Criminal defense lawyers in Buena Park, CA. Nobody in Buena Park, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you're looking for a premier Buena Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
For any criminal charges in Buena Park, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Buena Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Beyond this, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to unintentionally give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reaching out to a Buena Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 ready 24/7 for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Arrested in Buena Park, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Buena Park, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice while in custody, to improve the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interviewed by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to act freely prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document any evidence you have on your defense and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Buena Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Buena Park, 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 we take the time to get to know you, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and make decisions based on the broader effects on your future.
Our team will support you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a high-level defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display 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 when applicable. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Case Categories Our Buena Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Buena Park, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. 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 Buena Park, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Buena Park, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We will fight against any of the following charges in Buena Park:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Buena Park, 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. 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. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Buena Park, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a Buena Park, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our legal team if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Buena Park, CA.
What You Want in a Buena Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Buena Park, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Working with 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 – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- 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 – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Buena Park, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Buena Park, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, 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 – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Buena Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Buena Park, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Buena Park, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Buena Park, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Buena Park, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Buena Park, 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?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
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 without a court order.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
How does sentencing work in Buena Park, CA?
In Buena Park, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
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 manage their high caseloads, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Buena Park, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Get in touch as soon as possible – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense at once.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Buena Park, CA:
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