Criminal defense lawyers in La Habra, CA. A La Habra, 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 made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're searching for a La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
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 leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're delaying, the state is working on its case. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the prosecuting attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Working with a La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. 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 available at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in La Habra, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in La Habra, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to strengthen your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, trying to get away, or attacking the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being able to go about your life prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document all data you have regarding the charges and share it with your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. 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.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a strong defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in La Habra, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in La Habra, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In La Habra, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run 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. 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 La Habra, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
La Habra, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. 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 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
When you're facing murder charges in La Habra, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need an expert La Habra, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our La Habra, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take 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 believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Learn 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, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- 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, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure 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 break down the prosecution's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our La Habra, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can call us any time of day if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in La Habra, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions La Habra, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a La Habra, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
Why do people plea bargain in La Habra, 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. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in La Habra, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney 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 building your case without delay.
We also can help in the following legal areas in La Habra, CA:
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