Criminal defense lawyers in Berkeley, CA. Nobody in Berkeley, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
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 top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California can be very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Plus, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the police evidence against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Berkeley, CA
Being arrested in Berkeley, CA, is a very stressful event. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps while in custody, in order to strengthe your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, running, or fighting the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Berkeley, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Securing your freedom before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should organize whatever data you have on your defense and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Berkeley, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Build a rock-solid defense through motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Areas of Expertise for Our Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Berkeley, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
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. Some of the most common Berkeley, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Berkeley, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Resisting Arrest
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Berkeley, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Berkeley, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person 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
When you're facing murder charges in Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
Finding the Right Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Berkeley, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- 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.
How We Fight in the Berkeley, 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're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and convincing the jury.
When you call our Berkeley, 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:
- Learn Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – 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.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case 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 Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Berkeley, 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 the way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our connections in Berkeley, CA, courts allow us to get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of 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. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available whenever you need to if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Berkeley, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Berkeley, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Berkeley, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – 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 warrant.
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 get through cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Berkeley, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Reach out right away – the Berkeley, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Berkeley, CA:
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