Criminal defense lawyers in Beverly Hills, CA. A Beverly Hills, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're looking for a premier Beverly Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Whatever the case is, 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 with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Beverly Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference for your future freedom.
On top of that, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to accidentally give the state evidence against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Finding a Beverly Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 ready at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Beverly Hills, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Beverly Hills, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps during and after an arrest, in order to enhance your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, running, or harming the police won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Beverly Hills, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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. Being able to act freely before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect all facts you have on your case and provide it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Beverly Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Beverly Hills, 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 of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
Our team will support you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Craft a high-level defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Beverly Hills, 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 focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Beverly Hills, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License 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. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Beverly Hills, 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. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Beverly Hills, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Beverly Hills, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Beverly Hills, CA, law firm to protect your rights. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Beverly Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Beverly Hills, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Beverly Hills, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Beverly Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate 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, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll scrutinize the state'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 take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
Why Choose Our Beverly Hills, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and legal experts. As premier Beverly Hills, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can speak to one of our team members around the clock if you have any questions or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Beverly Hills, 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 Beverly Hills, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Beverly Hills, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. 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 crafting your case right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Beverly Hills, CA:
Payment Plans
