Criminal defense lawyers in Livermore, CA. A Livermore, 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 you know someone else actually did it, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you urgently need a leading Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Livermore, 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 delaying, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference for your future freedom.
On top of that, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to unintentionally give the state evidence that could be used to convict you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Talking to a Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 always ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Livermore, CA
The arrest process in Livermore, 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 and after an arrest, to increase the probability of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to escape, or fighting the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them 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 released before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize whatever evidence you have regarding the charges and share it with your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Livermore, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Build a fierce defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Types Our Livermore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Livermore, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Livermore, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI 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. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Livermore, 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 defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Livermore, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. 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 socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Livermore, 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 a strong defense against these charges. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Livermore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Livermore, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. 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.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Livermore, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – 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 argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- 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 explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Livermore, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both former clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can speak to one of our team members around the clock if you learn something new about your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Livermore, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, 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 Livermore, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
If I'm arrested in Livermore, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest without a warrant.
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 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Livermore, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Livermore, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to one of our representatives today – 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 crafting your case the minute we get in touch.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Livermore, CA:
Payment Plans
