Criminal defense lawyers in Westlake Village, CA. A Westlake Village, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're looking for a experienced Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
For any of these reasons, or more, 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. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Leading Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the state evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reaching out to a Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Westlake Village, CA
Nobody in Westlake Village, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, running, or attacking the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Westlake Village, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is 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. Being released before a trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather any data you have regarding your case and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because we start with your story, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Prepare a strong defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Westlake Village, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Westlake Village, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Westlake Village, 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. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Westlake Village, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Westlake Village, 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. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Westlake Village, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Westlake Village, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but some stand out from the rest. Partnering 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 – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- 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.
The Steps Our Westlake Village, 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. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Understand Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the State – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and present a convincing defense 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 Westlake Village, 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 counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get 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, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
W're known for our success amongst both former clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives at any time if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Westlake Village, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Westlake Village, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Westlake Village, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
If I'm arrested in Westlake Village, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Westlake Village, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Westlake Village. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Westlake Village, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Westlake Village, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Call now – the Westlake Village, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case and protecting your rights.
We also provide the following legal services in Westlake Village, CA:
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