Criminal defense lawyers in Sherman Oaks, CA. A Sherman Oaks, 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 you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a experienced Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Sherman Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're hesitating, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference for your future freedom.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the district attorney evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Calling a Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Sherman Oaks, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Sherman Oaks, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase the probability of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, trying to escape, or attacking the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Sherman Oaks, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 able to act freely prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should document all facts you have regarding your case and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
How Our Sherman Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Craft a high-level defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a 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 give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Sherman Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Sherman Oaks, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common Sherman Oaks, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Sherman Oaks, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. 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 Sherman Oaks, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We will fight against any of the following charges in Sherman Oaks:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Sherman Oaks, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Sherman Oaks, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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 legal team with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Sherman Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Sherman Oaks, CA:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Connect With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Sherman Oaks, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have a strong reputation with both former clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available at any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Sherman Oaks, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Sherman Oaks, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
If I'm arrested in Sherman Oaks, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
Why do people plea bargain in Sherman Oaks, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Get in touch as soon as possible – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story today.
We also provide the following legal services in Sherman Oaks, CA:
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