DUI Defense Attorney in Long Beach, CA, Delivering Personalized DUI Defense Strategies in Los Angeles County and Across Southern California
A DUI charge is far more than just a traffic violation—it is a criminal offense that can affect nearly every aspect of your life. From steep fines and the loss of your driver's license to potential jail time and a permanent criminal record, the consequences of a DUI conviction are swift and severe. In Long Beach, where law enforcement takes an aggressive approach to impaired driving, being arrested for a DUI can put your future, your reputation, and your livelihood at serious risk.
If you've been charged with driving under the influence, it is crucial that you act quickly. The earlier you involve an experienced Long Beach DUI lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense and protecting your rights at every stage of the process. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we understand what is at stake. Our firm is committed to defending individuals in Long Beach who are facing DUI allegations, no matter how complex the circumstances may be.
We don’t just represent our clients—we fight to protect their freedom, safeguard their driving privileges, and help them move forward with their lives. Contact a dedicated DUI defense attorney in Long Beach, CA, at our firm today for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
Understanding DUI Charges in Long Beach, CA
A DUI—Driving Under the Influence—is a criminal offense in California that refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. California law outlines strict parameters for determining impairment, and even first-time offenders may face serious legal penalties.
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818-330-5198What Constitutes a DUI in California?
In the state of California, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if they:
- Have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher if over the age of 21 and operating a non-commercial vehicle
- Have a BAC of 0.04% or higher when driving a commercial vehicle or if on DUI probation
- Have a BAC of 0.01% or higher if under the age of 21 (zero-tolerance policy)
- Are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications to the point that mental or physical abilities are impaired and the person cannot drive with the caution of a sober person
There are two primary legal theories under which a person may be charged with a DUI:
- Per Se DUI: This refers to driving with a BAC at or above the legal limit. The prosecution does not need to prove actual impairment; the BAC level alone is sufficient for a charge.
- Impairment DUI: A person may be charged even with a BAC below the legal limit if they exhibit signs of intoxication or drug influence that impair their ability to drive safely.
It is important to note that DUI charges are not limited to alcohol use. Driving under the influence of prescription medications, marijuana, or illicit drugs can also result in arrest and prosecution—even without a traditional BAC test result.
Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Long Beach, CA
Our Long Beach criminal defense lawyers bring in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience to the defense of a wide range of DUI charges in Long Beach, CA. Whether you're facing a first-time arrest or are dealing with the potential long-term consequences of a felony DUI, our legal team understands the nuances of California DUI law and how it is applied locally. Every case is different—and our approach is always tailored to your specific circumstances, driving record, and legal goals.
Below are some of the DUI case types we regularly defend:
- First-time DUI in Long Beach: A first-offense DUI can result in license suspension, fines, mandatory education programs, and jail time, even if it’s your only brush with the law.
- Repeat DUI offenses in Long Beach: Second and subsequent DUI convictions carry harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, enhanced jail terms, and potential felony charges.
- Felony DUI in Long Beach: A DUI may be charged as a felony if it involves injury, multiple prior convictions, or aggravating factors such as child endangerment or excessive speeding.
- Underage DUI in Long Beach: Drivers under 21 are subject to California’s zero-tolerance policy, where even a 0.01% BAC can result in criminal charges and DMV penalties.
- DUI with injury in Long Beach: If a DUI incident results in bodily harm to another person, the offense can be charged as a felony with serious legal and financial repercussions.
- Prescription drug DUI in Long Beach: Legal medications can still lead to DUI charges if they impair your ability to drive, even when used under a doctor’s supervision.
- Marijuana DUI in Long Beach: Driving under the influence of marijuana—whether medicinal or recreational—is illegal if it affects mental clarity or physical coordination behind the wheel.
- CDL driver DUI in Long Beach: Commercial drivers face stricter standards and harsher penalties, including permanent disqualification from holding a CDL after certain convictions.
- DUI refusal cases in Long Beach: Refusing to submit to a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest can result in automatic license suspension and may be used as evidence of guilt in court.
- Out-of-CA driver DUI in Long Beach: Non-California residents arrested for a DUI in Long Beach may face both local legal consequences and additional complications with their home state’s DMV.
No matter the charge, our team is well-equipped to fight for your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue the most favorable outcome. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney are proud to offer comprehensive DUI defense representation for all drivers in Long Beach and the surrounding communities.
