Criminal defense lawyers in Chatsworth, CA. Everyone in Chatsworth, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you have to call a leading Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're pausing, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
What's more, the longer you spend on your own, the more chances you have to offhandedly give the state evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally making your case harder to fight.
Reviewing your case with a Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Chatsworth, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Chatsworth, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, 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.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the government officials, 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 – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Chatsworth, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize any information you have on your defense and share it with your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Chatsworth, 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 of our individual-tailored approach, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We assist you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Build a strong defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Categories Our Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Chatsworth, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Some of the most common Chatsworth, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Chatsworth, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Chatsworth, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person 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 Chatsworth, CA that's as significant as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What To Look For in Your Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Chatsworth, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Partnering with the right 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 – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Chatsworth, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Connect With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Chatsworth, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Chatsworth, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members at all times if you have any questions or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Chatsworth, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Chatsworth, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
If I'm arrested in Chatsworth, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, 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.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest 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 without a warrant.
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 are the advantages of plea bargaining in Chatsworth, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Chatsworth, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Reach out right away – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Chatsworth, CA:
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