Criminal defense lawyers in Antioch, CA. A Antioch, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you're searching for a Antioch, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading Antioch, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
On top of that, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Working with a Antioch, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Antioch, CA
The arrest process in Antioch, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Antioch, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should organize any information you have regarding the charges and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Antioch, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
How Our Antioch, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we start with your story, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
We approach each case by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Craft a mighty defense through motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our Antioch, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Antioch, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Antioch, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Antioch, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Antioch, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Antioch, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Antioch, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Antioch, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Antioch, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Antioch, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Antioch, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Study Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Antioch, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're upfront with our fees, and our phones are available at any time if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Antioch, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Antioch, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Antioch, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you without a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Antioch. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our Antioch, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Antioch, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Start working on your case today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story today.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Antioch, CA:
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