DUI Defense Attorney in Santa Monica, CA Focused on Minimizing the Impact of DUI Charges in Westside, Los Angeles County, and Across Southern California
A DUI arrest in Santa Monica is a life-altering event. More than just a traffic offense, a DUI conviction can lead to jail time, hefty fines, loss of your driver’s license, mandatory DUI classes, and long-lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation. If you've been charged with driving under the influence, you need to act fast, and you need a skilled Santa Monica DUI lawyer on your side from the very beginning.
The consequences of a DUI can extend far beyond the courtroom. It can impact your job, your ability to commute, and even your immigration status or educational opportunities. The prosecution will not wait to build a case against you, and neither should you. Every moment you delay puts your rights and future at greater risk.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we know how high the stakes are. We are committed to aggressively defending individuals facing DUI charges in Santa Monica, CA, and throughout Los Angeles County. Our firm provides strategic, compassionate, and effective legal counsel aimed at protecting your rights, driver’s license, and clean record. With years of experience and a deep knowledge of California DUI law, we are ready to take on the system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Understanding DUI Charges in Santa Monica, CA
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Santa Monica, it’s essential to understand what the law actually says—and what the prosecution must prove to convict you. DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a criminal offense under California Vehicle Code §23152, and it covers not only alcohol but also drugs, including legal prescription medications and marijuana. The law outlines several different ways you can be charged, and each one has specific criteria and consequences.
Facing DUI/DWI Charges?
We Can Help.
Speak With a Top-Rated DUI/DWI Defense Attorney Today
818-330-5198Per Se DUI – Based on Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
A per se DUI occurs when your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit. Under California law, these limits are:
- 0.08% or higher for adult drivers operating a non-commercial vehicle
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.01% or higher for drivers under the age of 21 (zero-tolerance policy)
If your BAC meets or exceeds these thresholds, you can be charged with a DUI even if you appear to be driving normally. This is known as a “per se” violation because the BAC result alone is considered sufficient evidence of impairment.
DUI Based on Actual Impairment
Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with a DUI under Vehicle Code §23152(a) if an officer believes your ability to drive was impaired due to alcohol or drugs. This charge is more subjective and is often based on:
- Field sobriety test (FST) results
- Officer observations (e.g., slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, odor of alcohol)
- Erratic driving behavior
In these cases, the prosecution must prove that you were unable to operate your vehicle safely, even without a high BAC.
DUI Involving Drugs (DUID)
DUI laws in California also apply to drug use. You can be charged with a DUI if you're impaired by:
- Illegal drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin
- Prescription medications, even if legally prescribed (e.g., opioids, Xanax, Ambien)
- Over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness or slowed reaction time
- Marijuana, regardless of whether it was used for medicinal or recreational purposes
Drug DUIs are based on officer evaluations and chemical tests, but there is no universally accepted threshold like there is for alcohol. This gives your Santa Monica DUI lawyer room to challenge the assumptions made by the arresting officer or the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
How DUI Evidence is Collected
In most DUI stops, officers will attempt to gather evidence through:
- Field sobriety tests
- Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) using a handheld breathalyzer
- Post-arrest chemical tests, usually involving a breath or blood sample at the station
These methods are not always reliable. Breathalyzers can be improperly calibrated, blood samples can be contaminated, and field sobriety tests can be misinterpreted. Our seasoned DUI defense attorney will thoroughly review how this evidence was collected and whether your rights were violated during the process.
Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Santa Monica, CA
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we bring deep, localized experience to DUI defense in Santa Monica, offering strategic legal representation for a wide range of DUI-related charges. Whether you’re a first-time offender or facing serious felony charges, we understand the unique challenges each case presents and tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of our clients. With our extensive knowledge of California DUI law and familiarity with the Santa Monica court system, we’re equipped to defend against even the most complex cases with precision and skill.
Here are the types of DUI cases we regularly handle in Santa Monica:
- First-time DUI in Santa Monica: We help first-time offenders avoid harsh penalties and long-term consequences through negotiated pleas, diversion programs, and careful examination of arrest procedures.
- Repeat DUI offenses in Santa Monica: We defend clients facing second, third, or subsequent DUIs by challenging the validity of prior convictions and seeking alternative sentencing options to reduce jail time and license revocation.
- Felony DUI in Santa Monica: When DUI charges rise to the felony level due to injury, prior convictions, or other aggravating factors, we develop aggressive defense strategies to protect your freedom and future.
- Underage DUI in Santa Monica: Our firm helps underage drivers defend against DUI charges under California’s zero-tolerance policy, working to protect academic and employment opportunities.
