Criminal defense lawyers in Azusa, CA. Everyone in Azusa, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you urgently need a Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is often very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
What's more, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the state evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally making your case harder to fight.
Hiring a Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 begin building your defense from the first call.
Arrested in Azusa, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Nobody in Azusa, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, trying to get away, or attacking the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Azusa, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 released prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all findings you have regarding your case and share it with your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
How Our Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our team will support you by:
- Absorbing 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 typically featuring motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Azusa, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Azusa, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Azusa, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We will fight against any of the following charges in Azusa:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Azusa, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Azusa, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Azusa, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at 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 a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Azusa, CA.
What You Want in a Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Azusa, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and persuading the jury.
When you call our Azusa, 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 want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll deconstruct the case against you 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 file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Azusa, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. As premier Azusa, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can get in touch with us any day and any time if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Azusa, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Azusa, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Azusa, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
If I'm arrested in Azusa, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
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. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With Our Azusa, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Azusa, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Start working on your case today – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison right away.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Azusa, CA:
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