Criminal defense lawyers in National City, CA. Nobody in National City, 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 you've been falsely accused, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a experienced National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're pausing, the state is working on its case. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Even worse, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to accidentally give the prosecution evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Reviewing your case with a National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in National City, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in National City, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, to enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interrogated by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in National City, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- 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. Being released before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document any evidence you have regarding your defense and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
The Role of a National City, 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 we take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for 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.
- Build a fierce defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's National City, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common National City, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Resisting Arrest
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in National City, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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:
Theft Charges
National City, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. 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 particularly heinous ones to be accused of. 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 National City, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in National City, CA, is murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in National City, CA.
What To Look For in Your National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but some stand out from the rest. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in National City, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our National City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the State – We'll look for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in National City, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions National City, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
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 save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in National City, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Start working on your case today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in National City, CA:
Payment Plans
