DUI Lawyer Camarillo. DUI law in Camarillo is complex. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; you're also facing jail time, fines, and other penalties. CA law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and by declining, you could face even harsher penalties. And while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
When you're up against the CA legal system, you don't want to be alone. 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 ready to stand by your side.
We are CA's leading DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you hire us, you're getting a team of accomplished defense attorneys who know how to protect you in the Camarillo, CA, legal system and get you the best outcome possible.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Get in touch right away at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to start preparing your defense strategy today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Camarillo?
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 make arrests based on that.
Right after your arrest, the CA legal system starts moving towards 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 – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. In the meantime, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the CA DMV, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, 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 Camarillo DUI defense lawyer will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to dismiss charges, and a "blood split" motion to have an independent lab examine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will negotiate with the Camarillo prosecutor to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if the case goes to trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's unlikely that your DUI case will go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on the outcome of your case, you may face penalties. 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 provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and license side. No matter where you are in your case, give us a call so that we can help!
Defending Against Camarillo DUIs: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Camarillo, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the administrative case. In CA, these are always two separate processes, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and insights into how we protect your liberty and driving privileges:
Camarillo, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, for which you will need to go through the CA legal system.
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 defend your freedom and fight against the supposed wrongdoing. 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 show you are not guilty.
The vast majority of our DUI clients in Camarillo do not receive any jail sentence. Frequently, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsoargue for probation to maintain your freedom.
Camarillo, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension doesn't wait for your criminal case, and if you want to 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, even if you receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. Instead, the outcome of the DMV hearing hinges on whether or not 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. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we'll challenge the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
Outside of that ten-day window, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. 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 Camarillo DUI defense attorney right away after being arrested.
DUI Punishments in Camarillo
CA DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – even for the ones considered 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 trying to avoid, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense:
| 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 potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found guilty or not guilty, you'll want to get back to life as normal, before the charges. You'll find, 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. Our DUI defense team can also assist you with sealing/expunging records, and give you a chance to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Camarillo: What You Need to Know
No matter what DUI alleges you've been charged with, it's crucial to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the abilities, experience, and relationships to secure a positive outcome for your case. The top Camarillo, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: As defense attorneys, and also prosecutors. 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: 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. We're familiar with the prosecutors in Camarillo 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. We're ready to add you to our list of success stories.
DUI Case Types We Defend in Camarillo
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Camarillo, CA – our DUI defense lawyers are prepared for the charges.
Here are some of the DUI allegations 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
- Drug DUI
- Drunk in Public
- DUI Alcohol
- DUI and Professional Licenses in California
- DUI Causing Injury
- DUI Checkpoint Defense Attorney
- DUI Defense Costs
- DUI Expungement in California
- DUI Immigration Consequences
- DUI Probation Violation
- DUI Marijuana
- DUI Prescription Drugs
- DUI Refusal Cases
- DUI Penalties
- 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 Camarillo DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
After a DUI arrest, things move pretty fast. Your license disappears, you might be interrogated, you're given a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. And that's why it's all the more important to hire a DUI defense attorney immediately.
Don't give the state a chance to put you behind bars. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't just sit idly by while everything collapses. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Camarillo, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case right now and will start safeguarding your license and your rights right away. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a free consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Camarillo, CA:
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