Criminal defense lawyers in Chico, CA. Everyone in Chico, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you need a premier Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're lagging, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is often very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Plus, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to unconsciously give the police evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Contacting a Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Chico, CA
The arrest process in Chico, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, in order to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, running, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are questioned by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Chico, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather all findings you have related to your case and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Prepare a high-level defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a 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. 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 both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Areas of Expertise for Our Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Chico, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
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 Chico, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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 Chico, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. 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
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Chico, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. 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. 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
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Chico, CA. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What To Look For in Your Chico, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Good 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.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Chico, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
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 don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the state and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Chico, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Look for Deals With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Chico, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and experts. As premier Chico, 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 our phones are available regardless of the time if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Chico, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Chico, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Chico, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
If I'm arrested in Chico, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a warrant.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
What is plea bargaining?
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. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Chico, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. 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. Talk to one of our representatives today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Chico, CA:
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