Criminal defense lawyers in Santa Monica, CA. Nobody in Santa Monica, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're searching for a leading Santa Monica, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Santa Monica, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're biding your time, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to unintentionally give the district attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Calling a Santa Monica, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always prepared for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
Arrested in Santa Monica, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Santa Monica, 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, in order to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to escape, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Santa Monica, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- 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 before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all findings you have regarding the charges and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Santa Monica, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
How Our Santa Monica, 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 craft a defense specific to you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We assist you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a fierce defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Areas of Expertise for Our Santa Monica, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. 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 Santa Monica, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Santa Monica, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Santa Monica, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Santa Monica, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Santa Monica, CA that's as significant as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a Santa Monica, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Santa Monica, CA.
What You Want in a Santa Monica, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Santa Monica, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Santa Monica, 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. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Santa Monica, 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:
- Research Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our Santa Monica, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
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. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available any time of day if you learn something new about your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Santa Monica, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Santa Monica, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Santa Monica, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Santa Monica, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
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.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Santa Monica, 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 manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Santa Monica, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Santa Monica, CA, charges you're facing, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Reach out right away – 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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Santa Monica, CA:
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