Criminal defense lawyers in Calabasas, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Calabasas, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you're in need of a Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to offhandedly give the state evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Hiring a Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Calabasas, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Calabasas, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during and after an arrest, to enhance the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are interrogated by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Calabasas, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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. Staying out of jail before a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should document whatever data you have on your defense and send it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
How Our Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Researching 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 effective defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- 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 let your future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Calabasas, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
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. Our Calabasas, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance 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. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Calabasas, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Calabasas, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. 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
Few charges in Calabasas, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Calabasas, CA.
Top Qualities for a Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Calabasas, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good 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 – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Calabasas, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the state and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Evaluate Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Advantages of Working With Our Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and legal experts. As premier Calabasas, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available whenever you need to if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Calabasas, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Calabasas, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm arrested in Calabasas, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Calabasas, CA?
In Calabasas, 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. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Calabasas, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You deserve top-notch representation. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Start working on your case today – 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 case immediately.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Calabasas, CA:
Payment Plans
