Criminal defense lawyers in Concord, CA. Everyone in Concord, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're finding yourself needing a Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
For any criminal charges in Concord, 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 free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're delaying, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California has historically been very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to offhandedly give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. 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 digging a deep hole for yourself.
Talking to a Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches 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 always available for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Concord, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Concord, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthen your chances of a good outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Making a scene, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- 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. Securing your freedom prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather whatever data you have on the charges and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we have a client-centered focus, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Absorbing 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 fierce defense typically featuring motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Categories Our Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Concord, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Concord, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Concord, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Concord, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of 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
Concord, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Concord, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Concord, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Concord, CA.
What To Look For in Your Concord, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Concord, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Concord, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- 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 – If it applies in your case, 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 Concord, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. 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 top-rated by both clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. Our rates are affordable, and you can call us at all times if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Concord, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, 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 Concord, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Concord, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Concord, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in Concord, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have 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 detain you even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Concord. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Concord, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Talk to an attorney today – 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 today.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Concord, CA:
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