Criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, California. Everyone in Los Angeles hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
What's more, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to accidentally give the state evidence against you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Hiring a Los Angeles, California, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Los Angeles
Arrests are high-tension situations in Los Angeles. 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 maximize your chances of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, running, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Los Angeles are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom before a trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather whatever information you have on your case and share it with your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
How Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we listen to you first, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Build a strong defense using motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we can reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Los Angeles, California. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Los Angeles, California, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Los Angeles, California, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Los Angeles, California theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Los Angeles, California. Whether intentional on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Los Angeles, California, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Los Angeles Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the state and persuading the jury.
When you call our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Learn Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Los Angeles 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 the way the prosecution builds its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top–rated by 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're upfront with our fees, and our phones are available 24/7 if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Los Angeles
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Los Angeles residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, mistakes can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest 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.
How does sentencing work in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Los Angeles, California, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Don't wait – 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 defense today.
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