Criminal defense lawyers in Richmond, CA. Nobody in Richmond, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're searching for a leading Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
For any of these reasons, or more, 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 boast a proven track record of success. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Leading Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're hesitating, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to carelessly give the state 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 inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Contacting a Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 around the clock for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Richmond, CA
The arrest process in Richmond, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, trying to get away, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Richmond, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being released before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together any information you have related to your defense and send it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 listen to you first, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about 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 rock-solid defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side 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 state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- 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 move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Richmond, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Richmond, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
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. Our Richmond, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- 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 Richmond, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Richmond, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're accused in Richmond 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
Richmond, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. 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. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Richmond, CA, is murder. 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 lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Richmond, CA.
Top Qualities for a Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but some stand out from the rest. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. 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 – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Richmond, 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. 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, petrifying the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Richmond, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Research Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Richmond, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our connections in Richmond, CA, courts allow us to get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both former clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can call us 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 Richmond, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Richmond, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Richmond, 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, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do criminal records in Richmond, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a court order.
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.
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. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
When you're up against the Richmond, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. 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.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. 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 building your case without delay.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Richmond, CA:
Payment Plans