- DUI with injury in Santa Monica: We investigate accident scenes, review police reports, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to challenge claims of impairment and causation.
- Prescription drug DUI in Santa Monica: Whether you were using prescribed medications or over-the-counter drugs, we work to prove that the substance in question did not impair your ability to drive safely.
- Marijuana DUI in Santa Monica: Because THC levels do not correlate directly with impairment, we fight charges based on flawed testing methods or improper evaluations by arresting officers.
- CDL driver DUI in Santa Monica: Commercial drivers face more stringent DUI laws; we help protect your commercial driver’s license, employment status, and future earning potential.
- DUI refusal cases in Santa Monica: We defend clients accused of refusing chemical testing by challenging whether officers followed proper advisement procedures and whether the refusal was lawful.
- Out-of-CA driver DUI in Santa Monica: If you were arrested for a DUI while visiting Santa Monica from another state, we help manage the criminal and administrative aspects of your case while minimizing travel and coordinating with your home state's DMV.
The DUI Legal Process in Santa Monica
Being charged with a DUI in Santa Monica can be a confusing and stressful experience, especially if it’s your first time encountering the criminal justice system. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we believe in equipping our clients with knowledge, so they understand each stage of the legal process and what to expect. More importantly, we provide timely, experienced representation to protect your rights and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest
Most DUI cases begin with a traffic stop or checkpoint, followed by a field sobriety test and a chemical test, typically a breathalyzer or blood sample. If the officer believes there is probable cause that you are impaired, you’ll be arrested and taken into custody.
After booking, you’ll receive:
- A citation with a court date
- A Notice of Suspension from the DMV
- A temporary license valid for 30 days
This notice also begins a 10-day window in which you must request a hearing with the California DMV to contest the administrative suspension of your driver’s license. If you miss this deadline, your license will be automatically suspended, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
Our office handles this time-sensitive request on your behalf and represents you at the Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing, fighting to protect your driving privileges while your criminal case proceeds in court.
DUI Arraignment and Plea Options
Your first appearance in court is the arraignment, which typically takes place at the LAX Courthouse, the designated court for DUI cases originating in Santa Monica. During this appearance, you will:
- Be formally advised of the charges against you
- Be informed of your constitutional rights
- Enter a plea: Not Guilty, Guilty, or No Contest
If you have an experienced Santa Monica DUI lawyer representing you, we can often appear on your behalf, sparing you the stress and public exposure of a courtroom appearance. At this stage, we may also begin negotiations with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges.
Entering a plea without legal counsel can be risky, especially if it prevents you from exploring defense strategies or pre-trial motions that could strengthen your case. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney in Santa Monica, CA, before making any decisions.
Pre-Trial Motions and Strategic Negotiations
Following the arraignment, your case moves into the pre-trial phase. This is a critical window during which your attorney can:
- Review police reports, bodycam footage, and testing records
- Challenge the legality of the stop or arrest
- File motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
- Investigate procedural errors or rights violations
- Engage in plea negotiations with the District Attorney
If we uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case—such as faulty breathalyzer calibration, inaccurate field sobriety tests, or lack of probable cause—we’ll file appropriate pre-trial motions to exclude that evidence or argue for dismissal.
Often, DUI cases can be resolved at this stage with plea agreements to lesser charges like wet reckless or dry reckless, allowing you to avoid a DUI conviction on your record.
Trial Preparation and Court Strategy
If a resolution cannot be reached during pre-trial proceedings, your case will proceed to trial. At this point, our legal team will be fully prepared with a customized trial strategy that may include:
- Cross-examining the arresting officer and expert witnesses
- Presenting evidence of improper testing procedures or constitutional violations
- Introducing expert testimony on blood alcohol levels, medical conditions, or sobriety test validity
- Undermining the credibility of field sobriety evaluations
As your dedicated DUI defense attorney we’ll prepare you for what to expect in court and ensure your side of the story is clearly and convincingly presented to the judge or jury.
Whether we resolve your case before trial or advocate for you in court, we remain focused on achieving the most favorable result, whether that means acquittal, dismissal, or significantly reduced penalties.
Defending Against DUI Charges in Santa Monica
A DUI charge does not automatically equal a conviction. In fact, many DUI cases in Santa Monica are beatable, especially when you work with a skilled and experienced legal team that understands how to challenge flawed evidence and hold law enforcement accountable. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we take a strategic, aggressive approach to every DUI case, building tailored defenses designed to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims and secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Here’s how we help you fight back:
Challenging Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer Tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) and chemical testing are cornerstones of most DUI cases, but they’re not foolproof. These tests are highly subjective, and their results can be influenced by:
- Fatigue
- Injuries or physical conditions
- Uneven pavement or poor lighting
- Nervousness or anxiety
Similarly, breathalyzer devices must be calibrated and maintained regularly. If an officer failed to follow proper protocols, or the device was malfunctioning, the results may be inaccurate or inadmissible in court.
