Glendale DUI Lawyer

DUI Defense Attorney in Glendale, CA Helping You Navigate Complex DUI Proceedings in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, and Across Southern California

Facing a DUI charge in California is more than just a traffic offense—it can carry life-altering consequences. A single conviction can jeopardize your driving privileges, tarnish your criminal record, and even affect your employment and personal relationships. That’s why you need a Glendale DUI lawyer who understands both the local courts and the high stakes at play from the moment you’re charged.

Time is of the essence when you’re under investigation or have been arrested. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney are ready to act immediately on your behalf—protecting your rights, your driver’s license, and your reputation in Glendale. With decades of combined experience defending DUI cases, our team knows how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and present the strongest possible defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our dedicated DUI defense attorney in Glendale, CA, at our firm today for a free, confidential consultation about your case. Your future deserves nothing less than an aggressive, knowledgeable advocate from day one.

Understanding DUI Charges

In California, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Under Vehicle Code §23152, the most common form—often called a “per se” DUI—is based on your blood alcohol content (BAC). If you are 21 or older, a BAC of 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving is legally sufficient for arrest and prosecution, regardless of whether you exhibit other signs of impairment. For commercial drivers, the threshold drops to 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any BAC of 0.01% or higher can lead to charges under California’s “zero-tolerance” laws.

Beyond per se violations, you can also face DUI charges if law enforcement observes signs of impairment—such as slurred speech, slowed reaction times, or poor coordination—regardless of your measured BAC. Drug-related DUIs work similarly: you can be cited if you are under the influence of a controlled substance (prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit) and it affects your ability to drive safely. In every case, prosecutors must prove both that you were driving and that your faculties were appreciably impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in California may include fines, probation, mandatory DUI education programs, and a license suspension of up to six months. As the number of offenses increases, or if aggravating factors are present (such as injury, high BAC, or having underage passengers), the consequences escalate dramatically. Understanding these thresholds and definitions is the first step toward mounting an effective defense and protecting your rights.

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Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Glendale, CA

At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our Glendale criminal defense lawyers bring decades of combined courtroom and negotiation experience to every case—no matter how straightforward or complex. We’ve successfully defended clients across the full spectrum of DUI charges in Glendale, CA, from first offenses to high-stakes felony proceedings. Whether you’re facing your first administrative hearing or a repeat felony prosecution, our attorneys know the Glendale court system inside and out and will craft a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

• First-time DUI in Glendale: For individuals charged with a first offense, we focus on minimizing penalties and preserving driving privileges through aggressive pretrial motions and diversion program eligibility.
• Repeat DUI offenses in Glendale: Our team leverages every possible defense—such as challenging prior conviction records and negotiating alternative sentencing—to help clients facing heightened fines, longer license suspensions, and potential jail time.
• Felony DUI in Glendale: When aggravating factors push a DUI into felony territory (e.g., multiple prior convictions, serious injury, or extremely high BAC), we assemble a tenacious defense team prepared for trial at the superior court level.
• Underage DUI in Glendale: California’s zero-tolerance rule can saddle drivers under 21 with severe penalties; we protect students’ futures by fighting license revocations and exploring diversion options.
• DUI with injury in Glendale: In cases where accidents have caused bodily harm, we meticulously analyze accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to pinpoint weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Prescription drug DUI in Glendale: Defense tactics for alleged prescription-drug impairment include scrutinizing dosage timing, medical necessity, and testing procedures to ensure proper laboratory protocols were followed.
• Marijuana DUI in Glendale: Given the evolving legal landscape around cannabis, we challenge field sobriety test interpretations and laboratory methods for detecting THC impairment to safeguard clients’ rights.
• CDL driver DUI in Glendale: Commercial drivers face stricter thresholds and immediate disqualification; our firm understands Department of Transportation regulations and fights to keep your commercial license intact.
• DUI refusal cases in Glendale: Refusing a chemical test can trigger administrative penalties; we contest “implied consent” allegations and pursue hearings to overturn automatic license suspensions.
• Out-of-CA driver DUI in Glendale: Non-resident drivers often face unique jurisdictional challenges; we coordinate with other state agencies to manage multi-state consequences and protect your home-state driving record.

No matter the specific DUI charge you face, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney have the skills and local insight to defend your case effectively.

What to Expect From Your DUI Hearing in Glendale

When you face a DUI charge in Glendale, CA, understanding the steps ahead can help alleviate stress and ensure you’re fully prepared. From the initial arraignment to the crucial DMV hearing on your temporary license, each phase presents opportunities to assert your rights and shape the outcome of your case. Below is a detailed walk-through of what you can expect—and how The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, acting as your DUI lawyer, will guide you every step of the way.

