Criminal defense lawyers in Chatsworth, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you're looking for a premier Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the state is working on its case. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to carelessly give the state evidence that hurts you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Contacting a Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Chatsworth, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Being arrested in Chatsworth, CA, is a very stressful event. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps while in custody, to strengthe your odds of a good outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Acting out, running, or attacking the law enforcement officers 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: If you are interrogated by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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. Being able to go about your life prior to a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should collect all facts you have regarding your defense and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
The Role of a Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Craft a fierce defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. 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 clear your record after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Chatsworth, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Chatsworth, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Chatsworth, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Chatsworth, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Chatsworth, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Chatsworth of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Chatsworth, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone 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
It's hard to thing of a charge in Chatsworth, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a leading Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer on 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Chatsworth, CA.
How to Pick a Chatsworth, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Chatsworth, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar 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 – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the Chatsworth, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Examine Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, 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 file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our Chatsworth, 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.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can get in touch with us around the clock if you need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Chatsworth, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, 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 Chatsworth, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Chatsworth, 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 criminal records in Chatsworth, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 without a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
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 often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Chatsworth, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. 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.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Call now – 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 building your defense right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Chatsworth, CA:
Payment Plans
