Payment PlansOur Fullerton Office is located at:
Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Fullerton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 770-8738
Criminal Defense Lawyer Fullerton, CA
A Fullerton, CA criminal defense lawyer is an attorney who defends people accused of crimes in court, in negotiations, and during pre-file investigations. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our Fullerton criminal defense attorneys protect clients at every stage of the process — from police questioning to jury trial — with one goal: to keep your freedom, your reputation, and your record intact.
What You'll Learn on This Page:
- Understand how California’s criminal justice system works — from investigation and arrest through trial and appeals.
- See what kinds of cases we handle in Fullerton, including violent crimes, DUIs, drug charges, theft, and gang-related offenses.
- Learn what penalties and long-term consequences you could face after a conviction — and how enhancements can make them worse.
- Get insight into proven defense strategies that can reduce or dismiss charges before they ever reach a jury.
- Find out what to expect at each stage of your case at the North Justice Center in Fullerton.
- Discover how early intervention and the right attorney can keep a single mistake from defining your future.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Fullerton, CA
Our firm handles the full range of criminal cases in Orange County, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Every case demands a tailored defense strategy — not a one-size-fits-all playbook.
Fullerton, CA Violent Crimes Lawyer
California prosecutes violent offenses harshly, especially when weapons or serious injuries are involved. These charges often qualify as “strike” offenses under the state’s Three Strikes Law (§667 PC) (one strike doubles the sentence, a third is automatically 25 to life in prison).
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (§245 PC): Using a weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury; up to four years in state prison.
- Battery Causing Serious Injury (§243(d) PC): Intentional physical contact resulting in injury; a wobbler offense punishable by jail or prison time.
- Robbery (§211 PC): Taking property by force or fear; always a felony and considered a violent strike offense.
- Murder (§187 PC) & Manslaughter (§192 PC): Homicide charges that can carry penalties from probation to life imprisonment, depending on intent, provocation, and degree.
Our Fullerton, CA criminal defense lawyers investigate witness statements, body-cam footage, and forensic evidence for contradictions and signs of overcharging. Many “violent” arrests stem from self-defense or mutual confrontation — not criminal intent.
Fullerton, CA Domestic Violence Lawyer
Allegations between family members or partners in domestic violence cases trigger fast-moving cases with serious fallout. Even a minor incident can lead to jail, restraining orders, and loss of gun rights.
- Corporal Injury (§273.5 PC): Inflicting a visible injury on a spouse, partner, or cohabitant; up to four years in prison.
- Domestic Battery (§243(e)(1) PC): Physical contact without visible injury; misdemeanor punishable by jail and a 52-week Batterer’s Program.
- Stalking (§646.9 PC): Harassment or repeated threats; may be charged as a felony when a protective order exists.
- Child Abuse or Endangerment (§273d / §273a PC): Physical harm or neglect of a child; penalties depend on injury severity.
- Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse (§368 PC): Neglect or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; misdemeanor or felony.
Our Fullerton, CA domestic violence defense lawyers often intervene before charges are filed to prevent long-term protective orders and protect parental custody rights.
Fullerton, CA DUI and Driving Offenses Lawyer
DUI charges can cost you your license, job, and freedom — even without an accident. Our team defends both standard and aggravated DUIs across Fullerton and Orange County.
- VC §23152(a)-(g): Standard alcohol, drug, and combined influence DUIs, including special 0.04% thresholds for commercial and rideshare drivers.
- VC §23153: DUI causing injury — a wobbler offense with felony exposure.
- PC §191.5(a)-(b): Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, with or without gross negligence.
- PC §187: “Watson” murder for repeat DUIs with implied malice; 15 years to life.
We handle DMV hearings, breath/blood test challenges, and field sobriety disputes. In Fullerton, DUI cases are prosecuted aggressively, but early defense can secure reductions to “wet reckless” or outright dismissals.
Fullerton, CA Sex Crimes Lawyer
Few accusations carry more stigma or long-term fallout than a sex crime charge. In California, these cases are prosecuted aggressively — often with little physical evidence and heavy reliance on statements or digital records. Convictions can mean lifetime registration, restrictive probation, and mandatory counseling programs.
- Sexual Battery (§243.4 PC): Unwanted touching of intimate body parts for sexual arousal or abuse. Depending on force or restraint, it can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony.
- Rape (§261 PC): Non-consensual sexual intercourse by force, fear, threats, or when the victim is incapacitated. Often charged under California’s “One Strike” law when aggravating factors exist.
- Lewd Acts with a Minor (§288 PC): Any sexual touching or act with a child under 14. One of the most serious sex offenses under California law, carrying up to 8 years or more in prison per count.
- Indecent Exposure (§314 PC): Willfully exposing one’s genitals in public or to offend another. Repeat offenses can lead to felony charges and mandatory registration.
