Criminal defense lawyers in Oxnard, CA. A Oxnard, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and this situation requires a premier Oxnard, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Reasons to Find a Oxnard, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference for your future freedom.
Even worse, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the state evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Connecting with a Oxnard, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 available at all times for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Oxnard, CA
Nobody in Oxnard, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, running, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interrogated by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- 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 before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather whatever information you have regarding the charges and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Oxnard, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Oxnard, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 we listen to you first, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will fight for 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 high-level defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and battling 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 show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution 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 if needed after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Categories Our Oxnard, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Oxnard, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Oxnard, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Oxnard, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Oxnard, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Oxnard, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Oxnard, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Oxnard, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What You Want in a Oxnard, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Oxnard, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Oxnard, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
When you call our Oxnard, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Research Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals 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 break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Oxnard, 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 the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. As premier Oxnard, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Oxnard, 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 you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Oxnard, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Oxnard, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
Why do people plea bargain in Oxnard, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Oxnard. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Oxnard, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Oxnard, CA, prosecutor, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Oxnard, CA:
Payment Plans
