Criminal defense lawyers in Glendora, CA. A Glendora, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. 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 partner was arrested, and you're looking for a leading Glendora, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Glendora, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're hesitating, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Beyond this, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the prosecuting attorney evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Glendora, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense 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 ready 24/7 for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Glendora, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Glendora, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do while in custody, to enhance your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are questioned by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With 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): Most people charged with a crime in Glendora, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together all data you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right Glendora, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Glendora, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Craft a fierce defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Glendora, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Glendora, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Glendora, CA, include:
- 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 Glendora, CA. 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:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Glendora, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
Theft Charges
Glendora, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Glendora, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Glendora, CA. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Glendora, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Glendora, CA.
How to Pick a Glendora, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Glendora, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Partnering 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 – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With 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.
- High Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Glendora, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Glendora, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Glendora, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom 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 connections in Glendora, CA, courts allow us to get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can call us around the clock if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Glendora, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Glendora, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong 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 arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you even if they don't have 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Glendora, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Glendora. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Contact us today – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Glendora, CA:
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