DUI Lawyer Van Nuys. If you're up against a DUI in Van Nuys, it can feel overwhelming. You're not just facing the loss of your license; criminal charges can result in prison, fines, and additional harsh penalties. CA law also prohibits you from refusing to take a DUI test, and by declining, you could face even harsher penalties. And there are differences in DUI alcohol versus DUI marijuana cases, or other drugs.
When you're up against the CA legal system, 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 at your service.
We are CA's top DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you work with us, you're getting a team of accomplished defense attorneys who know how to protect you in the Van Nuys, CA, court system and find the best result for your case.
Take too long to start your defense, and you could miss your chance. Get a hold of us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to start constructing your defense strategy today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Van Nuys?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you even if you BAC is below .08, 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, probably via field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on the results.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for 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 – you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, while the officer will keep your regular license. While you're proceeding through the system, they are contacting the DMV about your DUI arrest, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: While under arrest, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will tell you the exact laws you're charged with breaking.
- DMV Hearing: While all of the criminal proceedings are going on, 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 interim, your Van Nuys DUI defense attorney will file motions to strengthen your defense, such as ones to suppress evidence, and a "blood split" motion to get a second test for your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: Inbetween pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will work directly with the Van Nuys prosecutor to try and secure a favorable deal before a trial. But if it does go to trial, your attorney should be preparing now.
- Criminal Trial: Only a small percentage of DUI charges go to trial, but we're prepared to defend your license and freedom if it does.
- Sentencing/Sealing: Depending on how your case proceeds, you may face some form of sentence. 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 out, no matter where you are in the process, on both the criminal defense and DMV side. Whatever stage in the process you're at, give us a call so that we can help!
Van Nuys DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Van Nuys, CA, DUI charges can be twice as complicated as some other charges, because of their two-sided nature: The criminal case and the DMV case. These are handled separately by the state, but a skilled DUI defense attorney will help you with both.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and insights into how we protect your liberty and license:
Van Nuys, 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 – 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 charges. 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 look for evidence that can tell a different story.
We have an extremely strong track record of clients who have avoided jail time. For several cases, 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.
Van Nuys, CA, DUI License Suspension
Meanwhile, you need to worry about the DMV and your license suspension. This suspension is automatically applied, and 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, even if you receive a "not guilty" verdict, you can still lose your license. 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 fight the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
Outside of that ten-day window, 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 Van Nuys DUI defense attorney right away after an arrest.
Van Nuys DUI Sentences and Consequences
CA DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Here's an outline of the different penalties you could be up against, 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 |
You'll also be facing significant collateral consequences, such as more expenses on your insurance and roadblocks when applying for professional licenses.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whatever happens in the court case, you'll probably be looking to move on as soon as possible. However, 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 an opportunity to clean your record.
How to Pick the Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Up against DUI charges? It's essential to pick the right lawyer to fight for you. Your team needs the skills, experience, and relationships to secure a positive outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in Van Nuys, CA, look for these signs:
- Experience: Ideally from multiple sides of the legal system. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team that has 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. Our firm has experience working with the prosecutors in Van Nuys and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Both in the community and in the legal sphere. 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 want you to be our next success story.
DUI Case Types We Defend in Van Nuys
It doesn't matter what kind of DUI you're facing in Van Nuys, CA – our DUI defense attorneys are prepared to battle against the charges.
Below are some of the DUI charges we frequently 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 Van Nuys DUI Defense Lawyers RIGHT AWAY
After a DUI arrest, things move pretty fast. You lose your license, you might be interrogated, you're given a court date…it's easy to be stressed out. In order to find a way out of all that, you need to hire an attorney immediately.
Don't give the state a chance to put you behind bars. Don't miss your chance for a DMV administrative hearing to protect your license. 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 Van Nuys, CA DUI charges. We're equipped with the tools to build your case right now and will work on a strategy to defend your license and your freedom as soon as you call. Talk with one of us now at (800) 755-5174 or get in touch online for a free consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Van Nuys, CA:
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