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Chico DUI Attorney

Facing a DUI charge can be distressing. A Chico DUI lawyer can work with you to navigate the complex legal system and fight to mitigate the consequences associated with your DUI case.

You want to choose a skilled attorney with a track record of representing clients with DUI charges in Chico, California, to fight for you.

The seasoned legal team at Eric Alan Berg & Associates is committed to their clients and works to ensure that one mistake does not define their future. We take pride in the focused and dedicated care we extend to every client we represent, and we are confident we can help you with your charges.

Consequences of a DUI Charge in Chico, CA

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense in California. A DUI charge results from operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated from the use of alcohol or other substances.

If a law enforcement officer stops you and suspects that you are impaired while driving, they can administer a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) and/or a breath test. A chemical test such as a blood and/or urine test may be requested in addition to these to check for drugs or other substances.

After taking these tests, if you are found to be intoxicated or impaired and thus unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, you will be charged with a DUI. There are a range of consequences you may face, from license suspension to fines and even jail time.

License Suspension Through the DMV

During a DUI arrest, a law enforcement officer is required to forward a police report and notice of suspension to California’s DMV. California has an Administrative Per Se (APS) law, which means your driver’s license will automatically be suspended following an arrest. The officer should provide you with a notice of suspension, and you will be given a temporary driver’s license.

From the day the notice of suspension is sent, you will have a short window of time to request a hearing with the DMV. This will allow you to fight the suspension at the administrative level, even if you have a pending DUI case.

Penalties for a DUI Conviction

An administrative review of your driver privilege and possible suspension by the DMV is only one consequence of a DUI arrest. If you are charged with a DUI and are convicted, you may face several legal repercussions.

License suspension and fees: The DMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license if you are convicted of a DUI. You will need to pay additional fees to reinstate your license. An ignition interlock device (IID) might be required for you to operate your vehicle if you have a restricted license.
Notice to your auto insurance: You will be required to notify your insurance provider and request they submit proof of financial responsibility to the DMV. Your insurance rates may go up as you will potentially be considered a high-risk driver.
Court fines and jail sentence: In addition to license suspension and associated costs, a DUI conviction can carry a probation and/or jail sentence and criminal fines, the length of which varies depending on your age, whether it is your first offense, and other additional factors.

Driving under the influence may be considered an aggravating factor if your actions while driving impaired led to other crimes, including property damage or bodily harm to others.

If you are acquitted of a DUI charge in court, the California DMV may consider the acquittal and reverse the initial suspension of your driving privileges.

Advantages of Working With a Chico DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, it is important to have a knowledgeable DUI attorney who understands California DUI law and has a track record defending DUI cases in Butte County. A Chico DUI lawyer can give you advice and guide you through the intricate legal process.

A DUI attorney can:

Provide adequate legal advice
Assist with criminal case paperwork
Manage schedules to resolve court matters promptly
Represent you in a felony DUI case or an underage DUI case
Aid with the DMV hearing process

The legal process is arduous, and the consequences of a DUI conviction are serious. Having a Chico DUI lawyer by your side will make the process less stressful and increase your chance of a positive outcome.

FAQS

Q: What Are the Consequences of a DUI in California?

A: If you are charged with a DUI in Chico, California, your license will be temporarily suspended. Following an administrative review, your license may or may not be suspended for longer. If you are convicted of a DUI in court, your license will automatically be suspended. You may face probation and jail time and may also need to pay additional fees and fines.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for a DUI in California?

A: Hiring a Chico criminal defense lawyer can be helpful if you are charged with a DUI. A Chico DUI lawyer can assist you in navigating both the administrative process through the DMV and the legal process through the court system. They will deal with case management, including scheduling appointments and representing you in court.

A DUI lawyer fights for your interests, and their assistance may help lessen the potential outcomes of your DUI case.

Q: How Do You Beat a DUI Case in California?

A: A DUI charge is a serious offense. A skilled DUI attorney may employ different defense strategies to challenge a DUI arrest or conviction. It is important to gather evidence and bring forth witnesses who can attest that you were not driving impaired or that your behavior while driving was not indicative of being intoxicated.

Q: Can I Drive in California After a DUI Charge?

A: Once you are arrested for a DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended. The DMV will conduct a review of the DUI arrest and determine whether or not to suspend your license for a longer period. You have the right to request a hearing. If you are convicted of a DUI, your license will automatically be suspended for some time, and you may get a restricted license and/or be ordered to use an IID in your vehicle.

Consult With a Chico DUI Lawyer Today

You do not have to face a DUI charge on your own. Eric Alan Berg & Associates fights for you when you need it most. We have worked with many clients on Chico DUI cases and helped them eliminate or reduce penalties. You can count on dedicated support from our office and our skilled legal team. Contact us for a free consultation today.

