Criminal defense lawyers in Watsonville, CA. Nobody in Watsonville, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need to contact a Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
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 top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're holding back, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is often very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
On top of that, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to inadvertently give the police evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Finding a Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney 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.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Watsonville, CA
Nobody in Watsonville, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps during and after an arrest, in order to maximize your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to get away, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Securing your freedom before a trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any findings you have related to your defense and send it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
How Our Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Craft a effective defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Categories Our Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Watsonville, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Watsonville, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Watsonville, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Watsonville, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Watsonville, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
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 Watsonville, CA:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Watsonville, CA.
What You Want in a Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Watsonville, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Positive Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Watsonville, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Understand Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our Watsonville, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our connections in Watsonville, CA, courts allow us to get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. 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've received acclaim from 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 don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us around the clock if you need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Watsonville, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Watsonville, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Watsonville, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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 Watsonville, CA, criminal defense attorney.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Watsonville, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact Our Watsonville, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're up against the Watsonville, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Contact us 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 building your case the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Watsonville, CA:
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