Criminal defense lawyers in Bellflower, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Bellflower, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you urgently need a experienced Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is known for being very harsh in sentencing, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference for your future freedom.
On top of that, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Calling a Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your attorney 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 always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Arrested in Bellflower, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Nobody in Bellflower, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to maximize your chances of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to escape, or harming the police won't do you any good. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Bellflower, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should gather all information you have regarding the charges and share it with your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
The Role of a Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching 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 fierce defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, display the flaws in the state's case, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Case Types Our Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Bellflower, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Bellflower, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Bellflower, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Bellflower, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're accused in Bellflower of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Bellflower, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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 defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Bellflower, 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 strong defense against these charges. 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.
Get in touch with our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What To Look For in Your Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Partnering with the proper 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 – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Bellflower, 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; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Bellflower, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- 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, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Bellflower, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Bellflower, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can get in touch with us 24/7 if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Bellflower, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Bellflower, 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, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you 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 are the advantages of plea bargaining in Bellflower, CA?
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 allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Bellflower, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Reach out right away – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
We also provide the following legal services in Bellflower, CA:
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