DUI Lawyer Redlands. Redlands DUI charges are very serious. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. Declining a breathalyzer or blood test on its own can result in charges, and that can even result in tougher penalties. And while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
If you find yourself in this situation, you need help from a DUI defense expert. Trying to defend yourself against the charges is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared to defend your freedom.
We are CA's top 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 legal experts who know how to protect you in the Redlands, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Reach out now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense strategy today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Redlands?
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 utilizing field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on your performance.
Right after your arrest, 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 – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. In the meantime, the police are informing the DMV about the arrest, beginning the formal suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will go to court, and a prosecutor will announce what charges you're up against.
- DMV Hearing: Separate from the criminal charges, you'll have 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: Often, at the same time as your arraignment, the court will set conditions for your release, pending a trial. In the meantime, your Redlands DUI defense lawyer will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to dismiss charges, and a "blood split" motion to retest your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will communicate with the Redlands prosecutor to avoid a trial with a plea deal that protects you. But if you do have to fight the charges in a trial, your attorney should be preparing 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 some form of sentence. 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 out, no matter where you are in the process, on both the criminal defense and DMV side. For advice on any stage with your charges, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
Redlands DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Redlands, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the DMV case. Different CA organizations cover each of these aspects, but both cases can be fought by the same DUI defense lawyer.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and insights into how we protect your freedom and driving privileges:
Redlands, 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 attack the allegations. 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. 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 alsoavoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Redlands, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, 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, your license can still be suspended even if you do not receive a criminal conviction. Instead, the hearing is to determine if 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. When you work with us, we'll challenge 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 set up that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Redlands DUI defense lawyer right away after an arrest.
DUI Punishments in Redlands
CA DUI criminal penalties can be harsh – even though some are misdemeanors, you could still end up with 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 |
You'll also be facing significant collateral consequences, such as rising insurance rates and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
After the case, regardless of the outcome, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record can stick with you. Depending on your case outcome, it might be possible to either expunge or seal your records. A DUI defense lawyer can help you with these processes, and give you a chance to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Up against DUI charges? It's important to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the abilities, history, and ties to provide the optimal outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your Redlands, CA, DUI defense lawyer:
- Experience: As defense attorneys, and also prosecutors. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our team includes 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: Relationships are key in negotiating strong plea bargains. We're familiar with the prosecutors in Redlands 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: 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. We're ready to add you to our list of success stories.
DUI Case Types We Defend Against in Redlands
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Redlands, 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 – Call Our Redlands DUI Defense Attorneys TODAY
When you're up against Redlands DUI charges, it can be a whirlwind of legal processes. You lose your license, you might be interrogated, you're informed of a court date…it's easy to feel stressed out. With everything going on, your best way out is to hire a DUI defense 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 defend you.
We're experts at defending all Redlands, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case today and will begin protecting your license and keep you out of jail right away. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Redlands, CA:
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