Criminal defense lawyers in Chico, CA. Everyone in Chico, 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 bad decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and this situation requires a Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect 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 leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Chico, 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 biding your time, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Plus, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to unintentionally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that could be used to convict you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Reaching out to a Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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 get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Arrested in Chico, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Chico, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, to enhance your odds of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are questioned by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Chico, 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): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Securing your freedom before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document all information you have on your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 we listen to you first, we both craft a defense specific to you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We give our clients superb representation 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.
- Build a mighty defense through motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
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. Some of the most common Chico, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Chico, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We will fight against any of the following charges in Chico:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Chico, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. 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
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Chico, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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.
Contact our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Chico, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Chico, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Learn Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Advantages of Working With Our Chico, 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 the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. As premier Chico, 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 you can get in touch with us at any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Chico, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, 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 Chico, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Chico, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – 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 place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
How does sentencing work in Chico, CA?
In Chico, 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 allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Whatever Chico, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to one of our representatives today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story today.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Chico, CA:
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