Criminal defense lawyers in Brea, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Brea, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and this situation requires a Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Leading Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
On a related note, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the state evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Speaking with a Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense 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 always available for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Brea, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Brea, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps while in custody, in order to strengthen your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, running, or attacking the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interrogated by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to 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): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to go about your life prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect all findings you have regarding your case and share it with your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying 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.
- Craft a high-level defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you clear your record after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Types Our Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Brea, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Brea, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Brea, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Brea of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Brea, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Brea, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Brea, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a leading Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Brea, CA.
What You Want in a Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Brea, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within 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.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Brea, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Examine Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – 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, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- 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 – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Brea, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. As premier Brea, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us any day and any time if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Brea, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Brea, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
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.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Brea, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Brea, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do criminal records in Brea, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Brea. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Brea, CA, charges you're facing, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Reach out right away – 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 building your defense the minute we get in touch.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Brea, CA:
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