DUI Defense Attorney in Pomona, CA Guiding Clients Through DUI Defense With Confidence in San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, and Across Southern California
Facing DUI charges in Pomona can feel like your world is suddenly on the brink of collapse. A single arrest—for a first offense or a subsequent incident—carries the potential to derail your career, jeopardize your driver’s license, saddle you with hefty fines, and leave a permanent mark on your criminal record. When every decision you make from the moment of arrest can shape your future, securing experienced representation is not just important—it’s imperative. As a trusted Pomona DUI lawyer, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney understand the stress and uncertainty you’re experiencing, and we’re here to guide you through each step of the process with clarity, compassion, and tenacity.
From the initial charge through arraignment, pretrial negotiations, and, if necessary, trial, each moment is an opportunity to protect your rights. Our firm is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding your driving privileges, minimizing the impact on your record, and preserving your freedom. We dig into the details of every case—examining breathalyzer calibration logs, police reports, and field sobriety test protocols—to build a defense strategy tailored to you. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Contact a dedicated DUI defense attorney in Pomona, CA at our firm today for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
Understanding DUI Charges
A “Driving Under the Influence” (DUI) charge in California is a legal allegation that a person operated a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Under California Vehicle Code §23152, the state defines impairment primarily by two thresholds:
- Per Se DUI: Operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is automatically considered illegal, regardless of visible signs of impairment.
- Impairment DUI: Operating while under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs that leaves you unable to drive with the caution characteristic of a sober person.
California also recognizes open-container violations, drug-only DUIs, and cases involving a minor passenger, each carrying their own heightened penalties. Whether you’re facing a charge based on breath or blood testing, field sobriety exercises, or officer observations, understanding the precise nature of your alleged offense is the first step toward crafting a strong defense.
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818-330-5198Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Pomona, CA
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our attorneys draw on decades of combined courtroom and negotiation experience to defend every variety of DUI charge in Pomona. Whether you’re navigating the stress of a first-time arrest or facing the heightened stakes of a felony-level case, our team knows the local courts, the prosecutors, and the tactics that secure the best possible outcome.
- First-time DUI in Pomona: We guide individuals through the process of securing reductions or alternatives—such as diversion programs or restricted licenses—while minimizing fines and record impact.
- Repeat DUI offenses in Pomona: For those with prior convictions, we develop aggressive defenses aimed at avoiding mandatory jail time and preserving as many driving privileges as possible.
- Felony DUI in Pomona: When a DUI charge escalates to a felony—due to multiple offenses, serious injury, or death—we marshal forensic experts and leverage constitutional challenges to fight life-altering penalties.
- Underage DUI in Pomona: We protect young drivers from harsh consequences by exploring options like petitioned expungement, diversion, and education programs tailored to under-21 offenders.
- DUI with injury in Pomona: In cases involving bodily harm, we scrutinize accident reports, medical records, and officer protocols to mitigate exposure to both criminal and civil liability.
- Prescription drug DUI in Pomona: We challenge improper testing procedures and prescription interpretations when you’re accused of driving under the influence of legally prescribed medications.
- Marijuana DUI in Pomona: Given evolving laws around cannabis, we dissect toxicology reports and field sobriety evaluations to contest ambiguous impairment claims.
- CDL driver DUI in Pomona: For commercial drivers facing license-threatening charges, we pursue technical defenses to safeguard both your professional livelihood and CDL status.
- DUI refusal cases in Pomona: We challenge refusal-based suspensions by examining whether law enforcement followed the strict statutory requirements for administering chemical tests.
- Out-of-CA driver DUI in Pomona: Visiting motorists can face California’s harsh penalties; we leverage jurisdictional nuances and plea negotiations to reduce fines, license suspensions, and insurance hikes.
No matter the nature or complexity of your DUI case, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney have the skill and tenacity to pursue the strongest defense available.
