Criminal defense lawyers in Covina, CA. A Covina, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you urgently need a Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Leading Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to unittingly give the state evidence they can use against you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Contacting a Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Covina, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Covina, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do while in custody, in order to enhance your odds of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, running, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Covina, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather all findings you have on the charges and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Covina, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Build a rock-solid defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- 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 move forward after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Types Our Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common Covina, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Covina, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Covina, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Covina, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Covina, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Covina, 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive 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.
- Transparent Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Covina, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Covina, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Understand Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll dissect the state'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, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our Covina, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Covina, 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 take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Covina, CA, court. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can call us regardless of the time if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Covina, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Covina, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Covina, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
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 criminal records in Covina, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
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 may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Covina, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 defending your freedom and protecting your rights.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Covina, CA:
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