Criminal defense lawyers in Fontana, CA. Nobody in Fontana, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. 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 your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you need to contact a Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're pausing, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On top of that, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to unconsciously give the district attorney evidence that could be used to convict you. 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.
Reaching out to a Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Arrested in Fontana, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Fontana, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase the probability of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, trying to get away, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are questioned by the police, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- 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 lawyer.
- 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. Being released before a 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 organize any data you have regarding your case and share it with your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with an expert Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Prepare a powerful defense by filing motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Categories Our Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Fontana, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Fontana, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while 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. Some of the most common Fontana, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Fontana, 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. If you're accused in Fontana of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Fontana, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Fontana, CA, is 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 powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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 legal team for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Fontana, CA.
Top Qualities for a Fontana, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Fontana, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- High Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Fontana, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Learn Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for 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 scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Fontana, 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 can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
You can hear about our stellar performance from 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're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Fontana, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Fontana, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Fontana, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Fontana, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Fontana, CA?
In Fontana, 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
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Fontana, CA, charges you're facing, you need a strong defense strategy. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Speak with one of our lawyers now – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense at once.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Fontana, CA:
Payment Plans
