Criminal defense lawyers in Monterey Park, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you urgently need a leading Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading Monterey Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're holding back, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
What's more, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the state evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Calling a Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney 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 always available for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Monterey Park, CA
Being arrested in Monterey Park, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthe your odds of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Monterey Park, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together all evidence you have related to the charges and share it with your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Monterey Park, 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 nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your future.
We assist you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Build a fierce defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Categories Our Monterey Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Monterey Park, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Monterey Park, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Monterey Park, 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. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Monterey Park, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We will fight against any of the following charges in Monterey Park:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Monterey Park, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Monterey Park, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need an expert Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Monterey Park, CA.
How to Pick a Monterey Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Monterey Park, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking the right 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 – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Monterey Park, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Gather Info About 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'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- 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 show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Monterey Park, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, 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 a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us any time of day if you need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Monterey Park, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Monterey Park, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Monterey Park, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Monterey Park, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Monterey Park, CA?
In Monterey Park, 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
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, 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 Future Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you need a strong defense strategy. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Start working on your case today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Monterey Park, CA:
Payment Plans
