Criminal defense lawyers in El Cajon, CA. A El Cajon, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you urgently need a El Cajon, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
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 top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a El Cajon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're lagging, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference the outcome of your case.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to accidentally give the prosecution evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Reviewing your case with a El Cajon, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 constantly prepared for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
How to Handle an Arrest in El Cajon, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in El Cajon, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take this advice during and after an arrest, to enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, running, or harming the police won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are questioned by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find 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): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should put together any facts you have regarding the charges and provide it to your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled El Cajon, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a powerful defense.
The Role of a El Cajon, 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 we have a client-centered focus, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Researching 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.
- Craft a effective defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Categories Our El Cajon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any El Cajon, CA criminal charge, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in El Cajon, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Our El Cajon, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
El Cajon, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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 can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in El Cajon, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
How to Pick a El Cajon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a El Cajon, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our El Cajon, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our El Cajon, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case 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 explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our El Cajon, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive 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. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available around the clock if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in El Cajon, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions El Cajon, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in El Cajon, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Do criminal records in El Cajon, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the authorities 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 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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
How does sentencing work in El Cajon, CA?
In El Cajon, 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
Why do people plea bargain in El Cajon, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in El Cajon, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Reach out right away – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom immediately.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in El Cajon, CA:
Payment Plans
