Criminal defense lawyers in Century City, CA. Everyone in Century City, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you have to call a leading Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Century 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 the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference for your future freedom.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your 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 always prepared for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Century City, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Century City, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice during and after an arrest, in order to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to get away, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out 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 potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather all data you have regarding the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you 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.
- Craft a strong defense often consisting of motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Century City, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Century City, CA, include:
- 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 are prosecuted harshly in Century City, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Century City, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We will fight against any of the following charges in Century City:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Century 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. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. 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 Century City, CA that's as significant as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Century City, CA.
What To Look For in Your Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Century City, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Century City, 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 never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Century City, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us 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 won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Century City, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. 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 Century City, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, errors can always happen, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you even if they don't have 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 plea bargaining work in California?
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 allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Century City, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Contact us today – 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 telling your side of the story without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Century City, CA:
Payment Plans
