DUI Lawyer Riverside. DUI law in Riverside is complex. This isn't just an administrative issue; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. 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 while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
If you've been accused of a DUI in Riverside, CA, you need someone in your corner. Trying to defend yourself against the charges is a challenge nobody should have to face on their own, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any DUI charges in Riverside, CA.
We are California's premier DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of veteran defense attorneys who know how to defend your rights in the Riverside, CA, justice system and get you the best outcome possible.
Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Get in touch now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online to start building your case's defense today.
Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA, DUI Lawyer for you that will guide you through your next traffic stop:
Tip #1: Be Prepared With Your Documents
Keep your license, insurance card, and vehicle registration together and easily accessible. Dropping them or failing to find them could just be a result of stress, but it can give the impression that you're impaired. But if you don't need to search for them, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
If either the officer alleges that they smell alcohol, or you can smell alcohol yourself, don't answer any questions. You have Fifth Amendment protections at all points in the legal process. Don't talk without an attorney present.
Tip #3: Don't Participate in Field Sobriety Tests, Unless Required
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. Refusing won't force the officer to let you go, but on its own, there aren't any penalties for refusing. However, you cannot legally refuse a BAC test once you are in custody, without losing your driving privileges.
Tip #4: Respect the Law Enforcement Officer
Resisting the police won't help — it can end up making your case harder to defend. Nobody enjoys being pulled over, but remaining calm and respectful not only makes it easier for the officer; it also helps your defense: If you try to talk back or argue with the officer, 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 Riverside?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or even if you don't undergo any tests at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, probably utilizing field sobriety tests, then make judgements based on the results.
If you've been placed under arrest, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. Most DUI cases in Riverside, CA, follow this progression:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as you're arrested – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and you will lose your regular license (at least for now). While you're proceeding through the system, they are informing the DMV about the arrest, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: Sometime after arriving at the police station, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will announce what charges you're up against.
- DMV Hearing: Even though you might feel overwhelmed by the criminal charges, you'll need to set up an administrative hearing with the DMV within 10 days to fight the suspension.
- Pretrial Motions: Often, at the same time as your arraignment, the court will set conditions for your release, pending a trial. Between your potential release and the trial, your Riverside DUI defense attorney will file pretrial motions, likely including some to review the arrest footage, and a "blood split" motion to retest your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: In the midst of pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will speak with the Riverside prosecutor to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if the prosecutor won't give you a favorable offer, your attorney should be preparing now.
- Criminal Trial: Outside of extraordinary circumstances, it's rare for a DUI case to go to trial, but if it reaches that point, we'll have a staunch defense ready for you.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on the result of your case, you may face some form of sentence. 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 provide guidance for any charge, 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!
Riverside DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Riverside, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the driver's case. This will always require two separate defenses, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are things to watch out for with both cases, and ways we defend your justice and driving privileges:
Riverside, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
If you're familiar with the process of other criminal charges, DUI cases follow the same format – 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 attack the charges. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, argue against he officer's observations, look for contaminations or errors in blood, breath, or urine tests, and look for evidence that can show you are not guilty.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Riverside, CA. Often, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also avoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Riverside, 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 goes into effect regardless of where you're at in the criminal process, and to successfully fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
The criminal charges are not always relevant in the DMV hearing. 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 legitimately arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused to blow, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. These hearings have serious consequences that require an expert Riverside, CA, DUI lawyer to navigate. At the hearing, we'll argue over the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, you'll likely have to endure the suspension. Outside of rare cases, you don't get an extra chance to arrange for that hearing. This is why it's vital to contact a Riverside DUI defense lawyer without delay after an arrest.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA, DUI criminal penalties can permanently affect your life – while many are considered misdemeanors, they can still result in up to a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be up against, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense:
| 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 |
You'll also be facing significant collateral consequences, such as loss or increased expense of insurance and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be incredibly serious. 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 can result in removal from the country. If you are trying to become an American citizen, even if you aren't deported, it can set your efforts back by several years.
Whether you are an immigrant citizen, are here on a work visa, or are anywhere in between, a Riverside, CA, immigration lawyer can help you navigate the situation. 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, represent you at deportation hearings, and act as your guide through the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found innocent or not, you'll want to get back to life as normal, before the charges. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record can cause some major issues for your life. Depending on your case outcome, you could have an avenue to either expunge or seal your records. A Riverside, 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.
When You're Picking a Riverside, CA, DUI Lawyer, Consider These Factors
Defending yourself against a DUI in Riverside? It's vital to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the skills, background, and ties to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. The top Riverside, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: If it's both for and against the state, even better. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI lawyers have previous experience as judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling over 50 years of experience with the law.
- Availability: You shouldn't need to wait till 9 AM on Monday to contact an attorney. Our phones are ready for your call 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 Riverside and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Not just with clients and friends, but also amongst their peers. We're proud to have received numerous accolades and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- Track Record of Success: You don't want to trust your case to someone who doesn't know how to win it. Our attorneys do. 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 Riverside
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Riverside, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared to battle against the charges.
Below, you can review a list of the DUI charges 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
DUI Defense Tactics in Riverside, CA
If you want to craft an effective defense strategy, our Riverside, CA, DUI lawyers are here to help. Choosing the correct defense for your particular circumstances is essential in finding the best possible outcome. Below are some of the most effective ones.
Challenge the Legality of the Arrest
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, you might be able to secure a dismissal of the charges. This defense is effective if, for example, the officer did not observe you for the full 15-minute period required before asking you to take a breath test.
Show Issues With Blood, Breath, and/or Urine Tests
Chemical tests that measure the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine are strong evidence, but are not infallible. Our team will investigate whether or not the procedure was followed when administering the tests, re-examine the evidence to look for alternate explanations, and analyze the state's case to see if there was an error made in how your evidence was processed.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are a typical part of any traffic stop that turns into a DUI investigation. But there are several other factors that can affect your performance besides whether or not alcohol was in your system. We will audit the test records and point out situations where law enforcement unfairly failed our clients on these tests.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Perhaps the officer properly conducted a breathalyzer test, and your BAC was over the legal limit. While this is can be difficult to overcome, you do still have viable defense strategies. We can examine your diet and medical conditions to find alternative explanations.
Timing is Critical – Contact Our Riverside DUI Defense Lawyers RIGHT AWAY
If you've been arrested or accused of a DUI in Riverside, CA, it can be a whirlwind of legal processes. Your license is suspended, there could be interrogations, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. And that's why it's all the more important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
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 sit idly by while everything collapses. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to fight for you.
We're experts at defending all Riverside, CA DUI charges. We're standing by to answer your call today and will can fight for your license and your freedom as soon as you call. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Riverside, CA:
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