Criminal defense lawyers in Fresno, CA. Nobody in Fresno, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you need to contact a experienced Fresno, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Fresno, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're biding your time, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On a related note, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to accidentally give the state evidence against 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 accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Reaching out to a Fresno, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
Arrested in Fresno, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Fresno, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthe your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, running, or attacking the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to go about your life before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together whatever data you have on the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with the right Fresno, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Fresno, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Learning about 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 mighty defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, dissect the state's case against you, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. 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 be a victim of a past conviction.
Fresno, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. 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. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Fresno, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Fresno, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Fresno, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Fresno, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Fresno, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Fresno, 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 strong defense against these charges. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Fresno, CA.
Top Qualities for a Fresno, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Fresno, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good 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.
- Open and Honest Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Fresno, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Fresno, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Learn Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain 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 deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Fresno, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and 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 call us any time of day if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Fresno, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. There's a lot you're trying to find out, 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 Fresno, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Fresno, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – 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?
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 even if they don't have a warrant.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in Fresno, CA?
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. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With Our Fresno, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Fresno, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to an attorney today – 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 right away.
We also provide the following legal services in Fresno, CA:
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