Criminal defense lawyers in Woodland Hills, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Woodland Hills, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to find a Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're lagging, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
What's more, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Reaching out to a Woodland Hills, 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 utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer 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 available around the clock for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Woodland Hills, CA
Being arrested in Woodland Hills, CA, is a very stressful event. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following during and after an arrest, to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, running, or attacking the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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 able to go about your life prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather whatever data you have on your case and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we listen to you first, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We will go about your case 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.
- Design a mighty defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Categories Our Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Woodland Hills, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Woodland Hills, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Some of the most common Woodland Hills, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Woodland Hills, CA. 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. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Woodland Hills, 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 accused in Woodland Hills of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Woodland Hills, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Woodland Hills, CA that's as significant as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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 lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Woodland Hills, CA.
How to Pick a Woodland Hills, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Woodland Hills, 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 never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and persuading the jury.
When you call our Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Examine Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue 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, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Woodland Hills, 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 counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available at all times if you learn something new about your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Woodland Hills, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Woodland Hills, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Woodland Hills, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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 the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
Why do people plea bargain in Woodland Hills, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Woodland Hills, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. 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 building your defense right away.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Woodland Hills, CA:
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