Criminal defense lawyers in Cupertino, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Cupertino, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to find a Cupertino, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Whatever you need help facing, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Cupertino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're biding your time, the the evidence against you is piling up. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference for your future freedom.
Beyond this, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to accidentally give the state evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Speaking with a Cupertino, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always available for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Arrested in Cupertino, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Cupertino, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, in order to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Cupertino, 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): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all information you have on the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right Cupertino, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
How Our Cupertino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Build a mighty defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is 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 district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Areas of Expertise for Our Cupertino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Cupertino, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Cupertino, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Cupertino, 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. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Cupertino, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. 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 Cupertino, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Cupertino, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Cupertino, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at 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 attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Cupertino, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Cupertino, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Cupertino, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Cupertino, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Cupertino, 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 will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can call us at all times if you 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 Cupertino, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Cupertino, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Cupertino, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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 Cupertino, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Cupertino, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
How does sentencing work in Cupertino, CA?
In Cupertino, 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
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Cupertino. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, 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
For any criminal charges in Cupertino, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Get in touch as soon as possible – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Cupertino, CA:
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