On May 4, 2018, Attorneys of Eric Alan Berg and Associates successfully suppressed evidence in a DUI case resulting in a complete dismissal. The client had been pulled over on a Friday night leaving the Market Street Steakhouse. A Redding police officer claimed that his tail light was out and initiated a traffic stop. Unbeknownst to the officer, the car had just passed a safety inspection a few weeks before. The defense subpoenaed the inspection records and called the technician who serviced the car to testify to explain that the light was working properly, and called an eye witness who saw that the light was in working condition the morning after the arrest. The client can now return to work without fear of any license restrictions, probation, or punishment.

DUI Dismissal

A man in his 60’s was charged with molesting and sodomizing five boys in a 35 year period. The sheriffs detective knew at least one of the boys had recanted but he hid the tape recording wherein the boy said it never happened. The district attorney had to search the sheriff’s computer himself to find the tape showing the man’s innocence and showing that the boy said he was innocent.

False accusation of multiple molestation

We represented an old man who was accused of sexually molesting his girl friend’s daughter. The prosecutor claimed that he confessed on tape. The defense showed that it was no confession. Many of the jurors found the defendant not guilty. The defendant eventually avoided state prison and was freed.

False accusation of molestation of girl friends daughter

Our client was a probation officer and was charged with sexually molesting his neighbor and his adopted foster daughter. The defense showed that his daughter had a long history of falsely accusing people of serious crimes. The defense also presented the daughters long history of mental illness. The defense also showed that the police lost a crucial recorded statement of another complaining witness. Many jurors found the accused innocent of the charges and the court dismissed the charges after the first trial.

False accusation of adopted child molestation

Our client was charged with sexually molesting his adopted step-daughter. The district attorney claimed that he had a confession on tape. The defense showed that it was not a confession but a set up. Many jurors found the defendant not guilty and the court dismissed all of the charges. In that case, the accuser originally accused our client of molesting her for many months. The district attorney tried to change the story when we proved that he wasn’t even in town when these crimes supposedly occurred.

False accusation of molestation of step daughter

We defended two Hells Angels accused of rape. At the trial we proved that the accuser exchanged her phone number with one of the other old bikers at the clubhouse, a few minutes after the alleged rape. Through our investigation, we learned that the accuser, a young woman in her early twentys had borrowed her father’s car for the night. She returned it late, making him late for work in the morning. She needed a good excuse. The excuse she used was that she had been raped by two Hells Angels.

False accusation of rape

An old man in his 70’s was charged with threatening 2 sheriff deputies with his Chinese assault rifle . This man was a famous newspaper editor and publisher in the county. He was a regular critic of the Sheriff. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. On Christmas Eve, he and his wife had been burning rat’s nests on his property in Hayfork. As the fire got out of control and spread prisoners from the local fire camp were called to put it out. They were up all night making noise and causing his dog to bark which kept him and his wife and his dog awake on Christmas eve. He went down to the prisoners and told them to be quiet and then went back home.

False accusation of threatening of Sheriff Police.

Recently, a client of ours was facing multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, which is a prison eligible felony. Additionally, the DA in the case was looking to add more prison eligible felonies such as bringing a controlled substance into a jail. Eric Alan Berg & Associates was able to negotiate an agreement with the DA where our client plead to only two misdemeanor charges of possession of a firearm and controlled substance.

Securing Misdemeanor Deal when Client charged with Strikes

Recently we had a client who was arrested for possession of drugs and child abuse. Attorney Eric Berg was able to convince the DA to file only the drug possession charge and not the child abuse charge. Further, if our client continues with their treatment plan the entire case will be dismissed in six months without ever requiring our client to plead guilty or no-contest. If you or someone you know is facing legal troubles give our offices a call today at (530) 223-5100 to set up a free consultation!

Facilitating Substance Abuse Treatment and avoiding a Criminal Record

Recently a client retained us who was stopped for a traffic violation while they were transporting a couple of pounds of marijuana, which was discovered by law enforcement during the stop. Our offices were able to get all their charges and case dismissed in court. If you or someone you know has been arrested for similar crimes, give our offices a call today at (530) 223-5100 to set up a free consultation!

Marijuana Transportation Case Dismissed

Before retaining us, our client had a number of pending cases, and some matters being investigated by law enforcement. They took a plea bargain in which they plead guilty to three of their pending cases, with the understanding that the rest of their pending cases would be dismissed and any un-filed cases would not be filed. Shortly after entering this agreement, the DA’s office filed charges related to an investigation that began before they entered the agreement. We successfully argued that the DA’s office breached the plea agreement, and had the plea agreement enforced – meaning the new case was dismissed. If you or someone you know is in need of an attorney, give us a call today at (530) 223-5100 to set up a free consultation!

Chico DUI Lawyer