Criminal defense lawyers in Citrus Heights, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you urgently need a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're delaying, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is often very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the prosecution evidence against you. 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 making it harder on yourself.
Reaching out to a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. 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.
Arrested in Citrus Heights, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Citrus Heights, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Here's what to do during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Citrus Heights, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- 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 released prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize whatever information you have related to your defense and make copies to show your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about 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.
- Build a strong defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Citrus Heights, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Citrus Heights, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Citrus Heights, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Citrus Heights, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. 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 often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Citrus Heights, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Citrus Heights, CA, law firm to protect your rights. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Citrus Heights, CA.
What You Want in a Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Citrus Heights, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- 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.
- Clear Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our Citrus Heights, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Research Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Citrus Heights, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can call us at any time if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Citrus Heights, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Citrus Heights, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Citrus Heights, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Citrus Heights, 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.
If I'm arrested in Citrus Heights, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you without a court order.
Why do people plea bargain in Citrus Heights, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Citrus Heights. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. 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.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Citrus Heights, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Don't wait – 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 building your defense now.
We also provide the following legal services in Citrus Heights, CA:
Payment Plans
