DUI Lawyer Rancho Cucamonga. Rancho Cucamonga DUI charges are very serious. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; 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.
If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you need someone in your corner. Trying to fight against the prosecution is a challenge nobody should have to face on their own, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you.
We are CA's best DUI defense lawyers and know the ins and outs of DUI defense strategies that work. When you hire us, you're getting a team of former prosecutors who know how to navigate the Rancho Cucamonga, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Don't wait and let your chance slip away. Get a hold of us today at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start building your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Rancho Cucamonga?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you blow below the legal limit, 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, often via field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on your performance.
Once this happens, 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 start the minute the officer arrests you – on the spot, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. Meanwhile, the police are providing a record of the arrest to the CA DMV, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, 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 want to set up a DMV hearing within 10 days to protect your license.
- Pretrial Motions: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. In the interim, your Rancho Cucamonga DUI defense attorney will file pretrial potions, likely including some to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have an independent lab examine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Inbetween pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will contact the Rancho Cucamonga 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: Your case probably will not go to trial, but just in case it does, our team always crafts a trial-ready defense.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case proceeds, you may face sanctions. 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 administrative side. For advice on any stage with your charges, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
Rancho Cucamonga DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the administrative case. In CA, these are always two separate processes, 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 driving privileges:
Rancho Cucamonga, 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 provide expert defense and push back against the allegations. 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 result in a not guilty plea.
The vast majority of our DUI clients in Rancho Cucamonga 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 alsoavoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, DUI License Suspension
On the other side of a Rancho Cucamonga DUI charge is the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension doesn't wait for your criminal case, and in order 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, 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 alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you work with us, we'll fight the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, there probably isn't a way to get your license unsuspended. Outside of rare cases, you don't get another chance to set up that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Rancho Cucamonga DUI defense lawyer immediately after being arrested.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Rancho Cucamonga
CA DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – while many are considered misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be facing, depending on how exactly your charged and your history:
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as rising insurance rates and potential punitive actions from professional licensing organizations.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, you'll want to get back to life as normal, before the charges. 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 Rancho Cucamonga: What You Need to Know
No matter what DUI alleges you've been charged with, it's crucial to pick the right lawyer to defend you. Your team needs the expertise, experience, and ties to secure a positive outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Rancho Cucamonga, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: If it's both for and against the state, even better. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, several of our members are 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: You need connections to get a good plea deal. We have experience working with the prosecutors in Rancho Cucamonga and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Both in the community and in the legal sphere. We're proud to have received numerous accolades and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in CA.
- Track Record of Success: Regardless of all of the points above, you want someone who knows how to get a positive outcome for your case. And we have a history of doing just that. 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 Against in Rancho Cucamonga
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Rancho Cucamonga, CA – the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend you against the charges.
Below 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
- 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 – Call Our Rancho Cucamonga DUI Defense Attorneys TODAY
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, it can be a whirlwind of legal processes. Your license is suspended, they might try to do additional tests, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. With everything going on, your best way out is to hire a DUI defense attorney 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense now and will begin protecting your license and your rights as soon as you call. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Payment Plans
