Criminal defense lawyers in Rancho Cordova, CA. A Rancho Cordova, 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're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you need to contact a leading Rancho Cordova, 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 see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're hesitating, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Beyond this, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to accidentally give the district attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Working with a Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. 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.
Rancho Cordova, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Rancho Cordova, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthen your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, trying to get away, or harming the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interrogated by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Rancho Cordova, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all facts you have on your case and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with an expert Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Craft a fierce defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, dissect the state's case against you, and create 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. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Rancho Cordova, CA criminal charge, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Some of the most common Rancho Cordova, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Rancho Cordova, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Rancho Cordova, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. 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. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Rancho Cordova, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Finding the Right Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Rancho Cordova, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- 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.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Transparent Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Rancho Cordova, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take 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 believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Rancho Cordova, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about 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 – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Advantages of Working With Our Rancho Cordova, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Rancho Cordova, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. 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.
W're known for our success amongst 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 offer reasonable payment plans, and you can speak to one of our team members 24/7 if you have any questions or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Rancho Cordova, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Rancho Cordova, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
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, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Rancho Cordova, 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 Rancho Cordova, 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 government keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
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 consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Rancho Cordova, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Talk to one of our representatives 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 building your case today.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Rancho Cordova, CA:
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