DUI Lawyer Torrance. If you're up against a DUI in Torrance, it can feel overwhelming. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. If you declined to take an alcohol test, you can face separate charges, and the consequences you face might be even worse than a DUI conviction. And fighting against a DUI case involving drugs is very different than fighting against a DUI involving alcohol.
If you're facing these types of charges in CA, you need someone in your corner. Trying to stand up for yourself against the prosecution is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is here to defend you.
We are California's DUI defense lawyers and have extensive experience defending against all types of DUI charges. When you choose us, you're getting a team of experienced, high-quality lawyers who know how to fight for you in the Torrance, CA, judicial system and provide paths to positive outcomes.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Get a hold of us as soon as possible at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online to start constructing your case's defense today.
Torrance, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Traffic police are just a part of driving. It's not exciting, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Here are four tips from a Torrance, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to help you get through any traffic stops unscathed:
Tip #1: Keep Your Documents Together
Keep your license, insurance card, and vehicle registration together and easily accessible. Many sober people will have trouble gathering up these documents under pressure. But if you don't need to search for them, you stop yourself from appearing inebriated.
Tip #2: Be Silent When Alcohol Is Smelled
If law enforcement asks how much you've had to drink tonight, you don't need to give them an answer. You have the right to remain silent during the entirety of your interactions with the law. Trying to explain away the smell of alcohol will probably just get you in more trouble.
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: Be Polite and Don't Argue
Resisting the police won't help — it will come back to bite you. Nobody enjoys being pulled over, but remaining calm and respectful not only makes it easier for the officer; it also benefits your defense: Any time you open your mouth, whether or not the police asked you a question, you are giving the police more evidence, which may come back up later in court.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Torrance?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, or even if you don't blow at all. California allows the police to make a call about whether or not you were driving impaired regardless of your alcohol level, often via field sobriety tests, then make judgements based on the results.
Once you've been 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: 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 10 days after the arrest to contact the DMV for a hearing.
- Pretrial Motions: You'll likely be given bail or released on your own recognizance. In the interim, your Torrance DUI defense lawyer will building the framework of your defense and filing motions to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have an independent lab examine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: While filing pretrial motions, your DUI defense lawyer will communicate with the Torrance district attorney to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if the prosecutor won't give you a favorable offer, your attorney should be creating 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 the outcome of your case, 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 fight any allegation, on both the criminal defense and license side. For advice on any stage with your charges, our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
DUIs in Torrance, CA and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Torrance, CA, DUI charges are special because of their dual-nature: The criminal case and the administrative case. This will always require two separate defenses, but when you hire the right attorney, they can defend you in both cases.
Here are important factors for both case types, and ways we defend your liberty and ability to drive:
Torrance, 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 – charges are formally filed against you, you'll probably be given bail and/or conditions of release, then your attorney will proceed with pretrial motions and negotiations. It's unlikely (but possible) that you'll reach a trial at some stage.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we build your defense and discredit the charges. We'll deconstruct the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for weaknesses in the breathalyzer test, and look for witness testimony and other proof that can show the events in a more favorable light.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time in Torrance, CA. Commonly, we'll contact the district attorney on their behalf and negotiate a charge reduction, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also argue for probation to maintain your freedom.
Torrance, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension doesn't wait for your criminal case, and to successfully fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
In many cases, the status of your criminal case doesn't have a huge impact on the DMV hearing. In fact, you can lose your license regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Instead, this administrative hearing is focused on if you were lawfully 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 question 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 any more chances to request that hearing. This is why it's important to contact a Torrance DUI defense attorney promptly after the traffic stop.
Punishments After a DUI Conviction in Torrance, CA
Torrance, CA, DUI criminal penalties can leave a mark on your record for life – while many are considered misdemeanors, you could still end up with a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
In this table, you can review the different penalties you could be trying to avoid, 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 career setbacks.
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.
If you're a United States immigrant facing a DUI, you need to stay in the country and contact a Torrance, CA, immigration lawyer immediately. 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 will protect you from the harshest outcomes, fight against removal proceedings, and offer expert advice as you apply for citizenship.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether your case ends in a conviction or an acquittal, 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 cause some major issues for your life. Depending on your case outcome, you could have an avenue to either expunge or seal your records. A Torrance, CA, DUI defense lawyer from the Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also assist with this process, and give you a way to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Defending yourself against a DUI in Torrance? It's key to pick the right lawyer to defend your innocence. Your team needs the skills, history, and ties to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. When you speak with Torrance, CA, DUI attorneys about your case, ask them about the following:
- Availability: You shouldn't need to wait till 9 AM on Monday to contact an attorney. Our phones are ready for your call 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: 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 California.
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 Torrance
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in Torrance, CA – your DUI defense lawyer from our team prepared stand by you against the charges.
Here are some of the DUI cases we have experience defending:
- 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 Strategies in Torrance, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our Torrance, CA, DUI attorneys can help you fight it. Choosing the correct defense for your particular circumstances is essential in finding the best possible outcome. Below are some of the most effective ones.
Challenge the Legitimacy of the Arrest
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, we can argue for your case to be dismissed. 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
If you were arrested and given a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test, that can be the center of the prosecution's case. We will investigate any possible errors that were made when you took the test, retest in some cases, using a "blood-split" motion, and highlight any errors in the chain of custody.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'one-leg stand,' are often used by officers to evaluate whether someone is impaired or not. But these tests are subjective. Our attorneys will review the footage and look for expert analysis that will show your performance in a more favorable light.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
Maybe there were no mistakes with your blood, breath, or urine test, and your BAC was over the legal limit. This may sound bad, but it's not the end of your case. 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 – Call Our Torrance DUI Defense Lawyers TODAY
Torrance, CA, DUI accusations are serious. After an arrest, it can feel like you don't even have time to think. You can't drive anymore, you could find yourself in an interrogation room, you're assigned a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. With everything going on, your best way out is to call aTorrance, CA, DUI lawyer right away.
Don't give the state a chance to put you behind bars. Don't lose your license because you missed the DMV hearing window. 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 Torrance, CA DUI charges. We're prepared to start building your defense fast and will begin protecting your license and your rights right away. Call us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your charges online for a no-obligation consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Torrance, CA:
