Criminal defense lawyers in Manhattan Beach, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Manhattan Beach, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. 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 roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you need to contact a premier Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Manhattan Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're biding your time, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Additionally, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to accidentally give the state 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 unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Working with a Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 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.
Manhattan Beach, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Manhattan Beach, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Manhattan Beach, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document whatever data you have related to your case and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Manhattan Beach, 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 take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your future.
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.
- Create a fierce defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Manhattan Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Manhattan Beach, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Manhattan Beach, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. 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 Manhattan Beach, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Manhattan Beach, 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. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Manhattan Beach, CA that's as significant as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need an expert Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Manhattan Beach, CA.
What You Want in a Manhattan Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Manhattan Beach, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. 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, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Negotiate With the State – We have experience with crafting 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 deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Manhattan Beach, 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 the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. Our rates are affordable, and you can speak to one of our team members at all times if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Manhattan Beach, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Manhattan Beach, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Manhattan Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest without a court order.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in Manhattan Beach, 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. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Manhattan Beach, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Don't wait – 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 at once.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Manhattan Beach, CA:
Payment Plans
