Criminal defense lawyers in Concord, CA. Nobody in Concord, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a experienced Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, 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 allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference the outcome of your case.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unittingly give the police evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reaching out to a Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Concord, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Concord, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do while in custody, in order to increase your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or attacking the government officials 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 investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is 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 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 organize all facts you have on your case and share it with your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a effective defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. 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 Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Concord, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Concord, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing 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 Concord, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Concord, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Concord, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a leading Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Concord, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Picking 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 – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- 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.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Concord, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
When you call our Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our Concord, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Concord, CA, courts allow us to get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives 24/7 if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Concord, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Concord, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do criminal records in Concord, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in Concord, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Concord. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Concord, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Don't wait – 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 crafting your case right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Concord, CA:
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