Criminal defense lawyers in El Monte, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a El Monte, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you have to call a experienced El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California can be very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to unintentionally give the prosecution evidence that could be used to convict you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be accidentally making it harder on yourself.
Hiring a El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense attorney 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 always ready for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
How to Handle an Arrest in El Monte, CA
Nobody in El Monte, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Speak With a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in El Monte, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail before a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should gather whatever data you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
The Role of a El Monte, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 we start with your story, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Prepare a fierce defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, dissect the state's case against you, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any El Monte, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In El Monte, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in El Monte, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in El Monte, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
El Monte, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in El Monte, CA that's as significant as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a El Monte, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in El Monte, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- 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.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the El Monte, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our El Monte, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case 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 case to a higher court for justice.
The Advantages of Working With Our El Monte, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, 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 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 well-known and well-regarded by both former clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can talk to one of our representatives 24/7 if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in El Monte, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions El Monte, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm arrested in El Monte, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in El Monte, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Contact Our El Monte, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in El Monte, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Speak with one of our lawyers now – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case right now.
We also provide the following legal services in El Monte, CA:
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