Criminal defense lawyers in Moreno Valley, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Moreno Valley, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you have to find a Moreno Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Moreno Valley, 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 pausing, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the state evidence for their case. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Contacting a Moreno Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always ready 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.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Moreno Valley, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Moreno Valley, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to increase your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Acting out, attempting to flee, or attacking the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are questioned by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Moreno Valley, 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): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to go about your life before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should document all findings you have regarding your case and send it to your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Moreno Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Moreno Valley, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and understand the impact we have on your life.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Design a mighty defense typically featuring motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of 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 be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our Moreno Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Moreno Valley, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Moreno Valley, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Moreno Valley, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Moreno Valley, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Moreno Valley, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Moreno Valley, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Moreno Valley, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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.
Contact our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Top Qualities for a Moreno Valley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Moreno Valley, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Positive Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- 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.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Moreno Valley, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Moreno Valley, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll challenge the district attorney 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 file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Moreno Valley, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. 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.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can get in touch with us any day and 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 Moreno Valley, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It can be hard just to move forward, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Moreno Valley, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Moreno Valley, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Moreno Valley, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
If I'm arrested in Moreno Valley, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government 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 police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
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 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 save time, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Moreno Valley, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. 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 building your case right now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Moreno Valley, CA:
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