Criminal defense lawyers in Folsom, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Folsom, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you have to call a Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to accidentally give the police evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Connecting with a Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, 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 ready at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Folsom, CA
The arrest process in Folsom, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your chances of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Acting out, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are questioned by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Contact 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. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together any information you have related to your case and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
The Role of a Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Create a strong defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, display the flaws in the state's case, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- 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 allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Types Our Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Folsom, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Folsom, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- 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. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Folsom, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Folsom, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Folsom, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier Folsom, 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.
Contact our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Folsom, CA.
How to Pick a Folsom, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Folsom, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
The Steps Our Folsom, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
When you call our Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Research Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and show reasonable doubt 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.
Why Choose Our Folsom, 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 the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Folsom, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can get in touch with us at all times if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Folsom, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It can be hard just to move forward, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Folsom, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Folsom, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Folsom, 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 Folsom, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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 a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest 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 common way to resolve cases in Folsom. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Folsom, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Get in touch as soon as possible – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Folsom, CA:
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