Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Maria, CA. A Santa Maria, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you urgently need a leading Santa Maria, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Santa Maria, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're holding back, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to unconsciously 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 unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Santa Maria, 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 taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Santa Maria, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Santa Maria, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take this advice during the arrest proceedings, to maximize your chances of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- 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 potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect whatever data you have on the charges and share it with your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Santa Maria, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
How Our Santa Maria, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Build a fierce defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging 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, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our Santa Maria, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Santa Maria, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Santa Maria, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common Santa Maria, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Maria, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Maria, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Santa Maria, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Santa Maria, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Santa Maria, CA.
What You Want in a Santa Maria, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Santa Maria, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Santa Maria, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Santa Maria, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – 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 will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll challenge the district attorney 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 Santa Maria, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can call us any time of day if you think of anything you need to ask us or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Maria, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. 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 Santa Maria, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Santa Maria, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do criminal records in Santa Maria, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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.
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.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Santa Maria, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Santa Maria. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Santa Maria, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 at once.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Santa Maria, CA:
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