DUI Lawyer Glendale. Glendale DUI charges are very serious. Besides losing your license, there's a lot at stake; 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 that can even result in tougher penalties. And DUIs involving drugs are treated differently than those involving alcohol.
When you're up against the CA legal system, 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 at your service.
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 Glendale, CA, legal system and find the best result for your case.
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 preparing your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Glendale?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, or if you aren't tested at all. This is because the officer can make a subjective judgment about whether you are impaired or not, often via field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on that.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for 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 – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. Meanwhile, they are informing the DMV about the arrest, officially suspending your license.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will go to court, 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: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. In the meantime, your Glendale DUI defense attorney 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: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will communicate with the Glendale prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if it does go to trial, your attorney should be building a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: Your case probably will not go to trial, but if it reaches that point, we'll have a staunch defense ready for you.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case turns out, you may face penalties. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, it's possible that your record will be eligible for sealing.
Our DUI legal experts can help you with any step of the legal process, on both the criminal defense and license side. For advice on any stage with your charges, we have the experience to help you move towards a positive outcome!
Glendale DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Glendale, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the license suspension. In CA, these are always two separate processes, 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 how we fight to protect your liberty and driving privileges:
Glendale, 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 – 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 question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, argue against he officer's observations, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can exonerate you.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time. In many cases, 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.
Glendale, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, 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 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 blow, 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.
After ten days, though, you're out of luck. 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 Glendale DUI defense lawyer right away after an arrest.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Glendale
CA DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while many are considered misdemeanors, they can still result in up to a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be facing, 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 |
Beyond the Glendale, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and barriers between you and professional licenses.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether you're found guilty or not guilty, 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 keeps coming up and getting in your way. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense attorney can help you out here, too, and give you an opportunity to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Glendale: What You Need to Know
Up against DUI charges? It's important to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the abilities, practice, and connections to provide the optimal outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in Glendale, 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 over 50 years of experience.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: You need connections to get a good plea deal. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Glendale and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: The best lawyers are often professionally recognized. 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 Glendale
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Glendale, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared for the charges.
Here are some of the DUI case types we commonly 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
Start Your Defense Today – Contact Our Glendale DUI Defense Attorneys NOW
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, it feels like there's no space to breathe. Your license disappears, they might try to do additional tests, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to feel stressed out. In order to find a way out of all that, you need to call an attorney immediately.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case against you. Don't let your license go without a fight. Don't just hope it will all just go away. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Glendale, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case now and will begin protecting your license and your freedom immediately. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a free consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Glendale, CA:
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