Criminal defense lawyers in Ontario, CA. A Ontario, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you've been falsely accused, 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 need to contact a leading Ontario, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Ontario, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Even worse, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Connecting with a Ontario, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer 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 available around the clock for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Ontario, CA
Being arrested in Ontario, CA, is a very stressful event. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthen your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to get away, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather whatever evidence you have regarding your case and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Ontario, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Ontario, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Craft a high-level defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should your charges go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- 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 clean slate once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Areas of Expertise for Our Ontario, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Ontario, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend 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. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Ontario, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Ontario, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Ontario of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Ontario, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Ontario, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our legal team to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Ontario, CA.
Finding the Right Ontario, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Ontario, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
How We Fight in the Ontario, 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. 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, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Ontario, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Examine Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Ontario, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Ontario, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom 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. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can get in touch with us around the clock if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Ontario, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Ontario, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Ontario, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
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 the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Ontario, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Ontario, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Ontario, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Contact us today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom the minute we get in touch.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Ontario, CA:
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