Criminal defense lawyers in Hemet, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Hemet, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and this situation requires a experienced Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Leading Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're waiting, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to offhandedly give the district attorney evidence for their case. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Calling a Hemet, 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 utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. 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.
Arrested in Hemet, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Hemet, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, trying to get away, or fighting the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interrogated by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- 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. Staying out of jail before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all findings you have regarding your case and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Craft a powerful defense through motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Areas of Expertise for Our Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Hemet, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Hemet, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- 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. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Hemet, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Hemet, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Hemet, CA that's as significant as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a leading Hemet, 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.
Get in touch with our legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What You Want in a Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Hemet, 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. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Positive Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- 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 overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Hemet, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
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; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Hemet, 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:
- Investigate Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Hemet, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both former clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hemet, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Hemet, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Hemet, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – 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?
When an officer has probably cause, 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.
How does sentencing work in Hemet, CA?
In Hemet, 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
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Hemet, CA?
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. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
When you're up against the Hemet, CA, prosecutor, 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. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison at once.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Hemet, CA:
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