Criminal defense lawyers in Glendale, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Glendale, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're in need of a experienced Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more likely you are to offhandedly give the district attorney evidence they can use against you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Working with a Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your defense lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 ready at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Glendale, CA
The arrest process in Glendale, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps during the arrest and following court procedures, to increase your odds of a good outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers 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 government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- 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 attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Glendale, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to act freely before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document whatever data you have related to your case and make copies to show your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we start with your story, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying 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.
- Build a fierce defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers 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. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Glendale, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Glendale, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. If you're accused in Glendale of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Glendale, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Glendale, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Glendale, 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 secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Glendale, CA.
What You Want in a Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- High Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Transparent Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Glendale, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Investigate Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – 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.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense 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 case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Glendale, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. 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 have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available at all times if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Glendale, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Glendale, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, errors can always happen, 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.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
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 regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Glendale, 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. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
For any criminal charges in Glendale, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Talk to an attorney 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 building your case and protecting your rights.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Glendale, CA:
Payment Plans
