Criminal defense lawyers in San Luis Obispo, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a San Luis Obispo, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you have to call a experienced San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Leading San Luis Obispo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're holding back, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Beyond this, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the state evidence they can use against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Talking to a San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, 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 available for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in San Luis Obispo, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in San Luis Obispo, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps during the arrest proceedings, to increase your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to go about your life before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather any facts you have related to your case and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
The Role of a San Luis Obispo, 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 of our individual-tailored approach, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a effective defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, 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 move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our San Luis Obispo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in San Luis Obispo, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In San Luis Obispo, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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 San Luis Obispo, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Luis Obispo, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. 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. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in San Luis Obispo, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a leading San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in San Luis Obispo, CA.
What To Look For in Your San Luis Obispo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in San Luis Obispo, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in San Luis Obispo, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Examine Your Case – 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, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that protects your interests.
- 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 explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier San Luis Obispo, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
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, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives any day and any time if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Luis Obispo, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions San Luis Obispo, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a San Luis Obispo, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in San Luis Obispo, CA?
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. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in San Luis Obispo, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Don't wait – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case right now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in San Luis Obispo, CA:
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