Criminal defense lawyers in Fontana, CA. A Fontana, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you urgently need a leading Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Leading Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're delaying, the the evidence against you is piling up. California is known for being very harsh in sentencing, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Speaking with a Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Arrested in Fontana, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Fontana, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthe your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the government officials, 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 – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize any findings you have related to the charges and share it with your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we start with your story, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Craft a fierce defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, display the flaws in the state's case, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Categories Our Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Fontana, CA criminal charge, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Fontana, CA, include:
- 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 Fontana, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Rioting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Fontana, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We will fight against any of the following charges in Fontana:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Fontana, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Fontana, 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. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Fontana, CA.
How to Pick a Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Working with the proper 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 – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- 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 Fontana, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our connections in Fontana, CA, courts allow us to get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have a strong reputation with both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Fontana, CA, court. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Fontana, 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 Fontana, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Fontana, 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.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
How does sentencing work in Fontana, CA?
In Fontana, 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
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Fontana, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Reach out right away – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Fontana, CA:
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