Criminal defense lawyers in South Gate, CA. Everyone in South Gate, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you need to contact a premier South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
For any criminal charges in South Gate, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're lagging, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Plus, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the state evidence that could be used to convict 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.
Finding a South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. 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 ready 24/7 for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Arrested in South Gate, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in South Gate, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice while in custody, to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, running, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – 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. Staying out of jail prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document any evidence you have on your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
How Our South Gate, 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 take the time to get to know you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your future.
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 high-level defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in South Gate, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Traffic charges we commonly defend in South Gate, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in South Gate, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. If you're accused in South Gate of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
South Gate, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. 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. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in South Gate, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier South Gate, CA, law firm to protect your rights. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in South Gate, CA.
Top Qualities for a South Gate, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in South Gate, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the South Gate, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Learn Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense 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.
The Advantages of Working With Our South Gate, 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 will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. 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 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 upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives 24/7 if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in South Gate, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, 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 South Gate, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a South Gate, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
If I'm arrested in South Gate, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can place you under arrest without a court order.
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 is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in South Gate, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Reach out right away – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison today.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in South Gate, CA:
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