Criminal defense lawyers in Hawthorne, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Hawthorne, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're looking for a Hawthorne, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Hawthorne, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California can be very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence they can use against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Working with a Hawthorne, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Hawthorne, CA
Nobody in Hawthorne, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Do the following during and after an arrest, in order to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to get away, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: If you are questioned by the police, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Hawthorne, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be 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. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document whatever findings you have regarding your defense and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a premier Hawthorne, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Hawthorne, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your future.
We will go about your case by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Build a mighty defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the 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 provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Hawthorne, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Hawthorne, CA. 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. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our Hawthorne, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Hawthorne, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Hawthorne, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Hawthorne, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a strong defense against these charges. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Hawthorne, CA.
Finding the Right Hawthorne, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Hawthorne, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not all law firms are created equal. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
The Steps Our Hawthorne, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Hawthorne, 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:
- Investigate Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll battle against the state 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 file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Advantages of Working With Our Hawthorne, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. That said, if there is a trial in your case, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
W're known for our success amongst 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 offer reasonable payment plans, and you can speak to one of our team members any time of day if need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hawthorne, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Hawthorne, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Hawthorne, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
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.
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.
If I'm arrested in Hawthorne, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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 police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Hawthorne, 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 manage their high caseloads, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Hawthorne, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Hawthorne, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Talk to one of our representatives today – the Hawthorne, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case at once.
We also provide the following legal services in Hawthorne, CA:
Payment Plans
