Criminal defense lawyers in Banning, CA. Nobody in Banning, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you need a experienced Banning, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
For any criminal charges in Banning, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Banning, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Additionally, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unintentionally give the prosecuting attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Connecting with a Banning, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Banning, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
The arrest process in Banning, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interviewed by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being released prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document all findings you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Banning, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Banning, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve 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 give our clients superb representation by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Build a strong defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Banning, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Banning, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Banning, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Banning, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Banning, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Banning of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Banning, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Banning, 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 strong defense against these charges. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Banning, CA.
What To Look For in Your Banning, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Banning, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Banning, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Banning, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Connect With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Banning, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Banning, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Banning, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Banning, CA, residents have regarding 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, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Banning, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do criminal records in Banning, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in Banning, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With Our Banning, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Banning, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Reach out right away – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Banning, CA:
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