Criminal defense lawyers in Burbank, CA. A Burbank, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're looking for a leading Burbank, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Burbank, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Additionally, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Burbank, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. 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.
Burbank, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Burbank, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do while in custody, to enhance your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Being difficult, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is 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. Being released before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather whatever evidence you have regarding the charges and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Burbank, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
The Role of a Burbank, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Design a effective defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present 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 if needed after the trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Areas of Expertise for Our Burbank, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Burbank, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Burbank, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Some of the most common Burbank, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Burbank, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Burbank, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Burbank of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Burbank, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Burbank, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Burbank, 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Burbank, CA.
Finding the Right Burbank, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Burbank, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Burbank, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. 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.
As soon as you call our Burbank, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Evaluate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – 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 show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll battle against the state at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Advantages of Working With Our Burbank, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our connections in Burbank, CA, courts allow us to 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, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us regardless of the time if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Burbank, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Burbank, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Burbank, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do criminal records in Burbank, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state 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 a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without 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.
How does sentencing work in Burbank, CA?
In Burbank, 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 are the advantages of plea bargaining in Burbank, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Burbank, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Call now – 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 telling your side of the story immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Burbank, CA:
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