Criminal defense lawyers in Madera, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Madera, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to find a experienced Madera, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Madera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're waiting, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Contacting a Madera, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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 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 don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
Arrested in Madera, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Arrests are high-tension situations in Madera, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Making a scene, trying to get away, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- 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 be invaluable.
- Document Everything: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together any findings you have related to your case and provide it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Madera, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Madera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we start with your story, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Researching 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.
- Craft a high-level defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Madera, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our Madera, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run 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. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Madera, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Madera, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Madera, 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. 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 for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Madera, CA.
Finding the Right Madera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Madera, 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. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. 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.
- Connections Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Madera, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Madera, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- 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 possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, without excessive bail.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Madera, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
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. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have an esteemed reputation with both former 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 our phones are available at any time if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Madera, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Madera, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Madera, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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 stay on your record for life in Madera, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Do criminal records in Madera, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you without a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
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. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Madera, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Call now – the Madera, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Madera, CA:
Payment Plans
