Criminal defense lawyers in Redondo Beach, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're looking for a premier Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
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 leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Redondo Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're holding back, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California is often very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Reaching out to a Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. 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 available at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Redondo Beach, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Redondo Beach, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to get away, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With 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 attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Redondo Beach, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released before a trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any findings you have on your defense and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Redondo Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Prepare a effective defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you clear your record after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Areas of Expertise for Our Redondo Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
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 Redondo Beach, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Redondo Beach, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Redondo Beach, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Redondo Beach of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Redondo Beach, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Redondo Beach, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Redondo Beach, CA.
Finding the Right Redondo Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Redondo Beach, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. 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 – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- 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 – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Redondo Beach, 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. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Redondo Beach, 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:
- Evaluate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- 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 present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Redondo Beach, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Redondo Beach, CA, court. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Redondo Beach, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Redondo Beach, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Redondo Beach, 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?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
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.
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 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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Redondo Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Redondo Beach, CA, prosecutor, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Don't wait – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom and protecting your rights.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Redondo Beach, CA:
Payment Plans
