Criminal defense lawyers in Commerce, CA. Nobody in Commerce, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you have to find a premier Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Commerce, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're waiting, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
What's more, the longer you spend on your own, the more chances you have to carelessly give the state evidence that hurts 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 setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 ready 24/7 for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Commerce, CA
The arrest process in Commerce, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps during and after an arrest, to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Acting out, attempting to flee, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are questioned by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever facts you have related to your case and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
The Role of a Commerce, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we start with your story, 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 you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Prepare a rock-solid defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Case Categories Our Commerce, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
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 Commerce, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Commerce, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Commerce, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Commerce, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
Theft Charges
Commerce, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Commerce, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Commerce, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Commerce, CA.
Top Qualities for a Commerce, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Commerce, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Hiring the proper 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.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- 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 – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Commerce, CA:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll deconstruct the case against you 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 explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Commerce, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and legal experts. As premier Commerce, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. Our rates are affordable, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if you have any questions or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Commerce, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Commerce, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Commerce, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Commerce, CA?
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. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Commerce, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Commerce, CA:
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