Criminal defense lawyers in Folsom, CA. Nobody in Folsom, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you need to contact a Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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 our results speak for themselves. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're lagging, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Beyond this, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to unittingly give the police 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 unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Contacting a Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 available 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.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Folsom, CA
The arrest process in Folsom, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest proceedings, to enhance the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Folsom, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Folsom, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize whatever evidence you have on your case and make copies to show your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with an expert Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Folsom, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we start with your story, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Prepare a effective defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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 at the trial's end. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Categories Our Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Folsom, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Folsom, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Folsom, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Folsom, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. 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 Folsom:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Folsom, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. 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 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. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Folsom, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a strong defense against these charges. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Folsom, CA.
Top Qualities for a Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Folsom, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower 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 – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- 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.
- Transparent Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Folsom, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Folsom, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Folsom, 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 talk to one of our representatives regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Folsom, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Folsom, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Folsom, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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 criminal records in Folsom, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you without a warrant.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
Why do people plea bargain in Folsom, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Folsom. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Folsom, CA, prosecutor, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You deserve top-notch representation. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Talk to an attorney today – 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 telling your side of the story at once.
We also provide the following legal services in Folsom, CA:
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