DUI Lawyer Santa Fe Springs. Santa Fe Springs DUI charges are very serious. This isn't just an administrative issue; you're up against thousand dollar fines, years in jail, and more. Declining a breathalyzer or blood test on its own can result in charges, 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.
Regardless of whether you're innocent or not, you need someone in your corner. Trying to fight against the prosecution is a challenge nobody should have to face on their own, which is why the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any DUI charges in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
We are California's best DUI defense lawyers and have successfully fought countless DUI charges. When you choose us, you're getting a team of experienced, high-quality lawyers who know how to operate the Santa Fe Springs, CA, court system and provide paths to positive outcomes.
While you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Talk to a lawyer without delay at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case's defense today.
Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI Lawyer Traffic Stop Tips:
Most people don't plan to be pulled over, but to successfully get through the situation when it does happen, you need to be prepared. Here are four tips from a Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI Lawyer for you to use the next time a police officer stops you on the road:
Tip #1: Have Your Documents Ready
It's typical for an officer to request for your license, registration, and proof of insurance during a traffic stop. If police see you fumbling as you try to gather these documents, they could think that you've been drinking. But if you already have them ready, you avoid that risk.
Tip #2: Don't Talk If Alcohol Is Smelled
If there's a scent of alcohol on your person or in your vehicle, don't talk. You have the right to remain silent during any form of questioning. Don't talk without an attorney present.
Tip #3: Don't Automatically Consent to Tests
The state of California only legally requires drivers to participate in field sobriety tests if they are either under the age of 21, or are on probation. The officer may not like it, but they can't compel you to participate. However, if you have been arrested and refuse a blood or breath test, your license will be suspended.
Tip #4: Treat the Officer Respectfully
Acting belligerent and uncooperative won't help — it will make things worse. This doesn't just help you get through the traffic stop; it also helps your defense: When you resist or act disrespectfully, you are giving the police more evidence, which could contribute to their probable cause to arrest you.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Santa Fe Springs?
California DUI Law allows an officer to arrest you independant of your blood alcohol concentration, or even if you aren't tested at all. The police can use other methods to determine whether or not you were safe to drive, probably utilizing field sobriety tests, then decide whether or not to arrest you based on how you do.
As soon as you're arrested, the CA legal system automatically begins the process for both a license suspension and criminal charges. In most DUI cases, here's how things will progress:
- Suspension: Your license suspension effective immediately after your arrest – right away, you will be given a 30-day, temporary license, and your actual license will be taken. While you're processing this, the police are updating your records with the DMV to account for the arrest, at which point, you're officially facing a license suspension.
- Arraignment: After your arrest and before your release, you will be brought before a judge, and a prosecutor will tell you the exact laws you're charged with breaking.
- 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. Meanwhile, your Santa Fe Springs DUI defense lawyer will be filing motions, including motions to throw out illegal evidence, and a "blood split" motion to have an independent lab examine your blood sample.
- Negotiations With the Prosecutor: At the same time as pretrial motions, your DUI defense attorney will work directly with the Santa Fe Springs prosecutor to find a plea deal that minimizes penalties for you. But if that doesn't work, your attorney should be creating a defense now.
- Criminal Trial: It's rare that a DUI case will 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 driver's license side. Whether you've just been arrested or are on the eve of your trial (or anywhere in-between), our team has the knowledge to guide you forward!
Santa Fe Springs DUI: Fighting Criminal Cases vs. DMV Hearings
Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI charges include two separate fights: The criminal case and the driver's 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 liberty and license:
Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI Criminal Charges
Allegedly violating DUI laws will result in criminal charges. To protect yourself against the allegations, you'll need to fight in the Santa Fe Springs, CA, legal system.
The general court process is the same as any other criminal case – after being formally told what crime you're being charged with, you'll likely be given terms of release and undergo pretrial procedures such as filing motions. As we mentioned above, trials are rare in DUI cases, but it is possible for them to reach that stage.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we listen to your side of the story and push back against the accusations. We'll examine the lawfulness of the traffic stop, demonstrate any present errors in the police officer's judgement, look for faults in laboratory examinations, and look for evidence that can exonerate you.
With our defense strategies, we are almost always successful at protecting our Santa Fe Springs, CA, clients from jail time. In many cases, we'll get the prosecutor to reduce the charges, typically to a wet reckless, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving charge. We'll also avoid jail time with a probation sentence.
Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI License Suspension
Even though the criminal charges may sound like the more serious matter, don't neglect 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 being arrested.
It's typical for the criminal case to be, by and large, separate from the DMV hearing. In fact, no matter what the court decision was, it won't automatically give you back your license. Instead, the entire DMV hearing is about whether or not you were lawfully arrested, if your BAC was at or above 0.08, the legal limit, or, if you refused alcohol tests, whether or not you were properly informed of the consequences. When you hire us, we'll work to undermine the legitimacy of the stop, the arrest, and the BAC reading.
