Criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, CA. Everyone in Los Angeles, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a premier Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're delaying, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Beyond this, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to carelessly give the district attorney evidence against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Calling a Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to 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 ready 24/7 for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Arrested in Los Angeles, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Los Angeles, 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 while going through the arrest process, in order to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact 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 attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document any findings you have regarding your defense and provide it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a effective defense often consisting of motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Los Angeles, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Los Angeles, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing 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. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Domestic Violence
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Los Angeles, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Los Angeles, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Los Angeles, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our legal team with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Los Angeles, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- 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 present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Los Angeles, 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 the way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can talk to one of our representatives any time of day if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Los Angeles, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Los Angeles, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do criminal records in Los Angeles, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but with a catch – the state 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?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
How does sentencing work in Los Angeles, CA?
In Los Angeles, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Los Angeles, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Los Angeles. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact Our Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Los Angeles, CA, charges you're facing, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Start working on your case 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 telling your side of the story immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Los Angeles, CA:
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