Criminal defense lawyers in Carlsbad, CA. Everyone in Carlsbad, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you're in need of a experienced Carlsbad, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Leading Carlsbad, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more likely you are to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that hurts you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Finding a Carlsbad, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense 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 always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Carlsbad, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Carlsbad, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase your odds of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interrogated by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- 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 make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document any information you have regarding your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Carlsbad, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
The Role of a Carlsbad, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a powerful defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Categories Our Carlsbad, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Carlsbad, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Carlsbad, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Domestic Violence
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Carlsbad, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Carlsbad, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Carlsbad, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Carlsbad, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need an expert Carlsbad, 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 lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
Top Qualities for a Carlsbad, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Carlsbad, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Good Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Carlsbad, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Carlsbad, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Learn Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we 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 Carlsbad, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Carlsbad, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both former clients and legal experts. As premier Carlsbad, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can call us regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Carlsbad, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Carlsbad, 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 the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Carlsbad, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Carlsbad, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Carlsbad, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Reach out right away – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Carlsbad, CA:
Payment Plans
