Criminal defense lawyers in Azusa, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Azusa, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you have to call a experienced Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're lagging, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Additionally, the longer you spend on your own, the more likely you are to offhandedly give the district attorney evidence against you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently digging a deep hole for yourself.
Calling a Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
Arrested in Azusa, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Arrests are high-tension situations in Azusa, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your odds of a positive outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: If you are interrogated by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one 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 potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any findings you have related to your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Azusa, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We will go about your case by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a mighty defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, dissect the state's case against you, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Azusa, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Azusa, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Azusa, CA. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Azusa, 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. If you're accused in Azusa of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Azusa, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. 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
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Azusa, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
Finding the Right Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Azusa, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both former clients and experts. As premier Azusa, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Azusa, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It can be hard just to move forward, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Azusa, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Azusa, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you without a court order.
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 is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Azusa, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Talk to an attorney 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 and protecting your rights.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Azusa, CA:
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