Criminal defense lawyers in Anaheim, CA. A Anaheim, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're in need of a premier Anaheim, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
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 boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Anaheim, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California is often very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference for your future freedom.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Connecting with a Anaheim, 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 fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Anaheim, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Anaheim, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do during the arrest proceedings, in order to improve the likelihood of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Acting out, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should organize whatever facts you have regarding the charges and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Anaheim, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
The Role of a Anaheim, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Build a high-level defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- 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 future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our Anaheim, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Anaheim, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Anaheim, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Anaheim, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. 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 Anaheim, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We will fight against any of the following charges in Anaheim:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Anaheim, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. 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 socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Anaheim, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Anaheim, CA, is murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Anaheim, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What You Want in a Anaheim, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Anaheim, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Anaheim, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Anaheim, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Understand Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Anaheim, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts 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. 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've received acclaim from both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Anaheim, CA, court. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us regardless of the time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
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 convicted of a crime in Anaheim, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Anaheim, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in Anaheim, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Anaheim, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 case as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Anaheim, CA:
Payment Plans
