Criminal defense lawyers in Sunnyvale, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Sunnyvale, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a experienced Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 our results speak for themselves. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Sunnyvale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're holding back, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the prosecution evidence that hurts you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Hiring a Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Sunnyvale, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Sunnyvale, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while in custody, to increase your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to escape, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the investigators, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Sunnyvale, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- 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. Staying out of jail prior to a 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 collect whatever facts you have related to your defense and share it with your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Sunnyvale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We will go about your case 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.
- Prepare a strong defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Case Types Our Sunnyvale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Sunnyvale, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Sunnyvale, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Sunnyvale, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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:
Theft Charges
Sunnyvale, 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. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Sunnyvale, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Sunnyvale, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need an expert Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Sunnyvale, CA.
What To Look For in Your Sunnyvale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our Sunnyvale, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. 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, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Sunnyvale, 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.
Our connections in Sunnyvale, CA, courts allow us to get 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.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Sunnyvale, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Sunnyvale, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Sunnyvale, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Sunnyvale, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
If I'm arrested in Sunnyvale, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state 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?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Sunnyvale, 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. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're up against the Sunnyvale, CA, prosecutor, you need a strong defense strategy. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Don't wait – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison the minute we get in touch.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Sunnyvale, CA:
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