Criminal defense lawyers in Bakersfield, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Bakersfield, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you have to call a Bakersfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Bakersfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference the outcome of your case.
On top of that, the longer you spend on your own, the more chances you have to accidentally give the prosecution evidence against you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Calling a Bakersfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 ready at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Bakersfield, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Nobody in Bakersfield, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or harming the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interrogated by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Bakersfield, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document any data you have on your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Bakersfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
How Our Bakersfield, 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 we take the time to get to know you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Build a powerful defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case reaches a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Areas of Expertise for Our Bakersfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Bakersfield, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Bakersfield, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI 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. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Bakersfield, 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 facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Bakersfield, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. 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 socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Bakersfield, CA, are as grave as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a leading Bakersfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. 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 to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Bakersfield, CA.
Finding the Right Bakersfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Bakersfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not all law firms are created equal. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Bakersfield, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Bakersfield, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Study Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Advantages of Working With Our Bakersfield, 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 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 a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and 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 speak to one of our team members 24/7 if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Bakersfield, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Bakersfield, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Bakersfield, 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 convicted of a crime in Bakersfield, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Bakersfield, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do criminal records in Bakersfield, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 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 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 allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Bakersfield, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in 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 telling your side of the story right now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Bakersfield, CA:
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