Criminal defense lawyers in Del Mar, CA. Everyone in Del Mar, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're looking for a leading Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California is often very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference for your future freedom.
On top of that, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Hiring a Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Arrested in Del Mar, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Del Mar, CA, is a very stressful event. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, to enhance your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Acting out, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interrogated by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Del Mar, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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. Being able to act freely before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize whatever information you have related to your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with the right Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Build a rock-solid defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Del Mar, CA, include:
- 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 are prosecuted harshly in Del Mar, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Del Mar, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We will fight against any of the following charges in Del Mar:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Del Mar, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Del Mar, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Del Mar, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Del Mar, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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.
Reach out to our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Del Mar, CA.
Finding the Right Del Mar, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- 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.
How We Fight in the Del Mar, 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 know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our Del Mar, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can speak to one of our team members regardless of the time if you need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Del Mar, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Del Mar, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, nobody is perfect, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Del Mar, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
If I'm arrested in Del Mar, 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 without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Del Mar, CA?
In Del Mar, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Del Mar, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Del Mar. 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 can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Del Mar, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Contact us today – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison and protecting your rights.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Del Mar, CA:
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