Criminal defense lawyers in Brea, CA. A Brea, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you urgently need a Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the state is working on its case. California is often very harsh in sentencing, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference for your future freedom.
What's more, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Talking to a Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. 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.
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 can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Brea, CA
Nobody in Brea, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, to improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Brea, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be 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 able to go about your life prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever facts you have regarding the charges and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
The Role of a Brea, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about 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.
- Create a high-level defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Brea, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Brea, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Brea, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Brea, 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. 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
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Brea, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Brea, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert Brea, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Brea, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
When you call our Brea, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – 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 explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Brea, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. But if your case does reach a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can get in touch with us any day and any time if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Brea, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. 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 Brea, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
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, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you without a warrant.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Brea, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Brea, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Contact us today – the Brea, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Brea, CA:
Payment Plans
