Criminal defense lawyers in Downey, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Downey, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to call a premier Downey, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Whatever you need help facing, 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. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Downey, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're holding back, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Plus, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to carelessly give the prosecution evidence they can use against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be accidentally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Downey, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available around the clock for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Downey, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Downey, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, running, or fighting the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interrogated by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Downey, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect whatever evidence you have on your case and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Downey, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Downey, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Prepare a strong defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Types Our Downey, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Downey, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Downey, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. 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:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Downey, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Downey, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Downey, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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 lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Downey, CA.
What You Want in a Downey, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Downey, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Downey, 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 don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Downey, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Examine Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Fight for Your Freedom 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.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that works for you.
- 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 show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Downey, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our connections in Downey, CA, courts allow us to 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, 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 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 our phones are available whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Downey, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Downey, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Downey, 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 Downey, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
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 arrest 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Downey, 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. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Downey, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the Downey, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense at once.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Downey, CA:
Payment Plans
