Criminal defense lawyers in Daly City, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Daly City, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're searching for a premier Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
What's more, the longer you spend on your own, the more you risk doing something to offhandedly give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer 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 available around the clock for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Arrested in Daly City, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Arrests are high-tension situations in Daly City, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to enhance the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to get away, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- 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.
- Speak With a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Daly City, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together all information you have related to the charges and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying 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.
- Build a rock-solid defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and show 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 both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Daly City, 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 Daly City, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Daly City, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our Daly City, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- 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 are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Daly City, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in Daly City of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Daly City, 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 are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Daly City, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need an expert Daly City, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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.
Reach out to our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Daly City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Daly City, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Daly City, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Daly City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Evaluate 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll battle against the state at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Advantages of Working With Our Daly 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 the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives around the clock if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Daly City, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Daly City, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Daly City, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Daly City, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a warrant.
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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Daly City, CA, charges you're facing, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You deserve top-notch representation. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Get in touch as soon as possible – the Daly City, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case right now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Daly City, CA:
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