Criminal defense lawyers in Torrance, CA. Everyone in Torrance, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're in need of a Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're lagging, 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 letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to inadvertently give the state evidence that could be used to convict 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 inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Finding a Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Torrance, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Torrance, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take this advice while going through the arrest process, to enhance the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Torrance, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- 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 potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should collect whatever evidence you have related to your defense and send it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with an expert Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
The Role of a Torrance, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying 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 through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Areas of Expertise for Our Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Torrance, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Torrance, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Torrance, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. 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 Torrance, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. 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
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Torrance, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Torrance, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Torrance, CA, law firm to protect your rights. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Torrance, CA.
How to Pick a Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Torrance, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- 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.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Torrance, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
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 start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Torrance, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the State – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
Why Choose Our Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Torrance, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Torrance, CA, court. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives whenever you need to if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Torrance, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Torrance, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Torrance, 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.
Do criminal records in Torrance, CA, include arrests?
Yes, 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 a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Torrance, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Torrance, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Start working on your case today – 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 telling your side of the story today.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Torrance, CA:
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