Criminal defense lawyers in South San Diego, CA. A South San Diego, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're in need of a South San Diego, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading South San Diego, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're pausing, the state is working on its case. California is known for being very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Even worse, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Contacting a South San Diego, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in South San Diego, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Arrests are high-tension situations in South San Diego, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take this advice while going through the arrest process, in order to increase your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, trying to get away, or attacking the police won't do you any good. 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 police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some 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. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should document whatever evidence you have on your case and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier South San Diego, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a South San Diego, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Craft a fierce defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution 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 when applicable. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
South San Diego, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any South San Diego, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in South San Diego, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in South San Diego, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in South San Diego, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in South San Diego, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
South San Diego, 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. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in South San Diego, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in South San Diego, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in South San Diego, CA.
How to Pick a South San Diego, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in South San Diego, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in South San Diego, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. 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 state and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our South San Diego, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Research Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – 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 explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Connect With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our South San Diego, 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 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. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. 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 there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in South San Diego, 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 South San Diego, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a South San Diego, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm convicted of a crime in South San Diego, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in South San Diego, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 arrest you even if they don't have 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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in South San Diego. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Call 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 telling your side of the story right now.
We also provide the following legal services in South San Diego, CA:
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