Navigating DUI Proceedings in Long Beach
Being arrested for a DUI in Long Beach can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first experience with the criminal justice system. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we ensure that you never have to navigate this stressful process alone. From the moment you are arrested, every step you take matters—and having the right legal representation can mean the difference between conviction and a second chance.
What to Expect After a DUI Arrest
Following a DUI arrest in Long Beach, you will likely face both criminal charges and administrative proceedings through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest the automatic suspension of your license. If this deadline is missed, your driving privileges may be suspended regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
DUI Hearings and Pre-Trial Strategy
Once we’re retained, our firm immediately gets to work by requesting discovery from the prosecution, gathering evidence, and preparing for the DMV hearing and your arraignment. We look for potential constitutional violations, errors in procedure, and inconsistencies in the arrest record. Our goal from the start is to identify opportunities to dismiss or reduce the charges.
Evidence Review and Expert Witnesses
We carefully examine all evidence, including breathalyzer and blood test results, dashcam footage, field sobriety test performance, and officer testimony. When necessary, we call on toxicologists, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction experts to challenge the state’s version of events.
The Courtroom Experience
We stand by our clients at every hearing, motion, and trial. Whether we are arguing a motion to suppress evidence or cross-examining arresting officers, we maintain a proactive and persuasive courtroom presence. Our legal team prepares thoroughly and pursues every opportunity to negotiate favorable plea agreements, request sentencing alternatives, or seek full acquittal.
When you choose our firm, you're choosing a DUI defense attorney in Long Beach, CA, who understands the local court system, the prosecutors, and how to fight for your future.
Strategic DUI Defense in Long Beach
When you’re up against DUI charges in Long Beach, you need more than just basic legal representation—you need a dedicated legal team that can strategically dismantle the prosecution’s case. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we’re known for our aggressive, detail-oriented defense tactics that expose weaknesses and protect our clients from wrongful or excessive penalties.
- Breaking down weak evidence: Many DUI arrests rely heavily on the assumption that testing methods and law enforcement procedures are flawless. In reality, breath and blood tests can be skewed by improper calibration, faulty administration, or contamination. We scrutinize every data point and every procedural step to ensure the results are accurate and legally admissible.
- Identifying police errors: Our legal team pays close attention to arrest reports, looking for misstatements, omissions, and violations of your constitutional rights. Were you lawfully stopped? Did the officer have probable cause? Were field sobriety tests administered correctly and objectively? If any error or misconduct is found, we will use it to challenge the validity of the case against you.
- Disputing test results and validity: Blood and breath tests are not infallible. Medical conditions, diet, residual alcohol in the mouth, or improper procedures can all lead to inflated BAC readings. We consult forensic experts when needed to challenge the scientific reliability of test results and ensure your side of the story is clearly and credibly presented.
- Crafting a tailored defense strategy: No two DUI cases are the same. That’s why our attorneys build customized defense strategies based on your unique circumstances. Whether negotiating reduced charges, seeking alternative sentencing, or taking your case to trial, our goal is always to secure the best possible outcome.
With a Long Beach DUI lawyer from our firm on your side, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your case is in skilled, relentless hands.
Understanding the Penalties for a DUI in Long Beach
DUI penalties in Long Beach can range from inconvenient to life-altering, depending on the severity of the offense and whether you have any prior convictions. California DUI laws impose strict mandatory minimums while also allowing room for enhancement in more serious cases. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we help you understand what you're facing—and what we can do to reduce or avoid those penalties.
DUI Sentencing Guidelines
Here’s a general overview of the penalties for DUI convictions in California:
- First-offense DUI: Up to 6 months in jail, fines ranging from $390 to over $1,000, 3–9 months of DUI school, and a 6–10 month license suspension (which may be converted to a restricted license).
- Second-offense DUI: 96 hours to 1 year in jail, increased fines, 18–30 months of DUI school, a 2-year license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) installation.
- Third-offense DUI: 120 days to 1 year in jail, a 3-year license revocation, 30 months of DUI education, and longer-term IID use.
- Felony DUI: May include a state prison sentence, formal probation, a 4-year license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. Felony charges may arise due to multiple prior offenses, causing injury, or having a prior felony DUI.
