Criminal defense lawyers in Canoga Park, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Canoga Park, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, 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 you're finding yourself needing a experienced Canoga Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Canoga Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're delaying, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California is often very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference for your future freedom.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney 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 unintentionally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Talking to a Canoga Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Canoga Park, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Canoga Park, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do while in custody, in order to improve the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Making a scene, trying to escape, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are questioned by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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 prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together whatever data you have on the charges and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Canoga Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
The Role of a Canoga Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will go about your case 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.
- Build a mighty defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- 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 move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Categories Our Canoga Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Canoga Park, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Canoga Park, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Canoga Park, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Canoga Park, 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 facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Canoga Park, 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 particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Canoga Park, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a Canoga Park, 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Canoga Park, CA.
What You Want in a Canoga Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Canoga Park, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Canoga Park, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Canoga Park, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Understand Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, 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 Canoga Park, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. 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've received acclaim from both clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Canoga Park, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Canoga Park, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
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, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Canoga Park, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
If I'm arrested in Canoga Park, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the state 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Canoga Park, 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 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 the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Canoga Park, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Talk to one of our representatives today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense right away.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Canoga Park, CA:
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