DUI Lawyer West Covina. DUI law in West Covina is complex. Your ability to drive isn't the only thing at risk; 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 while the same CA law covers DUIs involving alcohol and other drugs, the defense strategies can be wildly different.
When you're up against the CA legal system, you don't want to be alone. Trying to navigate the laws and the courts is a battle you need a team behind you for, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to stand by your side.
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 protect you in the West Covina, CA, court system and get you the best outcome possible.
Acting fast is key to protecting your freedom and license. Get in touch now at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online to start preparing your defense today.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in West Covina?
CA DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you without a BAC level over the limit, 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, likely using field sobriety tests, then arrest you based on that.
Right after your arrest, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. Here's the typical process for a DUI case to make its way through the system:
- Suspension: Your license suspension can start the minute the officer arrests you – at that time, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your permanent license will be confiscated by the officer. Meanwhile, the police are informing the DMV about the arrest, which updates their records to show your license as suspended.
- Arraignment: At some point when you're in jail, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will inform you of the charges against you.
- 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: You'll likely be given bail or released on your own recognizance. Meanwhile, your West Covina DUI defense lawyer will file pretrial potions, likely including some to suppress unlawfully collected evidence, 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 negotiate with the West Covina prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. 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 turns out, you may face some form of sentence. However, if you are found not guilty or enough time has passed, you may be eligible to have your record sealed.
Our DUI legal experts can help you out, no matter where you are in the process, on both the criminal defense and license side. For advice on any stage with your charges, give us a call so that we can help!
West Covina DUI Allegations and Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
West Covina, CA, DUI charges are always a two-pronged challenge: The criminal case and the administrative case. These are handled separately by the state, but both cases can be fought by the same DUI defense lawyer.
Here are the key things to be aware of for each, and how we fight to protect your freedom and license:
West Covina, 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.
Criminal cases, including DUIs, all follow the same basic process – 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 protect your rights and attack the allegations. We'll question whether or not the traffic stop was legitimate, 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 West Covina do not receive any jail sentence. Often, we'll work out a plea for reduced charges, frequently to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll alsowork out probation over jail or prison time.
West Covina, 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 in order to fight it, you'll need to request an administrative hearing within ten days of your arrest.
At the administrative hearing, you're not facing criminal charges. 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 challenge the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
After ten days, 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 West Covina DUI defense attorney as soon as you can after an arrest.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in West Covina
CA DUI criminal penalties are a lot to face – even for the ones considered misdemeanors, it's possible to receive a year in jail, or six months for a first offense.
Below, we've listed the different penalties you could be up against, 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 West Covina, CA legal sentence collateral consequences, such as rising insurance rates and barriers between you and professional licenses.
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. You'll find, though, that your arrest and/or criminal record doesn't go away easily. Depending on your case outcome, you may be eligible 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.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in West Covina: What You Need to Know
No matter what DUI alleges you've been charged with, it's key to pick the right lawyer to represent you. Your team needs the expertise, experience, and connections to provide the optimal outcome for your case. When looking for a DUI defense lawyer in West Covina, CA, look for these signs:
- Experience: As defense attorneys, and also prosecutors. 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 phones are ready for your call 24/7.
- Relationships: Part of getting a positive plea deal is knowing the right people. We're familiar with the prosecutors in West Covina and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: Not just with clients and friends, but also amongst their peers. 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: At the end of the day, results matter. And our results are great. 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 West Covina
Criminal and administrative, whatever type of DUI charges you're fighting in West Covina, CA – our DUI defense team is prepared to defend you against the charges.
Here are some of the DUI case types 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
Timing is Critical – Contact Our West Covina DUI Defense Lawyers RIGHT AWAY
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, it feels like there's no space to breathe. Your license disappears, there could be interrogations, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to be overwhelmed. With everything going on, your best way out is to contact a lawyer immediately.
Don't wait for the prosecution to build a case against you. 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 West Covina, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case right now and will start safeguarding your license and keep you out of jail immediately. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in West Covina, CA:
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