Criminal defense lawyers in El Monte, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a El Monte, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a premier El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
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 leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Beyond this, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to accidentally give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Calling a El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always ready for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in El Monte, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in El Monte, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, to enhance your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to get away, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the authorities, 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 – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in El Monte, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather any findings you have on your defense and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because we start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Create a rock-solid defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in El Monte, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our El Monte, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in El Monte, 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. We will fight against any of the following charges in El Monte:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
El Monte, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in El Monte, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in El Monte, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need an expert El Monte, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in El Monte, CA.
How to Pick a El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Working with 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 – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our El Monte, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our El Monte, 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:
- Learn Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Connect With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our El Monte, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in El Monte, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It can be hard just to move forward, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions El Monte, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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 El Monte, 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 El Monte, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
Why do people plea bargain in El Monte, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in El Monte, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 defending your freedom right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in El Monte, CA:
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