Criminal defense lawyers in Carson, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Carson, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to find a experienced Carson, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Leading Carson, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're hesitating, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has a reputation for being very punishing towards convicts, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Plus, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unittingly give the state evidence against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Talking to a Carson, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
How to Handle an Arrest in Carson, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Carson, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Remain Silent: If you are interviewed by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Carson, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is 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 released before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize whatever information you have regarding your defense and send it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Carson, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Carson, 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 have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a mighty defense by filing motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our Carson, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Carson, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common Carson, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Carson, CA. 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 Carson, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We will fight against any of the following charges in Carson:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Carson, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Carson, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Carson, CA, law firm to protect your rights. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Carson, CA.
How to Pick a Carson, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Carson, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Carson, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
When you call our Carson, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll battle against the state at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Carson, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Carson, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
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 highly regarded by both former clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can call us at any time if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Carson, 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 Carson, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Carson, 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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 place you under arrest without a warrant.
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.
How does sentencing work in Carson, CA?
In Carson, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, 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.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Carson, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Speak with one of our lawyers now – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Carson, CA:
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