Criminal defense lawyers in Pasadena, CA. Everyone in Pasadena, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. 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 child called you from jail, and you're searching for a Pasadena, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading Pasadena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're holding back, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
What's more, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to inadvertently give the prosecution evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Finding a Pasadena, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Pasadena, CA
Nobody in Pasadena, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, in order to improve the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, running, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Pasadena, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather any information you have related to the charges and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Pasadena, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Pasadena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your future.
We give our clients superb representation 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.
- Craft a mighty defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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 at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Pasadena, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Pasadena, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Pasadena, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Pasadena, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Pasadena, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Pasadena, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Pasadena, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Pasadena, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier Pasadena, CA, law firm to protect your rights. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Pasadena, CA.
Finding the Right Pasadena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Pasadena, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With 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 – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Pasadena, 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. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Pasadena, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- 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.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Pasadena, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our connections in Pasadena, CA, courts allow us to get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of 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 clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Pasadena, CA, court. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us around the clock if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Pasadena, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Pasadena, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Pasadena, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Pasadena, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can the police arrest me without 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.
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.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Pasadena, CA?
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. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Pasadena, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. 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 – 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 defending your freedom now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Pasadena, CA:
Payment Plans
