantime, your Rialto DUI defense attorney will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to get a second test for your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: In the midst of pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will work directly with the Rialto prosecutor to avoid a trial with a plea deal that protects you. But if the case goes to trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's rare that a DUI case will go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case turns out, you may face sanctions. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, we may be able to help you clean your record.
Our DUI legal experts can provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and license side. For advice on any stage with your charges, give us a call so that we can help!
Rialto DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Rialto, CA, DUI charges can be twice as complicated as some other charges, because of their two-sided nature: The criminal case and the license suspension. In CA, these are always two separate processes, but both cases can be fought by the same DUI defense lawyer.
Here are some things you need to know about both, and insights into how we protect your freedom and driving privileges:
Rialto, 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 – first, you're arrested. Second, you're informed of the charges at an arraignment. Third, you go through pre-trial motions and negotiations. And finally, if it comes to it, a trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we build your defense and attack the supposed wrongdoing. We'll deconstruct the traffic stop, question the legitimacy of the officer's subjective observations, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can result in a not guilty plea.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time. In many cases, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsowork out probation over jail or prison time.
Rialto, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your Rialto criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect automatically, and to 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, you can lose your license regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Instead, the hearing is to determine if you were rightfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to BAC tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with us, we'll question the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
After ten days, though, you'll likely have to endure the suspension. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Rialto DUI defense attorney immediately after an arrest.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Rialto
CA DUI criminal penalties are a lot to face – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be up against, depending on the nature of the allegations:
| 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 Rialto court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as more expenses on your insurance and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, 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, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a chance to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Up against DUI charges? It's essential to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the expertise, history, and ties to provide the optimal outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Rialto, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: As defense attorneys, and also prosecutors. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes former judges, prosecutors, and police, totalling over 50 years of experience.
- Availability: So that you can get help right away when you need it. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. Our firm has experience working with the prosecutors in Rialto 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 CA.
- 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. We're ready to add you to our list of success stories.
DUI Case Types We Defend in Rialto
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Rialto, CA – the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI allegations 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 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
Don't Wait – Call Our Rialto DUI Defense Attorneys TODAY
When you're up against Rialto DUI charges, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. Your license disappears, there could be interrogations, you're given a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. In order to find a way out of all that, you need to hire a lawyer immediately.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case against you. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. Don't wait and realize that it's suddenly too late. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to defend you.
We're experts at defending all Rialto, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense today and will start safeguarding your license and your rights right away. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Rialto, CA:
Payment Plans
