Experienced DUI Attorney, Sherman Oaks
If you are found driving drunk or impaired, you may need a DUI Attorney Sherman Oaks. Contact the Law Firm of Chris Chaney for helpful info and advice.
Skilled DUI Lawyer, Sherman Oaks
If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence in Sherman Oaks, California, it is vital to secure the services of an experienced Los Angeles county attorney for legal representation.
The stakes are high in a DUI charge, and finding a qualified, experienced Sherman Oaks DUI lawyer to represent your case can make all the difference in the outcome. An experienced DUI attorney has the skills to understand the nuances of the law and the legal processes and can provide defense strategies to help protect your rights.
At the law office of Christopher Chaney, we understand the complexities surrounding offenses related to driving under the influence. Our law firm provides aggressive defense for individuals charged with traffic laws in Sherman Oaks and the surrounding area.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will vigorously fight for your legal rights, ensuring that you are treated fairly, and that criminal charges are appropriately handled. We will work to ensure the best outcome possible in your criminal matter.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges related to a DUI offense in Sherman Oaks, contact our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
California’s DUI Laws
According to California law, a person can be convicted of a DUI if they are found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or if they are under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
A person can also be convicted of a DUI if they are found to be driving while impaired, even if their BAC is below 0.08%. Various factors can determine impairment, including the person’s driving behavior, physical appearance, and performance on field sobriety tests.
Minors under 21 years old are subject to California’s “zero tolerance” law, which means they can be convicted of a DUI if they are found to be driving with a BAC of 0.01% or higher.
Getting arrested for a DUI can be a serious offense, and hiring an experienced criminal attorney is important to protect your rights. If you are facing DUI with an accident or any other charges, a good DUI attorney in Sherman Oaks, CA, can do the following:
- Help you avoid the full range of penalties associated with DUI, including fines, license suspension, jail time, and community service. They can also negotiate plea agreements and advise you on any available alternative sentencing options.
- Review the facts of your DUI case and work with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges. They can also provide legal advice regarding possible defenses, such as challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer tests or arguing that the arrest was unlawful.
- Help you fight for your driver’s license and keep your insurance rates from rising.
- nsure that you receive a fair criminal trial, if necessary.
DUI attorneys can also work to minimize the effects of previous DUI convictions and provide evidence that you have taken steps to address any substance abuse issues you may have had on your record.
The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Christopher Chaney are experienced in DUI cases and can provide the legal counsel you need to protect your rights. We are committed to ensuring that criminal charges are handled appropriately and that our clients receive the best outcome possible in their criminal matters.
DUI Process in Sherman Oaks
When you are facing DUI charges, it is essential to understand the process that will take place. The steps of the DUI process include a DMV hearing, arraignment, trial preparation, and the trial itself.
DMV Hearing
DUI arrests in Sherman Oaks usually result in confiscating your driving license, issuing a temporary driving license, and suspending your license within 30 days after your arrest.
Note that you have less than ten days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a hearing and challenge the suspension of your license. Having an experienced DUI attorney file your request and represent you at the hearing is a good idea.
Arraignment
Arraignment is a court appearance where you enter your plea and set your trial date. Your DUI lawyer will ensure you understand the implications of your pleadings.
Trial Preparation
After the arraignment, your DUI lawyer will build your case by challenging the chemical tests, looking for errors made by law enforcement officers, and undermining the prosecution. This is often the stage when plea bargain deals are offered, and the reduction or dismissal of charges is negotiated.
Trial
If your case proceeds to trial, it will be heard at the Van Nuys Courthouse. You need an experienced DUI lawyer from the Sherman Oaks area who can provide aggressive criminal defense against all DUI charges, even if you have prior DUI convictions or were involved in an accident.
Defenses Against DUI Charges
When it comes to arguing against a DUI charge, experienced DUI lawyers use a couple of defenses. Here are some of the most commonly used defensive strategies used to avoid a DUI conviction:
Challenging the Chemical Tests
Many factors, such as mouthwash, diet, or medical conditions, can throw off a breath or blood test. Experienced DUI attorneys will examine the history of the breath machine and the blood lab protocol to see if any errors or irregularities can be used to challenge the test results.
Spotting Errors
Bias can come into play when the DUI enforcement officer’s story changes between the arrest report, DMV hearing, and courtroom. Therefore, your lawyer will carefully examine all testimonies and find any discrepancies or inaccuracies in the officer’s narrative that could be used to your advantage.
Checking for Rights Violations
When arrested for DUI, you have certain rights that must be upheld. Officers must observe these rights, and an experienced DUI attorney can spot any violations and use them to their advantage. If your rights were violated, any evidence collected against you might be excluded from your case.
DUI Penalties
Being arrested for a DUI can lead to serious criminal charges, jail time, and a license suspension.
Depending on the circumstances, DUI charges may include fines, probation, license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol or drug classes. A DUI with an accident can result in more severe penalties. These may include an increased fine, jail time, and a longer license suspension.
The penalties can become even more severe if you have a prior DUI offense.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help You in a DUI Case?
If you have been charged with DUI in Sherman Oaks, CA, you should seek out the services of an experienced DUI attorney who can guide you through the complexities of the legal system and help you understand the DUI penalties that you potentially face.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has extensive experience representing Sherman Oaks residents charged with DUI offenses and is ready to assist you.
Our DUI lawyers will provide the aggressive defense you need to fight charges and protect your legal rights. We have extensive DUI law knowledge and understand DUI cases’ nuances. Our criminal defense attorneys will review the circumstances of your case and prepare a personalized strategy tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