As your Santa Monica DUI lawyer, we thoroughly examine the procedures and reliability of all testing conducted in your case. We may call upon forensic experts to dispute the prosecution’s scientific evidence and challenge the credibility of the results.
Unlawful Traffic Stops and Arrest Procedures
A DUI arrest is only valid if law enforcement followed all proper procedures. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you or did not have probable cause to arrest you, the entire case may be subject to dismissal.
Common legal issues we identify include:
- Illegal DUI checkpoints
- Failure to read Miranda rights
- Lack of probable cause for field sobriety or chemical testing
- Unlawful search and seizure of your vehicle or person
Our legal team will carefully review dashcam and bodycam footage, dispatch logs, and officer reports to determine whether your constitutional rights were violated. If so, we’ll file motions to suppress evidence, which can often result in charges being reduced or dropped.
Medical or Technical Defense Strategies
Some DUI symptoms can be explained by medical conditions, such as diabetes, GERD (acid reflux), neurological issues, or anxiety—all of which can affect balance, speech, or breathalyzer readings.
We also evaluate the timing of your chemical test to raise a “rising BAC” defense. For example, if your BAC was below the legal limit while driving but increased by the time you were tested, the results may not accurately reflect your condition when you were behind the wheel.
Why Choose an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Santa Monica, CA at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney?
When you’re facing DUI charges in Santa Monica, you need more than just representation—you need an advocate who understands every aspect of the legal system and how to use it to your advantage. As your Santa Monica criminal defense lawyers we offer aggressive, knowledgeable, and comprehensive legal services designed to defend your rights, protect your record, and position you for the best possible result—whether in a DUI case, a criminal investigation, or a civil matter.
Our reputation as a go-to Santa Monica DUI lawyer is built on years of hands-on courtroom experience, personal commitment to each client, and a record of strategic success in and out of court.
Comprehensive Legal Support for DUI and Beyond
While our practice is known for its DUI defense, we also provide comprehensive legal assistance across a wide range of issues, including:
- Criminal defense (drug charges, assault, theft, etc.)
- Personal injury (car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death)
- Civil litigation and negotiations
If your DUI case involves injuries, multiple defendants, or government-related issues, we can handle both the criminal charges and any associated personal injury claims, ensuring you’re fully protected from all legal angles.
Free Consultations and Case Evaluations
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance, especially when facing criminal charges. That’s why we offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate the details of your case and explain your options clearly and honestly.
From the first call, we provide direct answers, strategic insight, and a game plan for how to proceed. You won’t get vague promises—you’ll get real legal advice from a seasoned DUI defense attorney who’s ready to stand by your side.
In-Depth Knowledge of California Law and Court Procedure
DUI cases often involve complicated interactions between criminal law, DMV regulations, scientific evidence, and constitutional rights. Our team brings a deep understanding of California state law and has experience handling:
- Comparative fault disputes in DUI-related accidents
- Cases involving government defendants or procedural misconduct
- Insurance companies’ tactics to deny or minimize payouts
We don’t just understand the rules—we know how to challenge and use them in your favor, whether we’re negotiating with the DA, filing suppression motions, or taking your case to trial.
DUI Enforcement Trends in Santa Monica
In recent years, Santa Monica has intensified its efforts to combat impaired driving through the strategic implementation of DUI checkpoints. These checkpoints are typically established in areas with a history of alcohol-related incidents, particularly during weekends and holidays when the risk of impaired driving increases. Notable locations for these checkpoints include intersections near popular nightlife and tourist destinations.
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating higher occurrences of impaired driving-related crashes. For instance, intersections such as Lincoln Boulevard and Pico Boulevard, as well as Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue, are frequently monitored due to their proximity to entertainment venues and high pedestrian traffic.
The primary objective of these checkpoints is to enhance public safety by deterring impaired driving and removing intoxicated drivers from the roads. While the exact locations and times of checkpoints are often undisclosed to maintain their effectiveness, they are commonly conducted between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM.
Contact an Experienced Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica, don’t wait. Contact our experienced DUI defense attorney in Santa Monica, CA, today for a free, confidential consultation. The sooner we get involved, the more options we’ll have to protect your rights, your license, and your future.
