Criminal defense lawyers in Hanford, CA. Nobody in Hanford, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're looking for a Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're delaying, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more danger you are in to offhandedly give the state evidence that hurts you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Speaking with a Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Hanford, CA
Nobody in Hanford, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Here's what to do while going through the arrest process, to enhance your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interviewed by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Find a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your lawyer.
- 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. Being able to go about your life before a trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should document any findings you have on your defense and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
The Role of a Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we look at the police investigation, our conversations with you, and our own inquiries into your case all give us an intimate understanding of it.
- Create a high-level defense often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Areas of Expertise for Our Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Hanford, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while 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. Our Hanford, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Hanford, 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:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Hanford, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. 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
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Hanford, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Hanford, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Hanford, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Reach out to our legal team for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but some stand out from the rest. Hiring the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Hanford, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Hanford, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Understand Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- 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 – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We've received acclaim from 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 Hanford, CA, court. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can speak to one of our team members 24/7 if you have any questions or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hanford, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Hanford, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Hanford, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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 the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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 handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Hanford, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
Whatever Hanford, CA, charges you're facing, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Reach out right away – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story the minute we get in touch.
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