Criminal defense lawyers in Glendale, CA. A Glendale, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're searching for a experienced Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
Whatever you need help facing, 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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're waiting, the the evidence against you is piling up. California is known for being very harsh in sentencing, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Even worse, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unconsciously give the state evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Working with a Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 ready 24/7 for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Glendale, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Glendale, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Do the following while in custody, in order to maximize your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Answer Questions: When you are interrogated by the investigators, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Speak With an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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 potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any evidence you have on the charges and send it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we listen to you first, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your life.
We assist you by:
- Researching 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.
- Build a mighty defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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 when applicable. 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 carry on after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Glendale, 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 focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens 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. In Glendale, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Glendale, CA. 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 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. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Glendale, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. 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. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. 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. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Glendale, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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 legal team today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
What You Want in a Glendale, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Glendale, CA, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Good Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the Glendale, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Glendale, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue 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.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, 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 – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Glendale, 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 fight against them with their own playbook.
Our connections in Glendale, CA, courts allow us to 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've received acclaim from 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're transparent in our pricing, and our phones are available any day and any time if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Glendale, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Glendale, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Glendale, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
Whatever Glendale, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. 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. Get in touch as soon as possible – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case and protecting your rights.
We also provide the following legal services in Glendale, CA:
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