Navigating DUI Proceedings in Pomona
Our Pomona criminal defense lawyers understand that the period following a DUI arrest can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect—and how early, strategic action can shape the outcome of your case:
- The arrest and booking: After being stopped and arrested, you’ll be taken to the local station for booking, which typically includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information. You may also be offered a chemical test—refusal can trigger automatic license suspension—so it’s vital to consult with your DUI defense attorney before deciding whether to take or refuse testing.
- Initial court appearance (arraignment): Within a few weeks, you’ll appear for arraignment, where charges are formally read and you enter a plea. Your attorney will negotiate bail or release conditions, and may request discovery of the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses in their case.
- Evidence gathering and expert witnesses: Building a solid defense means scrutinizing every piece of evidence: calibration logs for breathalyzers, blood-draw procedures, field sobriety test video, and officer notes. We often enlist forensic experts—a toxicologist to challenge BAC results or a certified sobriety test evaluator—to expose errors or violations of protocol.
- Pretrial motions and negotiations: Before trial, your lawyer can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence (for example, if the traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion) or challenge the admissibility of chemical tests. Simultaneously, we engage the prosecutor in plea negotiations, aiming for reduced charges, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing that preserves your record and driving privileges.
- The courtroom experience: If your case proceeds to trial, you’ll face direct and cross-examination of witnesses, presentation of expert testimony, and legal argument on key issues. Your DUI defense attorney will advocate relentlessly—objecting to improper questioning, highlighting inconsistencies, and underscoring the presumption of innocence.
- Achieving the best possible outcome: Whether through a negotiated plea or a not-guilty verdict, our goal is to minimize jail time, reduce fines, avoid license suspension, and keep your record as clean as possible. We tailor our approach to your circumstances and priorities, ensuring you understand each development and choice throughout the process.
Your Legal Rights in DUI Defense Cases in Pomona
Understanding and asserting your rights is the cornerstone of an effective defense. From your first consultation with our DUI lawyer through every court appearance, these fundamental protections guide our strategy:
- Presumption of innocence & due process: Under California law, you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to fair procedures at every stage—arraignment, discovery, pretrial hearings, trial, and sentencing.
- Protection from illegal searches & seizures: The Fourth Amendment safeguards you against unreasonable stops or searches. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over or failed to follow proper procedures, key evidence may be suppressed.
- Right to independent chemical testing: You may request an independent blood or breath test at your own expense. These results can corroborate or contradict the prosecution’s evidence and may be critical in undermining their case.
- Right to legal representation: You have the unequivocal right to be represented by counsel. Early involvement of our skilled DUI defense attorney ensures that complex deadlines are met, motions are timely filed, and nothing is left to chance.
- Importance of early legal action: Time is of the essence. Critical deadlines for filing motions, obtaining evidence, and negotiating with prosecutors arise quickly after arraignment. Acting promptly secures the strongest possible defenses—whether challenging the legality of the stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, or the credibility of witnesses.
By insisting on these rights from day one, The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney not only level the playing field but often turns procedural missteps into powerful leverage. Early, decisive legal action is the most effective way to protect your freedom, your driving privileges, and your future.
Understanding the Penalties for a DUI in Pomona
When you face a DUI charge in Pomona, CA, the penalties increase dramatically with each subsequent conviction and the severity of the incident. Understanding the potential consequences is vital—and having our seasoned DUI lawyer on your side can mean the difference between life-altering sanctions and a more manageable resolution.
