Criminal defense lawyers in Compton, CA. A Compton, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you have to call a leading Compton, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consultation on your case.
Reasons to Find a Compton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
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 the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Working with a Compton, CA, criminal defense lawyer early 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 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 always ready for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Compton, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Compton, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, in order to enhance your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Compton, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail before a trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect any data you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with an expert Compton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
The Role of a Compton, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 take the time to get to know you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Create a powerful defense by filing motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- 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'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Compton, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Compton, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Compton, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Compton, CA. 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 Compton, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Compton of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Compton, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Compton, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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.
Contact our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Compton, CA.
How to Pick a Compton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Compton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. 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 With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High 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.
- Clear Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Compton, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Compton, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Examine Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Compton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Compton, CA, courts allow us to get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We've received acclaim from both clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can get in touch with us at all times if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Compton, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Compton, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Compton, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Compton, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you without a court order.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
What is plea bargaining?
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. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Compton, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Reach out right away – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison right away.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Compton, CA:
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