Criminal defense lawyers in Camarillo, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Camarillo, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you need to contact a experienced Camarillo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. 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 tell us about your case online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Leading Camarillo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're lagging, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Beyond this, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to unconsciously give the district attorney evidence they can use against you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Speaking with a Camarillo, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. 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.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Camarillo, CA
The arrest process in Camarillo, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, to enhance your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Speak With a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out 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. Securing your freedom before a trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever facts you have on the charges and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Camarillo, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Camarillo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because we start with your story, we both build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about 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 mighty defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Areas of Expertise for Our Camarillo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Camarillo, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Camarillo, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Camarillo, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- 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 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. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Camarillo, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We will fight against any of the following charges in Camarillo:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Camarillo, 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 often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Camarillo, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a Camarillo, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What To Look For in Your Camarillo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Camarillo, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- 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 – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Camarillo, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the state and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Camarillo, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Examine Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – 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 explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our Camarillo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
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. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Camarillo, CA, court. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available at all times if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Camarillo, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. 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 Camarillo, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do criminal records in Camarillo, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 place you under arrest without a court order.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in Camarillo, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Camarillo. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Camarillo, CA, charges you're facing, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at 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 hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense right away.
We also provide the following legal services in Camarillo, CA:
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