DUI Lawyer North Hollywood. DUI law in North Hollywood is complex. This isn't just an administrative issue; depending on your history, you could go to prison. In California, you're required to participate in DUI tests if you're driving. Refusal to do so is another crime, and the consequences you face might be even worse than a DUI conviction. And there are differences in DUI alcohol versus DUI marijuana cases, or other drugs.
If the North Hollywood, CA, district attorney is coming after you, you shouldn't need to do this without help. Trying to stand up for yourself against the prosecution is a problem you shouldn't have to solve without help, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any DUI charges in North Hollywood, CA.
We are California's top DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of experienced, high-quality lawyers who know how to defend your rights in the North Hollywood, CA, justice system and get you the best outcome possible.
If you want to build an effective defense, you need to act now. Get a hold of us anytime, day or night, at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start putting together your defense strategy today.
North Hollywood, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
You may be a careful driver who doesn't violate any traffic laws, but knowing what to do if you are in a traffic stop can help you avoid an arrest. Here are four tips from a North Hollywood, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to remember if you're ever pulled over:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
After being pulled over, but before the police officer approaches your car, grab your license, vehicle registration, and insurance documentation. 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 stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: If You or the Officer Smells Alcohol, Don't Speak
You never need to answer a question that might incriminate you. You have Fifth Amendment protections during the entirety of your interactions with the law. Don't talk without an attorney present.
Tip #3: Identify the Test Being Requested
A roadside exercise, a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath test and a post-arrest chemical test are different requests. Age, DUI probation, the circumstances of the arrest and the test requested affect the applicable rules. The California DMV explains license consequences for refusing or failing to complete a required PAS or chemical test. Do not assume that declining one test lets you decline every other test without consequences. Tell counsel exactly what the officer requested and what warnings were given.
Tip #4: Respect the Law Enforcement Officer
Acting belligerent and uncooperative won't help — it will increase your chances of getting in trouble. This doesn't just help you get through the traffic stop; it also helps your defense: By acting out or arguing, you are giving the police more evidence, which may come back up later in court.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in North Hollywood?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, or even if you don't undergo any tests at all. Officers are able to arrest you this way because CA allows them to make subjective judgements, generally through field sobriety tests, then decide whether or not to arrest you based on their evaluation of you.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system will proceed with both a license suspension and criminal charges. After the arrest, be prepared for the following:
- Suspension: The officer may take your regular license and issue an order of suspension with a temporary license. For an otherwise valid California license that is not suspended or revoked for another reason, the temporary license permits driving for 30 days from the date the order was issued. Check the order and your current driving status. A license suspension proceeding is separate from the criminal case, and the DMV hearing request deadline is generally 10 days from receipt of the order.
- Arraignment: At this court hearing, the judge explains the charges and your rights, and you enter a plea. Some defendants attend after release; others remain in custody. If you are still in custody, the judge addresses bail or release conditions. Follow the date and location on your current court papers.
- DMV Hearing: As soon as you're released from jail, you'll have just 10 days to begin the process of protecting your license.
- Pretrial Motions: You'll likely be given bail or released on your own recognizance. Between your potential release and the trial, your North Hollywood DUI defense lawyer will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to dismiss charges, and a "blood split" motion to have another test run on your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Inbetween pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will communicate with the North Hollywood district attorney to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if you do have to fight the charges in a trial, your attorney should be crafting a strategy now.
- Criminal Trial: It's rare that a DUI case will go to trial, but at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we're prepared to fight for your freedom in front of a jury, no matter what .
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how you plea or are found, you may face sanctions. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, our record clearing attorneys can help you get a fresh start.
Our DUI legal experts can provide guidance for any charge, on both the criminal defense and driver's license side. Whether you've just been arrested or are on the eve of your trial (or anywhere in-between), you can start with a call to our offices!
North Hollywood, CA, DUI Differences: Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
North Hollywood, CA, DUI charges require particular expertise because there are two sides that each need to be defended: The criminal case and the administrative case. In CA, these are always two separate processes, but a leading DUI defense attorney from our offices will fight for you in both cases.
Here are descriptions of both case categories, and how we fight to protect your liberty and ability to drive:
North Hollywood, 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.
Criminal cases, including DUIs, all follow the same basic process – arrest, arraignment, pretrial activity, and possibly trial.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we build your defense and discredit the accusations. We'll examine the lawfulness of the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and see if there's anything the police missed that can show you are not guilty.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our North Hollywood, CA, clients from jail time. In many cases, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
North Hollywood, CA, DUI License Suspension
On the other side of a North Hollywood DUI charge is the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is independent of the criminal case, and in order to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of being arrested.
At the administrative hearing, you're not facing criminal charges. In fact, even if you receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. 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 BAC tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. These hearings have serious consequences that require an expert North Hollywood, CA, DUI lawyer to navigate. At the hearing, we'll question the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you waited too long and it's past the deadline to request a hearing, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a North Hollywood DUI defense lawyer without delay after an arrest.