Aggravating Factors and Enhanced Penalties
Certain circumstances can significantly increase penalties. These include:
- Excessive speed or reckless driving
- Having a child passenger in the car
- Causing bodily injury or death
- A BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Refusing chemical testing
How Prior Convictions Influence Your Case
DUI convictions in California remain “priorable” for 10 years, meaning a prior DUI within that window will increase penalties on a new charge. Repeat offenders face longer jail sentences, more extensive education programs, and increased financial penalties.
Penalties for Refusals and Injury-Involved DUIs
Refusing to take a chemical test after a DUI arrest carries automatic administrative penalties, including a 1-year license suspension for a first offense. If a DUI results in injury, the charge may escalate to a felony DUI with mandatory prison time and restitution to the injured party.
Despite the seriousness of DUI charges, there are still options for reducing or avoiding penalties, including:
- Plea negotiations for lesser offenses (e.g., “wet reckless”)
- DUI diversion programs where applicable
- Restricted licenses with IID installation
- Case dismissal based on evidentiary or procedural grounds
Our goal is to advocate fiercely for reduced consequences and, whenever possible, prevent a conviction from ever appearing on your criminal record.
Why Choose an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Long Beach, CA, at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for Your Case?
When you’re facing DUI charges in Long Beach, you don’t just need a defense—you need a dedicated advocate who understands the stakes, knows the law inside and out, and takes action fast. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we do not wait for the prosecution to make the first move. Our attorneys begin investigating and strategizing immediately—even before formal charges are filed—so we can position your case for the strongest possible outcome from the start.
We pride ourselves on delivering more than just aggressive representation. Every client is treated as a human being, not a case number. We take the time to understand your background, your values, and your unique circumstances so we can present a well-rounded narrative to the court—one that shows the person behind the arrest.
As your DUI lawyer, our role is not only to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or advocate in the courtroom—it’s also to guide you through this difficult chapter with clarity and compassion. We believe in direct, transparent communication so you always know where your case stands and what to expect next. Some reasons to choose our firm include:
- Strategic legal representation tailored to your case: From examining chemical test flaws to identifying Fourth Amendment violations, we construct a legal strategy that aligns with your facts and your goals.
- A proven record of DUI defense success: Our firm has a strong track record of case dismissals, charge reductions, and minimized penalties in DUI matters across Long Beach and surrounding areas.
- Personalized support every step of the way: You’ll never feel like just another client. We take the time to learn your story and offer support that’s responsive, respectful, and genuinely invested in your future.
- Legal guidance that puts you first: We don’t just advise—we listen. Your priorities guide every legal decision we make, and we work to empower you with knowledge at each phase of your case.
Choosing the right DUI defense attorney can make all the difference in protecting your reputation, your license, and your future. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney are here to help you reclaim control and move forward with confidence.
About DUI Charges in Long Beach
DUI enforcement is a major priority for law enforcement in Long Beach, particularly during weekends, late-night hours, and holidays when impaired driving is more likely to occur. Long Beach sees over 1,000 DUI arrests each year, driven in part by enhanced patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and aggressive DUI saturation efforts led by the Long Beach Police Department and California Highway Patrol.
Seasonal events such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and New Year’s Eve typically see increased DUI arrest rates, as do areas with heavy nightlife and bar traffic like downtown Long Beach and the waterfront districts. Law enforcement agencies in the area use these times to crack down on impaired driving through federally funded enforcement campaigns.
While the arrest numbers may seem intimidating, it’s important to remember this: DUI charges are common, and you are not alone. Many people—from professionals to students to tourists—face DUI allegations each year in Long Beach. The key is knowing where to turn for experienced legal help.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we believe in second chances, fair treatment, and protecting the rights of individuals at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. There is a path forward, and we are here to help you find it.
Contact an Experienced Long Beach DUI Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a Free Consultation About Your Case
When your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line, time is of the essence. DUI charges in Long Beach move quickly—from automatic license suspensions to court deadlines—and the sooner you have skilled legal counsel in your corner, the better your chances of a successful resolution.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we take a proactive and personalized approach to every case. Whether you're facing a first-time DUI or have prior offenses, we’ll fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and help you take control of your situation.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Long Beach, don’t wait. Contact our experienced DUI defense attorney today for a free, confidential consultation.
