Criminal defense lawyers in Delano, CA. Everyone in Delano, 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 you've been falsely accused, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're searching for a experienced Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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 our results speak for themselves. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're pausing, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference for your future freedom.
Additionally, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally making your case harder to fight.
Talking to a Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. 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 Delano, CA
The arrest process in Delano, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, trying to get away, or attacking the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interviewed by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call a Lawyer: 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): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being released before a potential 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 gather whatever findings you have related to your defense and share it with your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Craft a mighty defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Types Our Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Delano, CA criminal charge, 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
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Delano, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Domestic Violence
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Delano, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We will fight against any of the following charges in Delano:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Delano, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Delano, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Delano, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Delano, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking 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 – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Good Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Delano, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take 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're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Delano, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Delano, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Delano, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Delano, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Delano, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Delano, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 arrest you 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Delano, CA?
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. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Delano, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Talk to one of our representatives today – the Delano, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison immediately.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Delano, CA:
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