DUI Lawyer Near Chatsworth
The law usually treats drunk driving charges as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor conviction can have serious consequences on both your criminal record and driving record, and can potentially affect employment and or professional licenses. In certain situations, a DUI can escalate to a felony, significantly impacting both your criminal and driving records.
Escalation to a felony may result in:
- A state prison sentence up to 3 years
- Driver’s license revocation up to 4 years AND designation as a “habitual traffic offender” (no probation) OR 4 year license revocation restored only after successful completion of alcohol program AND designation as a “habitual traffic offender” for 3 years (probation granted)
- Up to 5 years probation (if probation is even granted)
- Enrollment in an 18 or 30 month DUI school
- Fines up to $1000 plus penalty assessments (significantly increasing the fine).
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, it is crucial to contact an experienced DUI lawyer right away. A felony DUI is a serious issue that can affect your job opportunities, car insurance rates, and many other parts of your life. The Ticket Crushers law firm has 40+ years of combined experience assisting clients with their DUI charges.
Our team knows the DUI process inside out, fully understanding the hearings you must attend, the timing, and the best defenses to strengthen your case. Don’t wait any longer – contact us as soon as possible, ideally immediately after your arrest, to maximize your chances of success.
What Is a DUI Charge?
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. In California, the law (California Vehicle Code § 23152) says it’s illegal to drive if you’ve had any alcohol or drugs, or both, that impair your ability to drive safely.
A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% is the legal limit, but being under this level doesn’t guarantee you’re safe to drive. Even if you blow under .08, you can still get a DUI if the officer believes your driving is impaired as a consequence of consumption of drugs or alcohol or both.
It’s essential to understand that DUI charges are not solely related to alcohol consumption. Prescription meds, over-the-counter drugs, or anything that impairs your driving could result in a DUI.
What to Expect After a DUI Arrest
If law enforcement officers observe any vehicle code violation (speeding, expired registration, broken tail light) or your vehicle swerving, abruptly applying the brakes, or exhibiting signs of erratic driving, they will likely pull you over. To determine if you are under the influence, they may have you participate in field sobriety tests and use a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device (PAS) to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) to determine if you are impaired. If the law enforcement officer determines that you are too impaired to drive, they will have probable cause to arrest you. After your arrest, you will be admonished under California’s implied consent law, and you will have the choice to submit to a chemical breath test or blood test. If you do not consent to either test, it will be treated as a refusal, your license can be suspended for a longer period as a consequence of the refusal.
If law enforcement cites you for driving under the influence, your driver’s license will be confiscated and you will be given a Revocation/Suspension Order and temporary license called a DS-367. Law enforcement will submit their report and DS-367 to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the District Attorney in the county you were arrested. A DMV hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to suspend your license. The DS-367 is your notice of important rights about your driving privilege. Many people with DUI charges lose their license automatically, even before a conviction in court because they ignore the DS-367. The District Attorney will review the DUI arrest report and determine whether criminal charges for driving under the influence will be filed against you.
You have the right to contest the license suspension within TEN (10) days of your arrest. You must request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV hearing is separate from the criminal court case. Our team can immediately jump in to build a strong defense strategy and help you minimize the penalties you face.
Is a DUI a Felony?
Most DUIs are charged as misdemeanors, and you can receive penalties including county jail, fines and license suspension. However, a felony DUI is an entirely different matter. It can land you in prison, leave a permanent mark on your record, and impact your future for years. Here’s what could lead to a felony DUI charge:
- Someone is injured or killed: If you cause an accident that leads to injuries or death while under the influence, you could face much more severe charges. Depending on the situation, the prosecutor might charge you with
- DUI vehicular manslaughter
- DUI causing serious injury
- DUI second-degree murder
- Multiple DUI offenses: If you have three or more DUI convictions within ten years, the new DUI will be charged as a felony. Each new DUI comes with escalating consequences and harsher penalties.
It is crucial to act quickly if you are facing a felony DUI. A skilled DUI attorney near Chatsworth can review your case thoroughly and advocate for your rights.
The Legal Process for DUI Cases
Handling a DUI case requires following several crucial steps, starting with the arrest and leading up to the trial.
- Arraignment: This is your initial court appearance, at which you will formally enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pretrial Conference(s): This stage involves strategizing with your attorney to explore options such as challenging evidence or negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution.
- Trial: Without a plea deal, the case goes to trial. During the trial, both sides present evidence, and the judge or jury renders a verdict.
A skilled DUI attorney is your advocate throughout this challenging legal process. They will ensure you fully understand your legal rights and will investigate and review your case to determine the best course of action to make sure you can make the best possible decision. Their comprehensive guidance will equip you to navigate this difficult situation and achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Why Choose Ticket Crushers for DUI Cases Near Chatsworth?
Whether it’s your first or fourth DUI in Chatsworth, Ticket Crushers is here to help. We understand how stressful a DUI can be, but we also offer hope for a positive outcome.
Here’s how we fight for you:
- Personalized Support: Our Chatsworth DUI attorneys will guide you through every stage of the legal journey, making sure you understand what’s happening every step of the way.
- In-depth Legal Knowledge: We deeply understand California’s DUI laws and will closely examine your case to find any weak points in the prosecution’s case.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Our track record shows our success in securing positive outcomes for our clients charged with DUI.
- Strategic Defense Approach: Our lawyers excel at identifying mistakes in procedure or breaches of constitutional rights that could get your case dismissed.
- Handling All Types of DUI Cases: Whether it’s a complex felony DUI or a less serious offense, we’re prepared to manage your case with expertise.
- Client-Centered Advocacy: We understand the severe effects of a DUI conviction, from hefty fines to losing your license or even jail time. We’re devoted to reducing the impact on your life.
Our lawyers at Ticket Crushers will build a solid defense to reduce the consequences of a DUI conviction. We put your rights first and work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome possible.
Defend Your Rights With A Qualified DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles County and Southern California
Were you arrested for a DUI near Chatsworth? Ticket Crushers law firm is here to defend you, regardless of whether it is your first or fourth charge. A DUI conviction isn’t the end—there’s still an opportunity to influence the outcome. Our attorneys are well-versed in California DUI laws and ready to examine your case for any errors or weaknesses that could work in your favor. With proven DUI defenses, we’ve successfully assisted numerous clients in your situation. Contact us now for a free consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your future.
Contact Ticket Crusher’s DUI Lawyer Near Chatsworth Today
A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your driving record, criminal record, and your life. Even worse, if there was injury or death as a result of your DUI, the guilt can weigh heavily on the person for the rest of your life. You might feel defeated and tempted to give up, but acting quickly allows us to assist with your case and provide the peace of mind you deserve.
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