Criminal defense lawyers in Woodland, CA. Nobody in Woodland, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're in need of a Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Leading Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're hesitating, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to unconsciously give the state evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Reaching out to a Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 constantly prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Woodland, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Arrests are high-tension situations in Woodland, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, in order to enhance your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to get away, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Woodland, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect all evidence you have on your defense and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
The Role of a Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will go about your case 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 utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state 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 when applicable. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Areas of Expertise for Our Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Woodland, CA. 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. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Woodland, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Woodland, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Woodland, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. 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 Woodland, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Woodland, CA. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. 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 lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
Top Qualities for a Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Woodland, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – 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.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Woodland, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
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. But if your case does reach a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Woodland, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can talk to one of our representatives any time of day if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Woodland, 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 it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Woodland, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government 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 place you under arrest without a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
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. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact Our Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Woodland, CA, charges you're facing, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Speak with one of our lawyers now – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case right away.
We also provide the following legal services in Woodland, CA:
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