Criminal defense lawyers in Chula Vista, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're searching for a Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever the case is, 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 successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Chula Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Even worse, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unintentionally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Contacting a Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer 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 available at all times for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Chula Vista, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Chula Vista, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: If you are interviewed by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – be sure one of them is 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 give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all data you have regarding your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Chula Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 we have a client-centered focus, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our lawyers help you 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 powerful defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. 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 get a clean slate once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Chula Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Chula Vista, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Chula Vista, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Chula Vista, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Chula Vista, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. 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. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Chula Vista, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Chula Vista, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a leading Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Chula Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Transparent Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Chula Vista, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Chula Vista, 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:
- Learn Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the State – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Chula Vista, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us 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 former clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Chula Vista, CA, court. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can call us 24/7 if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Chula Vista, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Chula Vista, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Chula Vista, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Do criminal records in Chula Vista, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, 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. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You deserve top-notch representation. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Talk to one of our representatives today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison right now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Chula Vista, CA:
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