First DUI (Misdemeanor)
- Probation: 3–5 years of informal probation, often in lieu of jail
- Fines & fees: Typically $1,500–$2,000 once penalty assessments are added to the base fine
- Jail exposure: Up to 6 months (though many first offenders avoid incarceration)
- DUI education: 3–9 months of MADD-authorized school
- License suspension: 6 months, with restricted or ignition-interlock options
Second DUI Within 10 Years (Misdemeanor)
- Mandatory jail: Minimum 96 hours (up to 1 year)
- Fines & fees: Similar base fine, but assessments can push total costs near $2,500
- Probation: 3–5 years of summary probation with stricter conditions
- DUI education: 18–30 months under SB 38 requirements
- Ignition interlock: Required for at least one year
Third DUI Within 10 Years (Misdemeanor)
- Jail: 120 days up to 1 year, with limited alternatives
- Fines & fees: Base fines plus assessments, often exceeding $2,000
- Probation: 3–5 years, frequently formal (felony-like) probation
- License suspension: 2 years
- Ignition interlock: Up to 3 years
Felony DUI (Fourth DUI or DUI Causing Injury/Death)
- State prison: 16 months, 2 years, or 4 years, depending on priors and injury severity
- Felony probation: 3–5 years with strict supervision
- License revocation: Minimum 4 years, sometimes longer
- Fines & restitution: Higher fines plus restitution for victims
Aggravating Factors & Enhanced Penalties
Certain circumstances can elevate your charge or increase mandatory minimums, including:
- BAC levels of 0.15% or higher
- A minor under 14 in the vehicle
- Speeding significantly above the limit
- Property damage or high-speed pursuits
Any DUI conviction within the past decade escalates subsequent charges—triggering longer jail terms, extended probation, and enhanced education requirements.
Additional Penalties for Refusals or Injury Involvement
- Test refusal: Separate DMV suspension (1 year for first refusal, 2 years for second), plus possible fine increases.
- DUI with injury: Felony charges, mandatory prison, and potential civil liability to injured parties
Why Choose an Experienced Pomona DUI Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for Your Case?
When everything is on the line—your freedom, livelihood, and reputation—you need more than a run-of-the-mill attorney. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our approach combines aggressive defense tactics with meticulous case-building to protect your rights and pursue the most favorable outcome:
- Smart, customized case strategies: We dive deep into the facts—breathalyzer calibration records, officer protocols, and witness statements—to craft defenses that exploit every procedural or technical flaw. Whether it’s securing maximum compensation in related civil matters or fighting to suppress evidence in criminal proceedings, our strategy delivers results.
- Reputable representation, in and out of court: Judges and prosecutors in Pomona know our track record. We leverage that respect to negotiate dismissals, charge reductions, or alternative sentencing—and, when trial is inevitable, to present a persuasive case that underscores your presumption of innocence.
- Skilled negotiators for high-stakes outcomes: Even in the most serious DUI cases—felony charges, injury DUI, or commercial-driver allegations—our negotiation skills shine. We work tirelessly to secure settlement terms or plea agreements that protect your driving privileges, minimize jail time, and preserve your future, all while upholding the highest standards of advocacy.
By choosing The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as your DUI lawyer, you’re securing a fierce advocate who knows how to put legal nuances to work on your behalf. Let us stand with you, inside and outside the courtroom, to defend your rights and chart the path to your best possible outcome.
About DUI Charges in Pomona
In recent years, Pomona has seen an uptick in targeted DUI enforcement designed to keep our roads safe. For example, during a single December 2023 holiday checkpoint, Pomona Police screened nearly 1,000 vehicles—resulting in three DUI arrests and 27 citations for alcohol- or drug-related offenses among drivers on our streets. This increase in checkpoint activity reflects a broader trend: law enforcement in Pomona and throughout Los Angeles County is dedicating more resources to DUI patrols, especially during high-risk periods like holidays and major events.
Many people—first-time offenders and repeat drivers alike—face DUI charges every year in Pomona. If you find yourself charged with a DUI, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone: The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney are here to offer experienced, compassionate support from the moment you call. There is help available, and you have rights that deserve protection.
Contact an Experienced Pomona DUI Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney for a Free Consultation About Your Case
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Pomona, don’t wait. Contact our experienced DUI defense attorney today for a free, confidential consultation. Early action is crucial—every day that passes can limit your options for challenging evidence, preserving your driving privileges, and pursuing diversion programs. Our team is standing by 24/7 to protect your rights and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
