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 the alleged victim is making the allegations up, 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 finding yourself needing a premier Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California frequently is very tough on crime, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
On top of that, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to unittingly give the district attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Finding a Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away 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 lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 always available for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Hayward, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Hayward, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Take the below steps during and after an arrest, in order to increase the probability of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interrogated by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to a Lawyer: 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 attorney.
- 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 go about your life before a trial can be invaluable.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect whatever evidence you have regarding the charges and send it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because all our cases are focused on our client, we both craft a defense specific to you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We approach each case 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 making use of motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- 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 get a clean slate after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Hayward, CA, and are prepared to fight for your rights in any Hayward, CA, criminal defense case. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Hayward, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Hayward, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Hayward, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Hayward, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Hayward, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Hayward, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Hayward, CA.
Top Qualities for a Hayward, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Hayward, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Good Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Hayward, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you 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 Hayward, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – We'll look for a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt 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 Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier 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 way the prosecution builds its case, 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. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and legal experts. As premier Hayward, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available any day and any time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hayward, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Hayward, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Hayward, 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, people can make mistakes, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state 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?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
Why do people plea bargain in Hayward, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Hayward, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
Our team of expert criminal defense lawyers is ready for your case. Start working on your case today – 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Hayward, CA:
Payment Plans
