Criminal defense lawyers in Bellflower, CA. Nobody in Bellflower, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're searching for a premier Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. 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 consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're biding your time, the the evidence against you is piling up. California is known for being very tough on crime, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Additionally, the longer you spend on your own, the more chances you have to inadvertently give the state evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Contacting a Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 around the clock for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Bellflower, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Bellflower, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to improve the likelihood of a positive outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Making a scene, trying to escape, or harming the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Bellflower, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document any findings you have on your case and send it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a potent defense.
The Role of a Bellflower, 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 create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Researching 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.
- Build a effective defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, dissect the state's case against you, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, 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 after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers 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. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Bellflower, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. 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 Bellflower, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Bellflower, 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. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Bellflower, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a Bellflower, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. 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 to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Bellflower, CA.
How to Pick a Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Bellflower, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- 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 – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Bellflower, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. 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 persuading the jury.
When you call our Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Examine Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Bellflower, CA, courts allow us to 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 won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. Our rates are affordable, and you can get in touch with us at any time if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Bellflower, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Bellflower, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Bellflower, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Bellflower, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Bellflower, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Talk to one of our representatives today – the Bellflower, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison at once.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Bellflower, CA:
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