Criminal defense lawyers in Colton, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Colton, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you need a premier Colton, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Colton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to offhandedly give the police evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Speaking with a Colton, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared 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.
Colton, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Being arrested in Colton, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to enhance your chances of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Colton, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be 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. Staying out of jail before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any data you have related to your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Colton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Colton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we listen to you first, 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:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a effective defense utilizing motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a 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 move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Areas of Expertise for Our Colton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Colton, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Colton, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Colton, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Colton, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Colton of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Colton, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Colton, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Colton, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- 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 Colton, CA.
How to Pick a Colton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Colton, CA, but this isn't a choice you should make without preparing. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Colton, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the state and convincing the jury.
When you call our Colton, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the State – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we 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 Colton, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our connections in Colton, CA, courts allow us to get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can speak to one of our team members 24/7 if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Colton, 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 without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Colton, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Colton, CA, criminal defense attorney.
If I'm arrested in Colton, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you 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 plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Colton. 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 get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Colton, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Colton, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Contact us today – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case right away.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Colton, CA:
Payment Plans
