Criminal defense lawyers in La Jolla, CA. A La Jolla, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you're looking for a La Jolla, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever you need help facing, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a La Jolla, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference the outcome of your case.
On top of that, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unittingly give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Working with a La Jolla, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in La Jolla, CA
Nobody in La Jolla, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while in custody, to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, running, or fighting the police won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Find 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): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Securing your freedom before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather any facts you have on your case and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading La Jolla, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading La Jolla, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Build a powerful defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- 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 after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Areas of Expertise for Our La Jolla, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in La Jolla, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in La Jolla, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our La Jolla, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in La Jolla, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We will fight against any of the following charges in La Jolla:
Theft Charges
La Jolla, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in La Jolla, CA, is 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 powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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 attorneys today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What You Want in a La Jolla, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right La Jolla, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our La Jolla, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take 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 start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our La Jolla, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Study Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our La Jolla, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have a strong reputation with both former clients and experts. As premier La Jolla, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives any day and any time if you need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in La Jolla, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions La Jolla, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a La Jolla, 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, nobody is perfect, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level La Jolla, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in La Jolla, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
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 arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in La Jolla, 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. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our La Jolla, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in La Jolla, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 building your defense as soon as possible.
We also provide the following legal services in La Jolla, CA:
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