Criminal defense lawyers in Arcadia, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Arcadia, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you need a leading Arcadia, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Arcadia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're waiting, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets 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 offhandedly give the police evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Connecting with a Arcadia, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Arcadia, CA
Being arrested in Arcadia, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, in order to increase the probability of a favorable outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are questioned by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to go about your life prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should organize all information you have regarding your case and provide it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right Arcadia, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
The Role of a Arcadia, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we start with your story, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We assist you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a powerful defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Arcadia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Arcadia, CA criminal charge, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Arcadia, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Arcadia, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Arcadia, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Arcadia of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Arcadia, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
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. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Arcadia, CA:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Arcadia, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need an expert Arcadia, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Arcadia, CA.
Finding the Right Arcadia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Arcadia, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Arcadia, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
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 convincing the jury.
When you call our Arcadia, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Investigate Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Arcadia, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. As premier Arcadia, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available regardless of the time if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Arcadia, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Arcadia, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Arcadia, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Arcadia, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
If I'm arrested in Arcadia, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities 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 place you under arrest without a court order.
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.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Arcadia, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Arcadia, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Contact us today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Arcadia, CA:
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