North Hollywood DUI Sentences and Consequences
North Hollywood, CA, DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while some are 'just' misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, you can read through the different penalties you could be fighting against, depending on the allegations you're facing:
| 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 |
On top of whatever sentence you receive in North Hollywood court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as rising insurance rates and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences depend on the charged offense, the conviction record, immigration status and the benefit or proceeding involved. Criminal charges, removal grounds and eligibility for citizenship require separate analysis. USCIS guidance says two or more DUI convictions during the relevant statutory period can create a rebuttable presumption of a lack of good moral character; that is not a universal rule of permanent ineligibility. H.R. 875 concerns proposed changes to DUI-related immigration grounds. Check current official legislative status and any enacted text rather than treating a proposal as an automatic outcome. Have qualified immigration counsel review a proposed plea and your individual record.
These accusations can be intimidating, but they are not the end. Your North Hollywood, CA, immigration lawyer can give you practical advice on what comes next. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we don't stop at just defending you against the criminal charge: We'll explore diversion programs that can protect you from a conviction, represent you at deportation hearings, and assist you with the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, you're liking looking forward to putting this all behind you. The bad news is 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. Fortunately, if you're in North Hollywood, CA, our DUI lawyers will also fight to protect you in this way, and give you an opportunity to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in North Hollywood: What You Need to Know
Accused of a DUI in North Hollywood? It is essential to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the talent, history, and connections to secure a positive outcome for your case. When you speak with North Hollywood, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about the following:
- Availability: DUI allegations can happen any time, day or night. Our lines are never off, and you can contact us 24/7.
- Local procedure: Ask who will handle your case, how counsel will confirm the assigned court and hearing dates, and how the evidence and applicable law will guide negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Reputation: Both in the community and in the legal sphere. We are proud to be respected amongst our peers and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
Our recent DUI Case results speak for themselves. We want you to be our next success story.
DUI Case Types We Defend in North Hollywood
Administrative, criminal, or anything else related to DUIs in North Hollywood, CA – all of our DUI defense attorneys are prepared to battle against the charges.
Here are some of the DUI case types 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 Accident Defense
- 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 in Construction Zones and School Zones
- DUI License Reinstatement
- DUI Probation Violation
- DUI Process – What to Expect
- DUI Marijuana
- DUI Prescription Drugs
- DUI Refusal Cases
- DUI Trial – Jury Trial Defense
- 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
- Illegal Traffic Stop – Probable Cause Defense
- Medical Conditions as a Defense to DUI
- Misdemeanor vs Felony DUI Overview
- Mouth Alcohol Defense to DUI
- Out-of-State DUI
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Driving
- Rising Blood Alcohol Defense
- Street Racing
- Second Time DUI
- Third DUI California
- Title 17 Violation of Breath and Blood Test Procedures Defense
- Underage DUI
- Watson Murder / DUI Murder
- Wet Reckless
DUI Defense Tactics in North Hollywood, CA
When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, your North Hollywood, CA, DUI attorney will draw from years of experience with effective defense strategies. There is no one-size-fits-all defensive strategy against DUI allegations, but below, we've listed out some of the most effective ones.
Challenge the Legality of the Traffic Stop
The police need to follow rules when initiating a traffic stop and investigating a potential DUI. If they broke those rules, you might be able to secure a dismissal of the charges. This defense is effective if, for example, you were not read your Miranda rights before an interrogation, anything you said could be thrown out.
Flaws in BAC Tests
Many DUI cases center around a blood-alcohol content test. We will look into any potential procedural errors, introduce alternative evidence when possible, and find any other mistakes law enforcement made that could exonerate you.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are standard practice for police officers to use. But ultimately, these are judgment calls on the part of the officer. An experienced North Hollywood, CA, DUI attorney will know how to dissect any records and look for expert analysis that will show your performance in a more favorable light.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
In most cases, law enforcement will follow proper procedure when testing your blood alcohol level. Let's say that this is true for your stop, and your BAC was .08 or higher. Even though this is harder to fight, our lawyers have more defense strategies we can pull from. If you have a respiratory ailment, or another medical condition, that could impact how the breathalyzer measures your BAC, we will use that as a part of your defense.
Get Immediate Help – Talk To Our North Hollywood DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
North Hollywood, CA, DUI accusations are serious. After an arrest, it can feel like you don't even have time to think. You lose your right to drive, law enforcement might try to do additional tests, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. To fight through the allegations, your first step is to hire a lawyer immediately.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. Don't wait and realize that it's suddenly too late. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to defend you.
We're experts at defending all North Hollywood, CA DUI charges. We're available to help right now and will work on a strategy to defend your license and your freedom now. Speak with a lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or set up an appointment online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in North Hollywood, CA:
