Criminal defense lawyers in Delano, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Delano, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you have to call a experienced Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Leading Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more possible it is to unintentionally give the prosecution 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 setting a trap for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Delano, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Delano, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to increase the probability of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to 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): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document any information you have on your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying 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.
- Prepare a mighty defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Case Types Our Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Delano, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Delano, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Delano, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Delano, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Delano, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
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. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Delano, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Delano, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- 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.
Top Qualities for a Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Delano, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Delano, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Investigate 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, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Delano, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. As premier Delano, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to 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 Delano, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Delano, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Delano, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Delano, 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.
If I'm arrested in Delano, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, 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.
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 arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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 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
When you're facing charges in Delano, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Call now – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Delano, CA:
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