Criminal defense lawyers in Alameda, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Alameda, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're searching for a Alameda, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Alameda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is often very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to carelessly give the police evidence they can use against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Hiring a Alameda, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Arrested in Alameda, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Alameda, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do while in custody, in order to enhance the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Speak With an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Alameda, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together whatever findings you have related to the charges and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier Alameda, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
How Our Alameda, CA, 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 start with your story, we both craft a defense specific to you and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Craft a rock-solid defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Categories Our Alameda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys 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. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Alameda, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. 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 Alameda, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. 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
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Alameda, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Alameda, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Alameda, CA, is murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Alameda, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Alameda, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Choosing 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 – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Alameda, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Alameda, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Evaluate Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether 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 explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll battle against the state 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 explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Alameda, 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 can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both 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 offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Alameda, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, 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 Alameda, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 authorities keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Alameda, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You deserve top-notch representation. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Call now – the Alameda, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case right now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Alameda, CA:
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