Criminal defense lawyers in Fullerton, CA. Everyone in Fullerton, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you need a premier Fullerton, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Fullerton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're biding your time, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Additionally, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to unintentionally give the prosecuting attorney evidence for their case. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Working with a Fullerton, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
Fullerton, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Fullerton, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to improve the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: If you are interviewed by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your lawyer.
- 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 released prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document all findings you have on your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Fullerton, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Fullerton, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and know the difference we can make in your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching 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.
- Create a strong defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start 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 Categories Our Fullerton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Fullerton, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Fullerton, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our Fullerton, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Fullerton, CA. 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 Fullerton, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Fullerton, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Fullerton, CA. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need an expert Fullerton, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
How to Pick a Fullerton, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Fullerton, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- High 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.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Fullerton, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. 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, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Fullerton, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. 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 Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – 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.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the District Attorney – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Fullerton, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have a strong reputation with 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 Fullerton, CA, court. Our rates are affordable, and you can talk to one of our representatives any time of day if you need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Fullerton, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Fullerton, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Fullerton, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have 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 place you under arrest without a court order.
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.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Fullerton, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. 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.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Get in touch as soon as possible – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case without delay.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Fullerton, CA:
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