The Arraignment

• Timing & purpose: Your arraignment typically occurs within 48 hours of arrest. In this hearing, the court formally reads the charges against you and asks you to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• Your role: With your DUI defense attorney by your side, you’ll plead “not guilty” to preserve all defenses. Your lawyer may also request discovery—access to the prosecution’s evidence such as police reports, breath- or blood-test records, and dash-cam footage.
• Bail & release conditions: If bail was set, your attorney can argue for its reduction or modification of release conditions (e.g., no alcohol consumption, installation of an ignition interlock device).

Temporary License & the DMV Hearing

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS): Refusal or a BAC over 0.08% triggers an automatic DMV suspension notice. You have 10 days from the arrest receipt to request an ALS hearing.
• DMV hearing process: This separate administrative hearing focuses solely on whether your license suspension should stand. It’s less formal than criminal court but just as decisive for your driving privileges.
• Key strategies: Your DUI lawyer will challenge procedural errors—such as failure to read your Miranda rights, calibration lapses in breath-testing machines, or improper handling of blood samples—to fight suspension.

Presenting a Strong Defense

Building a solid defense requires careful investigation and proactive filings:

• Pretrial motions: We file motions to suppress unreliable evidence—challenging illegal traffic stops, flawed field sobriety tests, and chain-of-custody gaps.
• Expert consultation: We may enlist toxicologists, accident re-constructionists, or medical experts to dispute the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiation & diversion: In appropriate cases, we negotiate reduced charges or diversion programs to minimize long-term impact.

The difference between a strong outcome and a harsh penalty often comes down to experience and tenacity. A seasoned Glendale DUI lawyer from our firm knows which motions to file, which experts to call, and how to frame your story before the judge or jury. From the DMV hearing to the final disposition, our firm leverages local court relationships and deep procedural knowledge to protect your rights, preserve your driving record, and strive for the best possible resolution.

With every hearing, motion, and negotiation, you’ll have a dedicated DUI defense attorney advocating fiercely on your behalf—because your future deserves nothing less.

Your Legal Rights in DUI Defense Cases in Glendale

When you’re charged with a DUI in Glendale, California, you retain fundamental constitutional and statutory protections designed to ensure a fair process. From the moment you’re stopped until the final disposition of your case, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney—your dedicated DUI lawyer—will safeguard these rights every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Presumption of Innocence & Due Process

• Under the U.S. Constitution and California law, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
• You have the right to a fair and impartial hearing, including notice of all charges and evidence against you, and the opportunity to be heard.

2. Protection from Illegal Searches and Seizures

• The Fourth Amendment prohibits law enforcement from conducting unreasonable stops, searches, or seizures.
• If police lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause for the traffic stop or chemical testing, evidence obtained may be suppressed.

3. Right to Independent Chemical Testing

• California law entitles you to request an independent blood or urine test at your own expense.
• An early request helps challenge the accuracy of the state’s evidence—critical if breath-test devices were improperly maintained or administered.

4. Right to Legal Representation

• You can—and should—have a skilled DUI defense present at ALL critical stages, from the DMV hearing through criminal proceedings.
• Our lawyer will explain complex legal procedures, file necessary motions, and negotiate on your behalf.

By acting quickly and leveraging these protections, you maximize your chances of avoiding harsh penalties, preserving your driving record, and securing the best possible outcome. Contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today to put your rights to work under the guidance of an aggressive, experienced DUI lawyer.

Collateral Consequences of a DUI in Glendale

Beyond the immediate fines, license suspensions, and potential jail time, a DUI conviction in Glendale can cast a long shadow across many areas of your life. Even after criminal penalties are resolved, you may face a variety of collateral consequences that can affect your career, education, travel, and personal reputation. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of entrusting your defense to an experienced DUI lawyer who can work to minimize both sentencing and secondary impacts.

Professional and Occupational Licensing Risks

Many professions in California—such as healthcare providers, real estate agents, teachers, and financial advisors—require state licensing and periodic background checks. A DUI on your record can trigger disciplinary reviews, mandatory reporting, or even revocation of your professional license. In some fields, a conviction may also bar you from obtaining certain security clearances or practicing in highly regulated environments. By securing early intervention and pursuing diversion programs or reduced charges where possible, a skilled DUI defense attorney in Glendale, CA, can help mitigate the risk of professional sanctions.

Immigration and Visa Issues

Non-U.S. citizens and green-card holders face particularly severe repercussions from DUI convictions. Under federal immigration law, a DUI conviction—especially one involving injury or a high BAC—can be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude, potentially leading to deportation proceedings or denial of naturalization. Visitors on visas or those applying for permanent residency may find their applications delayed or denied. Engaging a DUI defense attorney immediately can open avenues for plea agreements that avoid qualifying offenses and help preserve your immigration status.

