Criminal defense lawyers in Elk Grove, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Elk Grove, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need to contact a experienced Elk Grove, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
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 our results speak for themselves. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading Elk Grove, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're holding back, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has historically been very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Even worse, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the police evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Speaking with a Elk Grove, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Elk Grove, CA
Nobody in Elk Grove, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to enhance your odds of a positive outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – be sure one of them is 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 before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather all information you have regarding your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier Elk Grove, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Elk Grove, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We give our clients superb representation 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.
- Create a strong defense typically featuring motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Areas of Expertise for Our Elk Grove, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Elk Grove, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing 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. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Brandishing a Weapon
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Elk Grove, 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. If you're accused in Elk Grove of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Elk Grove, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Elk Grove, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier Elk Grove, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Elk Grove, CA.
Top Qualities for a Elk Grove, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Elk Grove, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Elk Grove, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. 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 gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Elk Grove, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Evaluate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our Elk Grove, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members any day and any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Elk Grove, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Elk Grove, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Elk Grove, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Elk Grove, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – 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 place you under arrest without 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 Elk Grove, CA?
In Elk Grove, 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
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. The state uses them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Elk Grove, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Elk Grove, 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 here to help.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. 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 building your case as soon as possible.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Elk Grove, CA:
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