Criminal defense lawyers in Commerce, CA. Everyone in Commerce, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you're searching for a Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Commerce, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're hesitating, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has historically been very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Additionally, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to unintentionally give the state evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Calling a Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Commerce, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Commerce, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Do the following while going through the arrest process, to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, running, or fighting the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Speak With a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- 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 released before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should document all findings you have related to your case and provide it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch 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 have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Build a powerful defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Commerce, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
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 Commerce, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Commerce, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run 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. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Commerce, 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. We will fight against any of the following charges in Commerce:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Commerce, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Commerce, CA:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Commerce, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a Commerce, 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
How to Pick a Commerce, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Commerce, CA:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and satisfying the jury.
As soon as you call our Commerce, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Study Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Commerce, 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 can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can talk to one of our representatives at any time if you learn something new about your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Commerce, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Commerce, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Commerce, 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, somthing could get mixed up, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do criminal records in Commerce, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a court order.
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.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
Why do people plea bargain in Commerce, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Commerce. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to handle 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 Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Commerce, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Don't wait – 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 building your case the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Commerce, CA:
Payment Plans
