Criminal defense lawyers in Berkeley, CA. Nobody in Berkeley, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're looking for a Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Leading Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're pausing, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
On top of that, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the police evidence that could be used to convict you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Working with a Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer 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 always ready for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
How to Handle an Arrest in Berkeley, CA
The arrest process in Berkeley, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, in order to strengthe your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together whatever information you have on your case and send it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with an expert Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in 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.
- Create a powerful defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Berkeley, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Berkeley, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Berkeley, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Berkeley, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Berkeley, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Berkeley, CA, are as grave as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need an expert Berkeley, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Berkeley, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Berkeley, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- 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 – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Berkeley, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Berkeley, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the State – We'll look for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll battle against the state at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our Berkeley, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can get in touch with us at any time if you have any questions or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Berkeley, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Berkeley, 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 it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong 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 Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 arrest you without a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Berkeley. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Berkeley, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Don't wait – 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 crafting your case at once.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Berkeley, CA:
Payment Plans
