Criminal defense lawyers in Hayward, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Hayward, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you urgently need a Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever the case is, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
Reasons to Find a Hayward, 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 holding back, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has historically been very punishing towards convicts, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
On top of that, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Contacting a Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 ready for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Hayward, CA
The arrest process in Hayward, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, in order to enhance your chances of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Being difficult, trying to escape, or attacking the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely prior to a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect whatever information you have on your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, 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:
- Absorbing 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.
- Prepare a powerful defense typically featuring motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. 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 move forward after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
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 lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. 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 Hayward, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- 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. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Hayward, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
Theft Charges
Hayward, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. 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 frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Hayward, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a Hayward, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Hayward, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Understand Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Hayward, 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 counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can speak to one of our team members 24/7 if you think of anything you need to ask us or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hayward, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Hayward, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
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.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Hayward, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
If I'm arrested in Hayward, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you without a warrant.
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. District attorneys use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Whatever Hayward, CA, charges you're facing, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You deserve top-notch representation. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Start working on your case today – the Hayward, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Hayward, CA:
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