Criminal defense lawyers in Century City, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Century City, CA 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 had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're waiting, the the evidence against you is piling up. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
On a related note, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Speaking with a Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Century City, CA
Being arrested in Century City, CA, is a very stressful event. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are interrogated by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 released before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together whatever facts you have on your case and provide it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 make a defense in a way that works best for you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Create a high-level defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- 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 labels to control you.
Case Categories Our Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Century City, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Century City, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Century City, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Century City, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. 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 can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Century City, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Century City, CA.
How to Pick a Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Century City, CA:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Century City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Understand Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll scrutinize the state's case 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 appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our Century City, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our connections in Century City, CA, courts allow us to get 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, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have a strong reputation with both former clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us any time of day if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Century City, 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 without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Century City, 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 investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Century City, 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.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Century City, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Century City, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do criminal records in Century City, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
Why do people plea bargain in Century City, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Century City, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Century City, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison immediately.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Century City, CA:
Payment Plans
