Criminal defense lawyers in Daly City, CA. Nobody in Daly City, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're searching for a leading Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to offhandedly give the police evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Contacting a Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, 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 constantly prepared for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Arrested in Daly City, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Daly City, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, to maximize your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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. Being able to go about your life before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever information you have regarding your case and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Daly City, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we listen to you first, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your future.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a rock-solid defense through motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, dissect the state's case against you, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Categories Our Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Daly City, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Daly City, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Daly City, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Daly City, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Daly City, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Daly City, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a strong defense against these charges. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Daly City, CA.
What You Want in a Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Daly City, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Daly City, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Learn Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the District Attorney – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
Why Choose Our Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can speak to one of our team members any day and any time 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 Daly City, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. 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 Daly City, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Daly City, 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.
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 arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for 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 is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Daly City. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Don't wait – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Daly City, CA:
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