Criminal defense lawyers in Lompoc, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Lompoc, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're searching for a leading Lompoc, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Leading Lompoc, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California frequently is very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On top of that, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the police evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Calling a Lompoc, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your 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 ready 24/7 for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Lompoc, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Lompoc, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice while in custody, in order to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, running, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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 act freely before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize any facts you have related to the charges and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Lompoc, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a powerful defense.
How Our Lompoc, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your future.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching 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 often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Types Our Lompoc, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Lompoc, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Lompoc, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a 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 Lompoc, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We will fight against any of the following charges in Lompoc:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lompoc, 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. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Lompoc, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Lompoc, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Lompoc, 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 legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Lompoc, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Lompoc, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Lompoc, 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 start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Lompoc, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Connect With the State – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Lompoc, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Lompoc, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Lompoc, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Lompoc, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Lompoc, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm arrested in Lompoc, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest without a court order.
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 is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Lompoc, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Lompoc, 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.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom and protecting your rights.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Lompoc, CA:
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