- Child Pornography (§311 Series): Possessing, producing, or distributing sexual material involving minors — including digital content. Penalties depend on volume, distribution, and prior history.
- Solicitation or Communication with a Minor (§288.3–288.4 PC): Online or text-based contact with someone believed to be a minor for sexual purposes. Intent alone can lead to felony charges.
Most sex crime convictions require registration under Penal Code §290 — a tiered system that can last 10 years, 20 years, or for life. Our Fullerton, CA sex crimes defense lawyers focus on dismantling weak evidence early, challenging inconsistent statements, and preventing charges that trigger mandatory registration or lifetime supervision.
Fullerton, CA Drug Crimes Lawyer
California’s drug laws range from minor possession to major trafficking. Convictions can affect employment, licensing, and immigration, even when no jail time is imposed.
- HS §11350: Possession of controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, meth, or certain pills without a prescription.
- HS §11351 / §11352: Possession for sale or transportation of narcotics; felony charges with mandatory sentencing ranges.
- HS §11357–§11360: Marijuana-related offenses, including unlicensed cultivation or distribution.
Our Fullerton, CA criminal defense lawyers challenge search warrants, traffic stops, and lab analysis to expose constitutional violations. Drug diversion or treatment programs may be available for first-time offenders.
Fullerton, CA Theft and Property Crimes Lawyer
Property offenses often depend on the value of what was taken and how it was obtained. A misdemeanor can quickly escalate to a felony if prosecutors allege force, breaking and entering, or prior convictions.
- PC §484 / §487: Petty and grand theft — misdemeanor or felony depending on value (threshold $950).
- PC §459: Burglary — entering a building with intent to commit theft or another felony.
- PC §503: Embezzlement — misuse of property entrusted by an employer or client.
- PC §496: Receiving stolen property — often overcharged when possession alone is disputed.
Fullerton, CA White Collar and Cyber Crimes Lawyer
Economic crimes often involve complex paper or digital trails. A single transaction can trigger felony charges if prosecutors allege intent to defraud.
- PC §470: Forgery — falsifying signatures or documents for financial gain.
- PC §530.5: Identity theft — using another person’s identifying information.
- PC §502: Unauthorized computer access — “hacking” or data theft.
These cases hinge on electronic evidence — our Fullerton, CA criminal defense attorneys employ digital forensic experts to expose gaps, spoofing, or shared account access that prosecutors overlook.
Fullerton, CA Gang-Related Offenses Lawyer
Orange County prosecutors often file “gang enhancements” to increase exposure even when the accused isn’t an active gang member. These allegations can transform a probation-eligible offense into a life sentence.
- PC §186.22: Gang participation and enhancements — adds up to 10 years (or more) if a crime is alleged to benefit or be directed by a criminal street gang.
- Predicate crimes: Any qualifying underlying felony — robbery, assault, vandalism, narcotics sales, or firearm possession — can serve as the base for a gang enhancement.
Our defense strategy dissects these allegations by challenging “expert” gang testimony, supposed affiliations, and social media evidence that prosecutors misinterpret as proof of membership.
The Criminal Process in Fullerton, CA
- Investigation & Pre-File: Detectives gather statements, surveillance, or digital data. Our Fullerton, CA defense attorneys intervene early to present exculpatory evidence and sometimes stop charges before they start.
- Arrest & Bail: Most Fullerton arrests go through the Fullerton Jail before arraignment at the North Justice Center. We fight for own-recognizance release or reduced bail.
- Arraignment: First court appearance where charges are read, pleas are entered, and discovery begins.
- Pretrial: We file suppression motions under PC §1538.5 and dismissal motions under PC §995 to challenge evidence and probable cause.
- Trial: Jury selection, witness cross-examination, and expert testimony. Chesley attorneys are known for rigorous preparation and willingness to take cases to verdict.
- Post-Conviction: Expungements (PC §1203.4), reductions (PC §17(b)), and record sealing (PC §851.91).
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions in Fullerton, CA
California law allows judges and prosecutors wide discretion in sentencing. Even when jail time is avoided, the collateral damage can be life-changing. The state doesn’t use “classes” of felonies or misdemeanors like many others — instead, the law focuses on how severe the offense is, the defendant’s record, and whether it qualifies as a “strike” under the Three Strikes Law.
Criminal Penalties
- Felonies: The most serious crimes, such as robbery, rape, or major drug offenses. Penalties range from probation and fines to several years or even life in state prison depending on the statute and aggravating factors.
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses, like petty theft or simple battery. These carry up to one year in county jail and smaller fines but still result in a criminal record that can affect employment, licensing, and immigration.
- “Wobblers”: Crimes that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors based on the circumstances and the prosecutor’s discretion. Common examples include assault with a deadly weapon and certain fraud or theft offenses. A good defense can often persuade the court or DA to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor under PC §17(b).
