Criminal defense lawyers in Culver City, CA. A Culver City, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you have to find a Culver City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Culver City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're lagging, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
Additionally, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more likely you are to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney 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 accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Speaking with a Culver City, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 constantly prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Culver City, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Culver City, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while in custody, in order to enhance your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to get away, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Culver City, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Culver City, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document all information you have on your defense and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Culver City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Culver City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both build a defense based around your situation and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a strong defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Categories Our Culver City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Culver City, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Culver City, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Culver City, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Culver City, 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 Culver City, 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. If you're accused in Culver City of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Culver City, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Culver City, CA:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Culver City, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Culver City, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Culver City, CA.
How to Pick a Culver City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Culver City, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the Culver City, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. 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 prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Culver City, 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:
- Investigate 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, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the District Attorney – 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 tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
What You Can Expect From Our Culver City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, 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 plea bargains that can protect your freedom. But if your case does reach a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst both former clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Culver City, CA, court. We're upfront with our fees, 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 Culver City, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, 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 Culver City, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
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 place you under arrest without 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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses 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 facing charges in Culver City, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Call now – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case the minute we get in touch.
We also provide the following legal services in Culver City, CA:
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