College and Financial Aid Impacts

Students and recent graduates should be aware that a DUI can jeopardize scholarships, student loans, and on-campus housing. Many universities conduct background checks for enrollment, internships, or student-teaching placements. A conviction may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or loss of eligibility for federally funded financial aid programs. An early, proactive defense strategy can sometimes divert cases into programs that avoid formal convictions, thereby protecting your academic record and funding opportunities.

Public Record and Background Check Concerns

A DUI conviction appears on public criminal records and is readily accessible through background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and even dating services. This can lead to difficulty securing new employment, professional references, apartment leases, or certain volunteer positions. Some jurisdictions allow for expungement or sealing of DUI convictions after successful completion of probation, but strict eligibility criteria and deadlines apply. Your Glendale DUI lawyer can guide you through post-conviction relief options and help ensure that, once your case is resolved, you take the necessary legal steps to limit long-term visibility of the record.

By addressing these collateral consequences head-on and leveraging every available legal tool, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney strive not only to defend you in court but also to safeguard your future opportunities beyond the courtroom.

Why Choose an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Glendale, CA, at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for Your Case?

When your future is on the line, you need more than a routine legal process—you need a DUI lawyer who will stand ready to fight aggressively on your behalf. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we never let our clients face the legal system alone. From the moment you retain our services, we take charge of every detail: investigating the stop, scrutinizing police procedure, and identifying the strongest avenues for defense. We offer:

• Aggressive legal representation: You deserve an advocate who treats your case with the utmost urgency. Our team launches immediate challenges to questionable stops or testing protocols and negotiates fiercely with prosecutors—always with an eye toward minimizing penalties and protecting your liberty.
• Proven experience with high-profile and complex DUI matters: Whether it’s a high-BAC arrest that attracts media attention or a multi-defendant accident case, our attorneys have handled some of the most demanding DUI prosecutions in Glendale. We combine courtroom skill and discretion to keep sensitive details confidential and focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
• Solution-oriented approach to protect your future: Every DUI brings its own complexities—immigration concerns, professional licensure risks, or potential jail exposure. As your DUI defense attorney, we tailor strategies that resolve present charges while minimizing collateral fallout, from securing diversion programs to pursuing charge reductions.
• Client-centered legal service: You are more than a case number. We prioritize clear communication, guiding you through each phase of the process and explaining your options in plain language. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and confidence so that you can make informed decisions at every turn.

When you partner with The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, you’re choosing a Glendale DUI lawyer who combines unrelenting advocacy with deep local insight. Let us put our dedication and legal skill to work for you—contact us today to learn how we can protect your rights and your future.

About DUI Charges in Glendale

Glendale sees a substantial number of DUI arrests each year—and those figures have held relatively steady even as neighboring jurisdictions have seen declines. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the Glendale Police Department made 377 DUI arrests in 2022, ranking 41st out of 61 similarly sized California cities for DUI enforcement activity. In 2021, the department recorded 327 DUI arrests, underscoring a consistent enforcement focus on impaired driving.

Much of this enforcement is concentrated around high-risk periods. Holiday and nighttime DUI checkpoints are a regular part of Glendale’s traffic-safety strategy. For example, on December 14, 2024, the Glendale Police Department conducted a multi-hour DUI and driver’s license checkpoint—part of a broader statewide effort funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety—to deter impairment and remove dangerous drivers from the roads. Even routine checkpoints can yield significant results: a January 31, 2020 checkpoint on San Fernando Road netted 12 DUI arrests over a single evening shift.

These numbers reflect both the city’s proactive approach to public safety and the unfortunate reality that impaired driving remains a persistent problem in Glendale. Every year, hundreds of residents and visitors face DUI charges—often with little warning and under stressful circumstances. If you or someone you know is charged with a DUI, please remember that help is available. An experienced DUI lawyer can guide you through the complexities of the legal process, challenge the evidence against you, and work to protect your rights, your license, and your future.

Contact an Experienced Glendale DUI Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a Free Consultation About Your Case

Don’t let a DUI charge define your future—time is critical when defending your rights and driving privileges. As soon as you’re under investigation or have been arrested, reach out to a dedicated DUI lawyer who knows the ins and outs of local courts and DMV proceedings. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our team moves immediately to protect your record, challenge procedural errors, and develop a tailored defense strategy.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Glendale, don’t wait. Contact our experienced DUI defense attorney today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review the specifics of your case, explain your options in clear terms, and outline the steps we’ll take to defend you—so you can face the process with confidence rather than fear.