Criminal defense lawyers in Fairfield, CA. A Fairfield, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you need to contact a leading Fairfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the circumstances, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Fairfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California has a reputation for being very harsh in sentencing, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
What's more, the longer you spend on your own, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the prosecuting attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Fairfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Fairfield, CA
Nobody in Fairfield, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Here's what to do during and after an arrest, in order to enhance the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or fighting the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Fairfield, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together all findings you have regarding your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a skilled Fairfield, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Fairfield, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We approach each case by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Design a fierce defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case reaches a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- 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 Categories Our Fairfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
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 attorneys specialize in:
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. Our Fairfield, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. 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 Fairfield, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We will fight against any of the following charges in Fairfield:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Fairfield, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. 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. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Fairfield, CA that's as significant as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a Fairfield, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Fairfield, CA.
Finding the Right Fairfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfield, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar 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 get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Fairfield, CA:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
The minute you call our Fairfield, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our Fairfield, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. Our rates are affordable, and our phones are available at all times if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Fairfield, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. Most people feel very stressed, 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 Fairfield, 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 law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, 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 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 detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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 diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to save time, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Fairfield, CA, prosecutor, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Get in touch as soon as possible – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom as soon as possible.
We also provide the following legal services in Fairfield, CA:
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