Criminal defense lawyers in Gardena, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Gardena, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you have to call a experienced Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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 our results speak for themselves. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Leading Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're lagging, the state is working on its case. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Additionally, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to carelessly give the police evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Contacting a Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Gardena, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Gardena, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, trying to get away, or harming the police won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together whatever data you have related to your case and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Gardena, 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 of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your life.
We will go about your case 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.
- Prepare a rock-solid defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. 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 get a fresh start once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Gardena, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our Gardena, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Gardena, CA. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Gardena, 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. If you're accused in Gardena of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Gardena, 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. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Gardena, CA that's as significant as murder. 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking 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 – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Gardena, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of 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 file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Gardena, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Gardena, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can call us at all times if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Gardena, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Gardena, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm arrested in Gardena, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for 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 arrest you without a court order.
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.
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.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Gardena, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
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 deserve top-notch representation. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Start working on your case 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 crafting your case as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Gardena, CA:
Payment Plans
