Criminal defense lawyers in Indio, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Indio, 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 spouse is being charged, and you're looking for a experienced Indio, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any of these reasons, or more, 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. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Indio, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're lagging, the the evidence against you is piling up. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
On top of that, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence they can use 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 a trap for yourself.
Finding a Indio, CA, criminal defense lawyer early 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 attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 constantly prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Indio, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Indio, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or fighting the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interviewed by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Indio, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect whatever evidence you have on your defense and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with the right Indio, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
How Our Indio, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Create a rock-solid defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Indio, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Indio, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Indio, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Indio, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Indio, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Indio, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Indio, 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. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Indio, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Indio, CA that's as significant as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Indio, 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.
Contact our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
How to Pick a Indio, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Indio, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Indio, CA:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Indio, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Indio, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Indio, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Indio, CA, court. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can call us at all times if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Indio, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Indio, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Indio, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Indio, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Do criminal records in Indio, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – 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 detain 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Indio, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Indio, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Start working on your case today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case as soon as possible.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Indio, CA:
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