Criminal defense lawyers in Citrus Heights, CA. A Citrus Heights, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you need a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're hesitating, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
On a related note, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to inadvertently give the prosecution 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 unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Connecting with a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Citrus Heights, CA
Nobody in Citrus Heights, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during and after an arrest, to enhance your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to get away, or fighting the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Citrus Heights, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Citrus Heights, 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 be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize whatever findings you have regarding your case and share it with your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
How Our Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 take the time to get to know you, we both build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our team will support you 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.
- Prepare a effective defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. 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 get a clean slate after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Areas of Expertise for Our Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Citrus Heights, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Rioting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Citrus Heights, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
Theft Charges
Citrus Heights, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Citrus Heights, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Citrus Heights, CA, is murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning 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 lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Citrus Heights, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Citrus Heights, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. 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.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – 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, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Look for Deals With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- 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 – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. 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.
W're known for our success amongst both former clients and legal experts. As premier Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and you can call us at all times if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Citrus Heights, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Citrus Heights, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Citrus Heights, 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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you without a warrant.
Why do people plea bargain in Citrus Heights, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Citrus Heights, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Talk to one of our representatives today – 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 immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Citrus Heights, CA:
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