Criminal defense lawyers in Escondido, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Escondido, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you unintentionally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you have to find a Escondido, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Escondido, 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 lagging, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California frequently is very tough on crime, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
On a related note, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to carelessly give the district attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Working with a Escondido, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer 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 at all times 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.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Escondido, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Escondido, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps during the arrest proceedings, to strengthen your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interviewed by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to 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): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to go about your life prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together any data you have on your case and share it with your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Escondido, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a strong defense.
The Role of a Escondido, 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 nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Absorbing 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 fierce defense through motions to suppress evidence, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and display 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 during negotiations and after a trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Escondido, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Escondido, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Escondido, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. 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. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Escondido, 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 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
Escondido, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. 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. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Escondido, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Escondido, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What To Look For in Your Escondido, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Escondido, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Escondido, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. 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 convincing the jury.
When you call our Escondido, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Escondido, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can get in touch with us 24/7 if you need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Escondido, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Escondido, 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 the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you 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 Escondido, CA?
In Escondido, 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 Escondido, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, 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 Freedom Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Escondido, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison and protecting your rights.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Escondido, CA:
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