Criminal defense lawyers in Cerritos, CA. A Cerritos, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're looking for a Cerritos, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Cerritos, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're pausing, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference for your future freedom.
Additionally, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to carelessly give the police evidence for their case. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Calling a Cerritos, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Cerritos, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Being arrested in Cerritos, CA, is a very stressful event. 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 increase the probability of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, trying to get away, or harming the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: When you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Find an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out 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 trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all findings you have related to your case and provide it to your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Cerritos, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Cerritos, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Prepare a strong defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Cerritos, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Cerritos, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Cerritos, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Cerritos, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Cerritos, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Cerritos, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Cerritos, CA.
Top Qualities for a Cerritos, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Cerritos, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Cerritos, CA:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Cerritos, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Gather Info About Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the District Attorney – 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 challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story 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.
What You Can Expect From Our Cerritos, 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.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. As premier Cerritos, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can call us whenever you need to if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Cerritos, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Cerritos, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Cerritos, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Cerritos, 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.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, 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 place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
How does sentencing work in Cerritos, CA?
In Cerritos, 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 are the advantages of plea bargaining in Cerritos, CA?
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. District attorneys use 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 Future Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Cerritos, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You deserve top-notch representation. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Talk to an attorney today – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison right now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Cerritos, CA:
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