Criminal defense lawyers in Hanford, CA. A Hanford, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you have to find a experienced Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is 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.
Beyond this, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to inadvertently give the prosecuting attorney evidence against you. 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.
Working with a Hanford, 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 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 always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Hanford, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Hanford, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interviewed by the government officials, 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 – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Hanford, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together all facts you have regarding the charges and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Hanford, 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 we listen to you first, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Create a strong defense typically featuring motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. 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 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 allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Hanford, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys 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. Some of the most common Hanford, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Hanford, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Hanford of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Hanford, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. 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. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Hanford, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Contact our legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Hanford, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Hanford, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Learn Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Hanford, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
You can hear about our stellar performance from 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 Hanford, CA, court. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us at any time if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hanford, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Hanford, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Hanford, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Hanford, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in Hanford, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you without 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.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Hanford, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Reach out right away – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Hanford, CA:
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