Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Ana, CA. A Santa Ana, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you have to call a leading Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Santa Ana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're hesitating, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California is known for being 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 hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to unittingly give the police evidence for their case. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Contacting a Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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 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 can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Santa Ana, CA
The arrest process in Santa Ana, 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. Take this advice while in custody, to enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, attempting to flee, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Santa Ana, 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 potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize any information you have on your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
How Our Santa Ana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 we listen to you first, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Create a high-level defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create 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 if needed after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Categories Our Santa Ana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Santa Ana, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Santa Ana, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Santa Ana, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Ana, 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. If you're accused in Santa Ana of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Ana, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Santa Ana, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need an expert Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Santa Ana, CA.
What To Look For in Your Santa Ana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Ana, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Santa Ana, 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 never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Evaluate Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Santa Ana, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us 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. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can speak to one of our team members at any time if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Ana, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. There's a lot you're trying to find out, 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 Santa Ana, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Santa Ana, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Santa Ana, 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?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – 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.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest without a warrant.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
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. The state uses them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Santa Ana, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Start working on your case 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 defense immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Santa Ana, CA:
Payment Plans