- “Strike” Felonies: Certain violent or serious felonies count as “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law (§667 PC). A second strike conviction doubles the sentence for the new offense. A third strike can lead to a sentence of 25 years to life.
- Fines and Restitution: From hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars depending on offense type and victim claims.
- Probation or Prison: Most felonies carry formal probation options; some require mandatory time due to enhancements.
- Enhancements: Great bodily injury (§12022.7), firearm (§12022.5), and gang (§186.22) allegations can add years to sentences or eliminate probation eligibility.
Collateral Consequences
- Employment and Licensing: Convictions can block work in education, healthcare, or government positions.
- Immigration: Crimes involving violence, theft, or drugs may lead to deportation or denial of naturalization.
- Firearms: Federal law bars gun ownership after most felony or domestic violence convictions.
- Housing and Education: Landlords and universities often screen criminal records.
- Social and Family Impact: Protective orders, custody restrictions, and loss of professional reputation can linger long after the case ends.
Criminal Defense Strategies That Win Cases in Fullerton, CA
We treat every case like it’s headed to trial — because prosecutors offer better deals when they know we’re ready to fight.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: Suppress evidence from illegal traffic stops, home entries, or phone searches.
- Miranda and Interrogation Violations: Challenge involuntary or coerced confessions.
- Faulty Forensics: DNA, fingerprint, and drug tests can be contaminated or misread; we retain independent experts.
- Witness Credibility: Cross-examining inconsistent or biased testimony to reveal motive or error.
- Gang Allegation Defense: Contest “expert” gang opinions, social media posts, and supposed affiliations that lack real-world proof.
- Mitigation and Alternatives: We humanize clients with evidence of employment, family support, treatment, and restitution—often the difference between jail and alternatives like work release, community labor, counseling, or probation.
Pre-File Intervention
The best result is the case that never gets filed. When clients contact us early, we assemble a targeted pre-file packet: witness statements, digital records (texts, GPS data, video), treatment enrollment, and legal arguments showing why charges should be declined or reduced. Many “gang” and domestic cases are charged on thin evidence; early advocacy can prevent a felony filing, avoid registrable counts, or secure a non-strike alternative.
If we can't get your case dismissed or reduced, we are prepared to fight for you in court all the way through a "not guilty" verdict at trial.
What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Trial-Ready Experience: A record of motions practice and jury trials in serious felonies, not just quick pleas.
- Technical Literacy: Comfort with forensics, digital evidence, and suppression law (PC §1538.5, §995).
- Gang & Enhancement Savvy: Proven strategies against §186.22, §12022.7, and firearm add-ons that can multiply sentences.
- Access to Experts: Investigators, toxicologists, digital forensic analysts, psychologists, and mitigation specialists.
- Communication & Discretion: Clear updates, realistic expectations, and strict confidentiality from first call to final result.
Why Choose the Law Offices of David S. Chesley for Your Criminal Defense in Fullerton, CA?
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, the experience of your defense team makes the difference. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you’re not hiring one lawyer — you’re getting an entire team of former judges, senior district attorneys, and veteran defense attorneys with decades of collective experience fighting cases just like yours.
- Proven Leadership: Our team includes former judges and senior prosecutors who know exactly how the other side builds its case — and how to dismantle it.
- Award-Winning Defense: Recognized as one of California’s Best DUI & Criminal Defense Firms for over 10 years, and Clients’ Choice Award winners 15 years running.
- 24/7 Availability: Criminal charges don’t keep business hours. Neither do we. Our attorneys are available day and night to step in when you need help most.
- Team-Based Strategy: Every case is reviewed by multiple attorneys to build the strongest possible defense from every angle.
- 50+ Years of Combined Experience: We’ve handled thousands of criminal cases across California — from misdemeanors to major felonies — with a track record of dismissals, reductions, and acquittals.
When your future is at stake, don’t face the system alone. Contact our Fullerton office today for a free, confidential consultation — and get a defense team that knows how to win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Cases in Fullerton, CA
Should I talk to police if I’m innocent?
No. Politely assert your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Innocent people get charged when they try to “clear things up” without counsel.
Can charges be dropped if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press?
The prosecutor makes the decision, not the complaining witness. A reluctant or inconsistent witness helps, but cases often proceed anyway.
What is a “wobbler” offense?
A crime that can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. With the right strategy, wobblers can be reduced to misdemeanors now or later via PC §17(b).
Will I go to jail on a first offense?
It depends on the charge and enhancements. Even in felony cases, alternatives like treatment, work programs, or electronic monitoring may be available with proper mitigation.
Can I clear my record after the case?
Many convictions can be dismissed under PC §1203.4; some felonies can be reduced to misdemeanors under §17(b). Arrests can sometimes be sealed under §851.91.
Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fullerton, CA
You’re more than a police report. The earlier we get involved, the more leverage we have to control bail, shape charges, and suppress bad evidence. Call (714) 770-8738 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with a Fullerton criminal defense attorney today.
