DUI Lawyer Chatsworth. If you're up against a DUI in Chatsworth, it can feel overwhelming. You're not just facing the loss of your license; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, 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.
If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you need someone in your corner. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a fight you want backup for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you.
We are CA's leading 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 protect you in the Chatsworth, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Get a hold of us 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 Chatsworth?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, or if you don't blow at all. Officers are able to arrest you this way because CA allows them to make subjective judgements, likely 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. You can expect the following steps to play out in your case:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can start the minute the officer arrests you – at that time, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. While you're proceeding through the system, they are informing the DMV about the arrest, officially suspending your license.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- DMV Hearing: While all of the criminal proceedings are going on, 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. In the meantime, your Chatsworth DUI defense lawyer will file pretrial potions, likely including some to dismiss charges, 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 lawyer will negotiate with the Chatsworth prosecutor to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if you do have to fight the charges in a trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's unlikely that your DUI case will go to trial, but just in case it does, our team always crafts a trial-ready defense.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on the outcome of your case, 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 provide you with advice on the best way to move forward, on both the criminal defense and DMV side. For advice on any stage with your charges, call now and we'll be happy to assist!
Chatsworth DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Chatsworth, 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. These are handled separately by the state, 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 insights into how we protect your freedom and license:
Chatsworth, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
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 protect your rights and push back against the charges. We'll challenge the legitimacy of 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 show you are not guilty.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our clients from jail time. Frequently, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsowork out probation over jail or prison time.
Chatsworth, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, and if you want 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 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 BAC 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.
After ten days, though, you're out of options. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's critical to contact a Chatsworth DUI defense attorney immediately after being arrested.
Chatsworth DUI Sentences and Consequences
CA DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – while many are considered misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be facing, 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 |
Beyond the Chatsworth, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums 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 keeps coming up and getting in your way. Depending on your case outcome, you may be eligible 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 Chatsworth: What You Need to Know
Up against DUI charges? It's important to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the skills, experience, and connections to find the best outcome for your case. The top Chatsworth, 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, several of our members are former judges, prosecutors, and police, totalling over 50 years of experience.
- Availability: DUI allegations can happen any time, day or night. You can get a hold of us 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Chatsworth 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: 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 want you to be our next success story.
DUI Case Types We Defend Against in Chatsworth
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Chatsworth, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared for the charges.
Here is a list of the DUI charges we regularly 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
Timing is Critical – Contact Our Chatsworth DUI Defense Lawyers NOW
After a DUI arrest, it feels like there's no space to breathe. Your license disappears, they might try to do additional tests, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to be out of control. In order to find a way out of all that, you need to hire an attorney right away.
Don't give the state a chance to put you behind bars. 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 defend you.
We're experts at defending all Chatsworth, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case today and will start safeguarding your license and your freedom as soon as you call. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Chatsworth, CA:
Payment Plans
