Criminal defense lawyers in Vacaville, CA. Nobody in Vacaville, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and this situation requires a experienced Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference for your future freedom.
Even worse, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unintentionally give the police evidence they can use against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently digging a deep hole for yourself.
Connecting with a Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
Vacaville, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Vacaville, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are questioned by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: 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. Being released prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document any information you have regarding your defense and provide it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Vacaville, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both craft a defense specific to you and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will go about your case 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.
- Design a powerful defense using motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Types Our Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Vacaville, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common Vacaville, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Vacaville, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Vacaville of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Vacaville, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Vacaville, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Vacaville, CA.
Finding the Right Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Vacaville, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the right 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 – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Vacaville, 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 don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Study Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll break down the prosecution'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, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Vacaville, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
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. And if your case does end up going before a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have a strong reputation with 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 Vacaville, CA, court. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can call us whenever you need to if you have any questions or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Vacaville, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Vacaville, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Vacaville, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Vacaville, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you without a warrant.
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. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Vacaville, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Vacaville, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Talk to one of our representatives today – 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 and protecting your rights.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Vacaville, CA:
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