Criminal defense lawyers in Calabasas, CA. Nobody in Calabasas, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a 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 were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're looking for a premier Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Even worse, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be accidentally making it harder on yourself.
Connecting with a Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 available at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Calabasas, CA
Being arrested in Calabasas, CA, is a very stressful event. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to enhance your chances of a positive outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interviewed by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Calabasas, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- 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 able to act freely before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should document any information you have related to the charges and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Create a rock-solid defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Calabasas, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Calabasas, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Calabasas, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. 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
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Calabasas, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Calabasas, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert Calabasas, 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.
Contact our legal team for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Calabasas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Calabasas, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Calabasas, CA, Court System 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 sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Calabasas, 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 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for 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 dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, 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.
Why Choose Our Calabasas, 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 the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
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, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from 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 speak to one of our team members any day and any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Calabasas, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Calabasas, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Calabasas, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 warrant.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. The state uses 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 Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Calabasas, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Call now – 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 defending your freedom immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Calabasas, CA:
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