DUI Lawyer Los Angeles. DUI law in Los Angeles is complex. You're not just facing the loss of your license; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh 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 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 hire us, you're getting a team of veteran defense attorneys who know how to defend your rights in the Los Angeles, CA, legal system and get you the best outcome possible.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Call right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Los Angeles?
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, likely via field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
Once this happens, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. Here's the typical process for a DUI case to make its way through the system:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can begin as soon as you're arrested – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and the police will take away your existing license. Meanwhile, they are informing the DMV about the arrest, officially suspending your license.
- Arraignment: While under arrest, you will be brought before a judge, 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 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 Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer will be filing motions, including motions to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to retest your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Inbetween pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will communicate with the Los Angeles prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. 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 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 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, give us a call so that we can help!
Los Angeles DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Los Angeles, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: 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 ways we defend your freedom and license:
Los Angeles, 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 – 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 provide expert defense and fight against the charges. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, 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.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our clients from jail time. In many cases, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, frequently to a wet reckless, and work out probation over jail or prison time.
Los Angeles, 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 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.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, you're out of luck. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer immediately after an arrest.
DUI Punishments in Los Angeles
CA DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – while many are considered misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be up against, 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 more expenses on your insurance and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, 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 can stick with you. Depending on your case outcome, you may be eligible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you an opportunity to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
When you're facing DUI charges, it's critical to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the abilities, practice, and connections to provide the optimal outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Los Angeles, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team that has former judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling more than 50 years of experience.
- Availability: DUI allegations can happen any time, day or night. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Los Angeles 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 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 in Los Angeles
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Los Angeles, CA – the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to battle against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI case types we commonly defend:
- Alcohol DUI Charges
- Marijuana DUI Charges
- Prescription Drug DUI Charges
- DUI Resulting in Injury Charges
- DUI Checkpoint Charges
- DUI Test Refusal Charges
- Underage DUI Charges
- And more.
Timing is Critical – Call Our Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorneys RIGHT AWAY
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, it feels like there's no space to breathe. You lose your license, you might be interrogated, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. With everything going on, your best way out is to contact a DUI defense attorney right away.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. 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 defend you.
We're experts at defending all Los Angeles, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case now and will work on a strategy to defend your license and keep you out of jail immediately. Get a hold of 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 Los Angeles, CA:
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