Chula Vista DUI Attorney
Why Choose Us for Your DUI Defense?
At The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos, our sole focus is on providing top-notch DUI defense. Established in 1998, our law firm is led by Attorney G. Cole Casey, widely known in the region as the 'Gold Standard of DUI Defense.'
Our law office has built a strong reputation throughout San Diego County for a dedicated approach and outstanding client service, ensuring each case receives the personal attention it deserves.
Choosing the right DUI attorney in Chula Vista can be pivotal to the outcome of your case. Our history of success reflects a deep understanding of California DUI laws and local court procedures. We prioritize transparency and communication, keeping you informed of your legal position and options.
A skilled Chula Vista DUI attorney can help protect your rights and your driving privileges. Call (619) 930-5490 today or contact us online for a free consultation!
Understanding DUI Laws in California
California imposes strict DUI laws, and the consequences increase with prior convictions or aggravating factors. People can face DUI charges when driving with the following blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels:
- 0.08% or higher for drivers age 21 and older
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21 (zero tolerance law)
Even if a driver’s BAC falls below the legal limit, police can proceed with an arrest if they believe the driver shows signs of impairment.
Types of DUI Offenses
- First-Time DUI – A misdemeanor with penalties that may include fines, license suspension, DUI school, and possible jail.
- Multiple DUI Offenses – Higher penalties for repeat convictions, such as longer license suspensions, required alcohol treatment programs, and added jail time.
- Felony DUI – Cases that involve injuries, deaths, or multiple priors may trigger felony charges and harsher penalties.
- DUI with Injury – Accidents causing bodily harm can result in enhanced penalties or felony charges.
- Underage DUI – A zero-tolerance law enforces charges for any alcohol level in drivers under 21.
A DUI lawyer in Chula Vista can analyze your unique facts to develop a defense that challenges the prosecution's claims.
Potential Penalties for DUI Convictions in Chula Vista
Penalties for DUI convictions in California vary based on the number of prior offenses, BAC level, and whether an injury occurred. Common consequences include:
First-Time DUI Offense
- Fines ranging from $390 to $1,000
- License suspension for up to six months
- Mandatory DUI education program (three to nine months)
- Possible jail time up to six months
- Probation for three to five years
Second DUI Offense (within 10 years)
- Fines up to $2,000
- License suspension for two years
- Mandatory 18 to 30-month DUI education program
- Jail sentence between 96 hours and one year
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Felony DUI Penalties
- Fines up to $5,000
- Prison sentence of 16 months to four years
- License revocation for up to four years
- Restitution payments to victims when injuries occur
Comprehensive DUI Defense Strategies
At The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos, we build DUI defense strategies tailored to your unique case. We take several steps to strengthen your defense, including:
- Thorough Case Review: We carefully review evidence—such as police reports, field sobriety test results, and lab data—to uncover discrepancies or errors.
- Understanding Client Concerns: We work to understand how the case could affect your life so we can address your personal needs throughout our defense plan.
- Utilizing Local Knowledge: Our ongoing presence in Chula Vista courts gives us a practical understanding of local procedures and tendencies, which helps us provide the most relevant defense advice.
We also prepare clients for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing. In California, the DMV process operates separately from criminal court. If you are arrested for DUI in Chula Vista, you have only ten days to request a DMV hearing to contest the automatic license suspension.
At that hearing, we examine the circumstances of the stop, challenge the evidence, and work to protect your driving privileges. Preparation and knowledge of local practices often make a significant difference before the hearing officer.
Our approach also considers alternative sentencing options, as local programs sometimes provide an alternative to jail or fines. Depending on the case, clients may qualify for programs focused on education and rehabilitation, such as sobriety courses or community service.
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AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS
Since the establishment of this law firm in 1998, we have strived to provide our clients with the highest quality representation and a level of customer service that is unparalleled by any firm anywhere.
Step-By-Step Guide: The DUI Process in Chula Vista
If you are charged with DUI in Chula Vista, you will move through a series of procedural steps beginning immediately after your arrest. These steps include administrative actions by the DMV, filings by the District Attorney, required court appearances, and potential evidentiary issues arising from local enforcement practices.
Understanding each stage of the process—and the strict deadlines involved—is critical to protecting your driving privileges and building an effective defense:
- You are arrested, booked, and immediately face an administrative driver’s license suspension.
- You must request a DMV hearing within ten days if you want to challenge this suspension.
- The DMV hearing may take place at a local office or remotely by phone.
- The District Attorney files a formal complaint and notifies you of your first court date, typically at the South County Regional Center in Chula Vista.
- You proceed through arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, and potential negotiations.
- Local enforcement practices—such as sobriety checkpoints and joint operations between Chula Vista Police and CHP—can influence how evidence is gathered.
- Major enforcement zones, including Interstate 805 and State Route 54, often play a role in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Meeting all deadlines, appearing at required court dates, and complying with all procedures is essential to avoid additional penalties.
- Experienced legal representation helps you navigate the process, challenge evidence, and prevent mistakes that could affect the outcome of your case.
The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos: Local Expertise & Personalized Attention
Our recognition as a leading DUI firm comes from our focused approach and personalized attention—never from mass advertising. We devote our resources to client cases, apply our hands-on local knowledge, and adapt our defense tactics so each client receives support that fits their needs.
Attorney G. Cole Casey is the only San Diego attorney on the faculty of the National College for DUI Defense, which reflects our commitment to providing valuable insight for clients.
Maintaining good relationships with courts and understanding the habits of prosecutors and judges allows us to advocate effectively for our clients. We stay up to date on legal changes and defense tactics so we can continue providing reliable representation.
Our efforts to improve reflect our broader mission as the top choice for individuals facing DUI charges in Chula Vista.
Contact Us for Your DUI Defense Needs
If you need trusted legal representation for a DUI charge in Chula Vista, reach out to us. At The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos, we are committed to providing the highest level of service and guiding you through each step. With a proven track record and a client-centered approach, we understand the details of DUI defense and why personalized attention matters.
Contact us today at (619) 930-5490 to schedule your free consultation and start taking the necessary steps toward protecting your future.
Our FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 619-930-5490 today!
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I was not drunk. Can I be charged with DUI for smoking marijuana or taking prescription medications?If you were arrested for DUI but didn’t have alcohol in your system, you can still be charged with DUI. There are a number different charges associated with misdemeanor and felony DUI. You can be charged with an (f) count if you consumed any intoxicating drugs, regardless of whether they are illegal or prescription. But, if you were under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, then you can be charged with an (e) count for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
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Aren’t the police supposed to read me my Miranda rights?It seems like common sense that an officer must read you your Miranda rights. Although this is true in a situation where you are being interrogated, for purposes of DUI, you don’t have that same right. Many times an officer will ask you questions prior to administering field sobriety tests and placing you under arrest. These questions have been classified as “pre-investigatory” questions and are not subject to Miranda. Therefore, it is important you speak with an experience DUI Defense Firm to know whether or not the failure to read you your rights will affect your case.
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I was involved in an accident and someone was injured. Will I be charged with a Felony?Maybe. You can be charged with Felony DUI whenever anyone other than yourself is injured. Even if the injuries were to a friend and their injuries are minor, you can still be charged with a felony. Penalties for a Felony DUI can be severe because your can face time in prison.
