Criminal defense lawyers in San Marcos, CA. A San Marcos, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you urgently need a San Marcos, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Leading San Marcos, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is often very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference the outcome of your case.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the prosecution evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Speaking with a San Marcos, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer 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 ready at all times for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in San Marcos, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in San Marcos, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Being difficult, running, or attacking the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in San Marcos, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Being released before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document any evidence you have related to your defense and send it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled San Marcos, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a strong defense.
The Role of a San Marcos, 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 have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a strong defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
San Marcos, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in San Marcos, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In San Marcos, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in San Marcos, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We will fight against any of the following charges in San Marcos:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
San Marcos, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
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
Few charges in San Marcos, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Reach out to our legal team to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in San Marcos, CA.
Top Qualities for a San Marcos, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in San Marcos, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the San Marcos, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. 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 satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our San Marcos, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Understand Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument 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.
What You Can Expect From Our San Marcos, 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 the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense 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. As premier San Marcos, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available regardless of the time if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in San Marcos, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Marcos, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
If I'm arrested in San Marcos, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 arrest you without a court order.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in San Marcos, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. 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. Talk to one of our representatives today – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story right away.
We also provide the following legal services in San Marcos, CA:
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