Criminal defense lawyers in Del Mar, CA. Everyone in Del Mar, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you're looking for a experienced Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference for your future freedom.
Plus, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to accidentally give the police evidence that could be used to convict you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Connecting with a Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. 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.
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 available around the clock for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
How to Handle an Arrest in Del Mar, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Del Mar, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthe your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Causing trouble, trying to get away, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to a Lawyer: 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): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being released prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Document Everything: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect whatever information you have related to the charges and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Del Mar, 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 your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Craft a powerful defense typically featuring motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Del Mar, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Del Mar, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Del Mar, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Del Mar, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Del Mar, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Del Mar, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. 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. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Del Mar, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Del Mar, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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.
Get in touch with our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Del Mar, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the Del Mar, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
When you call our Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Understand Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. 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 favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. 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.
We've received acclaim from both former 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 offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available whenever you need to if you need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Del Mar, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Del Mar, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities 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?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you without a court order.
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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Del Mar, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Speak with one of our lawyers now – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Del Mar, CA:
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