Criminal defense lawyers in Barstow, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Barstow, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you urgently need a experienced Barstow, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Barstow, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the police evidence against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally making it harder on yourself.
Finding a Barstow, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Barstow, CA
Nobody in Barstow, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, to enhance your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to get away, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interrogated by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- 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. Being released prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together all data you have regarding your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading Barstow, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Barstow, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Design a rock-solid defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Areas of Expertise for Our Barstow, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Barstow, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Barstow, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side 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. In Barstow, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance 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. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Barstow, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Barstow of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Barstow, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Barstow, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means 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.
Get in touch with our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
How to Pick a Barstow, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Barstow, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- 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 – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Barstow, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Barstow, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Evaluate Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- 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.
- Look for Deals 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 – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our Barstow, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Barstow, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Barstow, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, 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.
If I'm arrested in Barstow, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can place you under arrest without a court order.
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.
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 manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Barstow, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You deserve top-notch representation. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the Barstow, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Barstow, CA:
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