Criminal defense lawyers in Montebello, CA. A Montebello, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need a leading Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is often very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to unintentionally give the prosecution evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently digging a deep hole for yourself.
Speaking with a Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock 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.
Montebello, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Montebello, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take this advice during the arrest proceedings, in order to increase your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, trying to get away, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document any data you have related to your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
How Our Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Craft a rock-solid defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Categories Our Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Montebello, CA criminal charge, and are equipped to defend against anything in Montebello, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
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. Some of the most common Montebello, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Montebello, CA. 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 Montebello, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Montebello, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. 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 socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Montebello, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Montebello, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Montebello, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Montebello, CA.
What You Want in a Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Montebello, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Montebello, 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, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Learn Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Montebello, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and legal experts. As premier Montebello, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're transparent in our pricing, and our phones are available any day and any time if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Montebello, 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 it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Montebello, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, 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.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Montebello, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Montebello, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Montebello, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Speak with one of our lawyers now – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense right now.
We also provide the following legal services in Montebello, CA:
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