Chatsworth DUI Attorney

Instead of just staring at DUI charges, call a Chatsworth DUI attorney at (888) 754-9860. A Chatsworth DUI attorney principally handles DUI cases and has the knowledge and skills these cases require for a favorable outcome.

If convicted of a DUI, you will likely spend time in jail, lose your driver’s license for an extended period, pay a stiff fine and incur substantial court and other costs. You will also have to attend DUI classes and may have to install an ignition interlock system in your car. Call a Chatsworth DUI attorney to discuss how we can offer any number of available defenses.

Summary of the DUI Process

It is crucial that you promptly retain a Chatsworth DUI attorney since the DUI process has short time lines..

  • DMV hearing. Did you know you only have 10-days to request a license suspension hearing? Have a Chatsworth DUI attorney request and handle this matter. Chatsworth DUI attorneys have a record of enabling numerous clients to avoid license revocaton in these hearings.

  • Usually held shortly after your arrest, you appear with your Chatsworth DUI attorney to enter a not guilty plea while your Chatsworth DUI attorney gathers information about your case.

  • Pretrial discovery and motions. Your Chatsworth DUI lawyer exchanges information with the prosecutor and investigates your case. Possible motions to dismiss all charges or to exclude evidence may be brought. Many cases are resolved at a court conference.

  • If unresolved, a Chatsworth DUI lawyer is prepared to defend you at trial.

DUI Defenses

Chatsworth DUI lawyers pride themselves on keeping current with DUI law and developments on police procedures, evidence, and factors influencing blood alcohol concentration level testing. In many cases, a Chatsworth DUI lawyer will carefully look at these issues:

  • Possible police misconduct

  • Influences of your medical or physical condition on your arrest and BAC results

  • Validity and integrity of the breath or blood tests

  • Bias, inconsistencies or errors in police testimony, records and reports

  • No driving, drinking after driving and other defenses found by your Chatsworth DUI lawyer

DUI Penalties

DUI sentences vary from county to county, especially if aggravating circumstances were present. There are separate penalties for a first, second, third and felony convictions. These penalties are typically imposed:

First DUI or DWI

The usual penalties for a first DUI or DWI are:

  1. Jail.48 hours in jail and up to 6-months; 3-years of probation

  2. Suspension of license. Loss of driving privileges for 4 to 10-months though you may be eligible for a restricted license; if BAC testing was refused, the suspension is one year

  3. Fines: $390 with costs over $1,800

  4. DUI classes: 3-months

  5. Insurance and installation: Secure SR-22 insurance and possibly install an interlock ignition system

Second DUI or DWI

Penalties for a second DUI or DWI within 10 years of the first include:

  1. Jai 96 hours and up to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation

  2. Suspension of license. 2-year suspension with eligibility for restricted license unless testing was refused.

  3. Fines: $390 to $1000 but over $10,000 in costs

  4. DUI Classe 18 to 30-months

  5. Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and Interlock ignition system

Third DUI or DWI

Conviction of a third DUI or DWI in 10 years may include:

  1. Jail. 120 days to one year in county jail and 3-5 years probation

  2. Suspension of license. 3-years with restricted license after 12-months

  3. Fines: $390 to $1000 and other costs up to $15,000

  4. DUI classes. 30-months

  5. Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and interlock system

Fourth DUI or DWI

A fourth DWI or DWI is a felony ,but it could be negotiated to a misdemeanor by your Chatsworth DUI lawyer.

If a felony, you face:

  1. Jail. 16 months, 2 or 3 years in jail and formal probation for up to 5 years

  2. Suspension of license: 4-years

  3. Fines: Up to $5000 with associated costs of up to $18,000

  4. Habitual traffic offender status. 3 years

  5. Mandatory DUI classes. 30-months

  6. Installation and insurance. SR-22 insurance and interlock system

Commercial DUI or DWI

Commercial drivers can be convicted of a commercial DUI or DWI if their BAC is 0.04%.

Penalties include:

  1. Jail. Same as for a motorist with a Class C license for first or multiple DUI or DWI offenses

  2. Driver’s license suspension.

  • Loss of commercial driver’s license for one year, regardless of the vehicle you were driving

  • Life-time suspension for a second conviction

  • Your Class C license is also affected

  1. Fines. From $390 to $1000

  2. DUI Classes. Same as for other offenders

  3. Insurance and installation. Securing of SR-22 insurance and possible installation of an interlock system

Call a Chatsworth DUI Lawyer

If you were arrested for a DUI, call a Chatsworth DUI lawyer today at (888) 754-9860.

Chatsworth CA 91311
(888) 754-9860