Criminal defense lawyers in Porterville, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Porterville, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you need a premier Porterville, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Porterville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're holding back, the state is working on its case. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the police evidence that could be used to convict you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Calling a Porterville, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Porterville, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Porterville, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following while in custody, to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Porterville, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Porterville, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely prior to a 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 put together whatever findings you have related to your defense and share it with your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Porterville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Porterville, 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 we have a client-centered focus, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a fierce defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, display the flaws in the state's case, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Types Our Porterville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Porterville, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Porterville, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Porterville, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Porterville, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Porterville, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Porterville, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
How to Pick a Porterville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Porterville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Porterville, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
When you call our Porterville, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – 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.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney 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 file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Porterville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us 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, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both former clients and legal experts. As premier Porterville, 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 get in touch with us any day and any time if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Porterville, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Porterville, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Porterville, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Porterville, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Porterville, 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.
If I'm arrested in Porterville, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 without 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 are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Porterville, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Porterville, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Porterville, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Talk to an attorney today – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense at once.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Porterville, CA:
Payment Plans
