Criminal defense lawyers in San Leandro, CA. A San Leandro, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you need to contact a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is often very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference the outcome of your case.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to accidentally give the district attorney evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Speaking with a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
San Leandro, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in San Leandro, 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 beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: If you are interrogated by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 able to act freely prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather whatever findings you have regarding your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a San Leandro, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Build a high-level defense using motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, 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'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 clear your record once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in San Leandro, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in San Leandro, 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. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our San Leandro, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in San Leandro, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Leandro, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Leandro, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in San Leandro, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in San Leandro, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in San Leandro, CA.
Finding the Right San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the San Leandro, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our San Leandro, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Evaluate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our San Leandro, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our San Leandro, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can get in touch with us at any time if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Leandro, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions San Leandro, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a San Leandro, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you without a court order.
What is plea bargaining?
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 save time, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in San Leandro, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Start working on your case today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom the minute we get in touch.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in San Leandro, CA:
Payment Plans
