Criminal defense lawyers in Fountain Valley, CA. A Fountain Valley, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you need to contact a Fountain Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading Fountain Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California can be 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.
What's more, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to inadvertently give the police 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 a trap for yourself.
Connecting with a Fountain Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP 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 convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Fountain Valley, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Fountain Valley, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, running, or harming the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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. Staying out of jail before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should document any findings you have related to your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Fountain Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
The Role of a Fountain Valley, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a strong defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Fountain Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Fountain Valley, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Fountain Valley, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Fountain Valley, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Fountain Valley, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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 attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Fountain Valley, CA.
Top Qualities for a Fountain Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Fountain Valley, 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. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- 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.
The Steps Our Fountain Valley, 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 don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Fountain Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our Fountain Valley, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our connections in Fountain Valley, CA, courts allow us to get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can get in touch with us any time of day if you have any questions or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Fountain Valley, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Fountain Valley, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Fountain Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm arrested in Fountain Valley, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a court order.
How does sentencing work in Fountain Valley, CA?
In Fountain Valley, 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
Why do people plea bargain in Fountain Valley, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Fountain Valley. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney today – 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 building your defense without delay.
We also provide the following legal services in Fountain Valley, CA:
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