DUI Lawyer San Gabriel. If you're up against a DUI in San Gabriel, it can feel overwhelming. You're not just facing the loss of your license; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. You can face DUI charges even for just refusing to take the tests, and in some cases, refusing can give you even worse penalties. And there are differences in DUI alcohol versus DUI marijuana cases, or other drugs.
If you find yourself in this situation, you need help from a DUI defense expert. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts 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 veteran defense attorneys who know how to navigate the San Gabriel, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to start preparing your defense strategy today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in San Gabriel?
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, probably using field sobriety tests, then make arrests based on your performance.
As soon as you're arrested, 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 starts right away, when you're arrested – at that time, 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: 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: In most DUI cases, you'll be released in some capacity pending a trial. In the interim, your San Gabriel DUI defense attorney will be filing motions, including motions to dismiss charges, and a "blood split" motion to get a second test for your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will work directly with the San Gabriel 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 the outcome of your case, you may face sanctions. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, we may be able to help you clean your record.
Our DUI legal experts can help you with any step of the legal 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!
San Gabriel DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
San Gabriel, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the administrative case. These are handled separately by the state, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.
Here are some things you need to know about both, and how we fight to protect your freedom and license:
San Gabriel, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges, which will involve legal proceedings in CA court.
Your DUI case will typically go through the same process as any other criminal charge – 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 craft a staunch defense and fight against the supposed wrongdoing. We'll challenge the legitimacy of the traffic stop, argue against he officer's observations, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and search for other witnesses or evidence that can show you are not guilty.
The vast majority of our DUI clients in San Gabriel do not receive any jail sentence. In many cases, we'll negotiate a plea deal 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.
San Gabriel, CA, DUI License Suspension
While your San Gabriel criminal charges may be top of mind, don't forget about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension goes into effect automatically, and in order 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 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 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.
If it's been more than ten days after your arrest, though, you're out of options. Outside of rare cases, you don't get a second chance to schedule that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a San Gabriel DUI defense attorney immediately after being arrested.
San Gabriel DUI Sentences and Consequences
CA DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – while many are considered misdemeanors, they can still result in up to 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 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 San Gabriel, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, odds are, you'll want to leave it in the past and move forward with your life. 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. Our DUI defense team can also assist you with sealing/expunging records, and give you a chance to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
When you're facing DUI charges, it's key to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the skills, practice, and connections to provide the optimal outcome for your case. Here are the main things to look for in your San Gabriel, 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 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: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We're familiar with the prosecutors in San Gabriel 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: Winners win. It's as simple as that. And we win, a lot. 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 San Gabriel
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in San Gabriel, CA – our DUI defense team is prepared to defend you against the charges.
Here is a list 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
Start Your Defense Today – Contact Our San Gabriel DUI Defense Lawyers NOW
When you're up against San Gabriel DUI charges, you'll hardly get a chance to catch your breath. Your license disappears, you might be interrogated, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to feel stressed out. With everything going on, your best way out is to call a lawyer right away.
Don't sit by and watch the evidence mount against you. Don't let your license go without a fight. 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 San Gabriel, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case today and will start safeguarding 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 confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in San Gabriel, CA:
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