Criminal defense lawyers in Manteca, CA. Nobody in Manteca, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need to contact a Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
For any criminal charges in Manteca, 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 boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're pausing, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On top of that, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the prosecution evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Talking to a Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyer early 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.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Manteca, CA
The arrest process in Manteca, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, in order to maximize your chances of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to get away, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Speak With a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Manteca, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should document whatever findings you have related to your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Manteca, 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 your defense should be centered around you, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a mighty defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Manteca, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side 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 Manteca, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. 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:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Brandishing a Weapon
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Manteca, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Manteca of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Manteca, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Manteca, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Manteca, CA that's as significant as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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.
Reach out to our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Manteca, CA.
Finding the Right Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Manteca, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- 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 – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Manteca, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Connect With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- 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 show reasonable doubt 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 verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Manteca, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our connections in Manteca, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by 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 make it easy to understand the costs, and you can talk to one of our representatives at any time if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Manteca, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. Most people feel very stressed, 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 Manteca, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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 a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
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 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. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Don't wait – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Manteca, CA:
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