If you miss that ten-day deadline, though, you're out of luck. Outside of rare cases, you don't get any more chances to request that hearing. This is why it's crucial to contact a Santa Fe Springs DUI defense attorney as soon as you can after an arrest.
Potential Penalties for a DUI in Santa Fe Springs
Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI criminal penalties are intimidating – while many are 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 the allegations you're facing:
| 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 |
On top of whatever sentence you receive in Santa Fe Springs court, you have to endure several collateral consequences, such as elevated insurance costs and barriers between you and professional licenses.
DUIs and Immigration
DUI immigration consequences can be devastating. The good news is that, currently, a first-time DUI is generally not grounds for removal. The bad news is that if you have faced DUI charges before, you can qualify for deportation. What's worse, if H.R.875 passes, any DUI conviction will qualify an immigrant for deportation. If you are currently applying to become a U.S. citizen, even if you aren't deported, it can count against your "good moral character," which you need to establish before becoming a citizen.
These accusations can be intimidating, but they are not the end. Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, immigration lawyer can give you practical advice on what comes next. 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 can protect you from a conviction, fight to keep you in the country, and assist you with the citizenship application process.
After the Case: Expungement/Sealing
Whether your case ends in a conviction or an acquittal, you're liking looking forward to putting this all behind you. Unfortunately, your arrest and/or criminal record doesn't go away easily. Depending on your case outcome, you could have an avenue to either expunge or seal your records. Fortunately, if you're in Santa Fe Springs, CA, our DUI lawyers will also fight to protect you in this way, and give you an opportunity to clean your record.
Top DUI Defense Attorneys in Santa Fe Springs: What You Need to Know
Up against DUI charges? It's key to pick the right lawyer to defend your innocence. Your team needs the abilities, background, and relationships to give you opportunities for a positive outcome for your case. The top Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI defense attorneys will have all of the following:
- Experience: If possible, both defending against charges and as government agents. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our DUI lawyers have previous experience as judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, totalling more than 50 years of experience handling cases.
- Availability: Because alleged DUIs can happen outside of the 9-to-5. Our team is prepared to help you 24/7.
- Relationships: You need connections to get a good plea deal. We're familiar with the prosecutors in Santa Fe Springs and all throughout CA.
- Reputation: If your lawyer is known for successfully fighting DUI charges, that is a major positive. We're proud to have received numerous accolades and to be recognized as the top DUI lawyer in California.
- 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. With us, you can take advantage of a team that knows how to secure positive outcomes for our clients.
DUI Case Types We Fight in Santa Fe Springs
Whatever DUI charge you're up against in Santa Fe Springs, CA – our DUI defense team is prepared help you navigate the charges.
Below are some of the DUI case types we can provide defenses for:
- 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA
Whatever type of charge you're facing, our Santa Fe Springs, CA, DUI attorneys can help you fight it. There is no one-size-fits-all defensive strategy against DUI allegations, but below, we've listed out some of the most effective ones.
Contest the Legality of the Traffic Stop
If the officer didn't have probable cause to pull you over, or made an error when interviewing you, then the evidence arising from that traffic stop could be invalid. This defense could be used if, for example, the police officer did not properly calibrate the breathalyzer before administering the test, that evidence is invalid.
Flaws in Chemical Tests
Chemical tests that measure the amount of alcohol in your blood, breath, or urine are strong evidence, but are not infallible. We will look into any potential procedural errors, push for tests to be redone, and analyze the state's case to see if there was an error made in how your evidence was processed.
Challenge Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests, like 'walk-and-turn,' are a normal part of the process when police are evaluating if someone is driving intoxicated or not. But these tests are subjective. Our attorneys will review the footage and show whether or not you were fairly judged.
Explain BAC With Medical Conditions
In most cases, law enforcement will follow proper procedure when testing your blood alcohol level. Let's say that this is true for your stop, and your BAC was over the legal limit. While properly conducted BAC tests are hard to disprove, our lawyers have more defense strategies we can pull from. 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.
Start Your Defense Today – Contact Our Santa Fe Springs DUI Defense Lawyers NOW
DUI allegations are no joke. After you've been charged, it can feel like you don't even have time to think. Your license disappears, a law enforcement official might be asking you hard questions, you're told you have a court date…it's easy to feel out of control. What you need to do is contact an attorney immediately.
Don't let the state decide how your case will go. Don't lose your ability to drive without a fight. Don't try to handle it on your own. Hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley to protect you.
We're experts at defending all Santa Fe Springs, CA DUI charges. We're ready to take on your case right now and will can fight for your license and your rights today. Reach out to us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
We also provide the following legal services in Santa Fe Springs, CA:
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