Criminal defense lawyers in Pittsburg, CA. A Pittsburg, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you have to find a leading Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
On a related note, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to unittingly give the state evidence that hurts you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently setting a trap for yourself.
Calling a Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available 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.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Pittsburg, CA
Nobody in Pittsburg, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to improve the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, running, or harming the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interviewed by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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 able to go about your life before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather all information you have regarding the charges and send it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Pittsburg, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and understand the impact we have on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Create a mighty defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Pittsburg, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Pittsburg, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Pittsburg, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Pittsburg, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Pittsburg, 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 Pittsburg of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Pittsburg, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Pittsburg, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Pittsburg, CA. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Pittsburg, 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Top Qualities for a Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower 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 – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Pittsburg, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Pittsburg, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Understand Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Pittsburg, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Pittsburg, 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 the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're top-rated by both 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 time of day if you have any questions or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Pittsburg, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Pittsburg, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, 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.
If I'm arrested in Pittsburg, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state 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 arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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 handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Pittsburg, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Contact us today – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Pittsburg, CA:
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