Criminal defense lawyers in Gardena, CA. Nobody in Gardena, 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 you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're in need of a premier Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're biding your time, the state is working on its case. California is known for being very harsh in sentencing, 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.
Plus, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Talking to a Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Gardena, CA
Nobody in Gardena, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, running, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interviewed by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – 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 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 document whatever information you have related to your case and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
Our attorneys do this 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 effective defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Gardena, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Gardena, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Gardena, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Gardena, 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. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Gardena, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. 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. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Gardena, CA, is murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need an expert Gardena, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Gardena, CA.
Top Qualities for a Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Gardena, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Gardena, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Gardena, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Research Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between 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 – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Gardena, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed 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 Gardena, CA, court. We're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members around the clock if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Gardena, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. 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 Gardena, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Gardena, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm arrested in Gardena, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities 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 arrest you without a warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
Why do people plea bargain in Gardena, CA?
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 save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Gardena, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Start working on your case today – 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 telling your side of the story as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Gardena, CA:
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