Criminal defense lawyers in Cathedral City, CA. Everyone in Cathedral City, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're in need of a Cathedral City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Cathedral City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're pausing, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Contacting a Cathedral City, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 ready at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Cathedral City, CA
Being arrested in Cathedral City, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call 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): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being released before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should collect all facts you have on your case and send it to your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Cathedral City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Cathedral City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because we start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a rock-solid defense through motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Areas of Expertise for Our Cathedral City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Cathedral City, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Cathedral City, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Cathedral City, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Cathedral City, 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. If you're accused in Cathedral City of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Cathedral City, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Cathedral City, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Cathedral City, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Cathedral City, CA.
Top Qualities for a Cathedral City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Cathedral City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive 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.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Cathedral City, 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 believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Cathedral City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Defend Your Liberty 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 – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Cathedral City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Cathedral City, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives at all times if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Cathedral City, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Cathedral City, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Cathedral City, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
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 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. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Cathedral City, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Cathedral City, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Get in touch as soon as possible – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Cathedral City, CA:
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