Criminal defense lawyers in Hemet, CA. Nobody in Hemet, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a experienced Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any criminal charges in Hemet, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're biding your time, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California can be very tough on crime, and hesitating to find an attorney 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 chances you have to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be inadvertently making it harder on yourself.
Speaking with a Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going 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.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're constantly prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Hemet, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Hemet, CA. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps while in custody, to increase the probability of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Causing trouble, running, or fighting the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather all data you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 we take the time to get to know you, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Craft a mighty defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case needs to go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution 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 at the trial's end. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Hemet, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Hemet, 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 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 Hemet, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Hemet, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Hemet, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Hemet, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Hemet, CA.
Top Qualities for a Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Hemet, CA:
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, petrifying the prosecution and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Research Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Communicate With the State – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, 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 – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Hemet, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our connections in Hemet, CA, courts allow us to get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can call us any time of day if you need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Hemet, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Hemet, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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 criminal records in Hemet, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the California Department of Justice 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?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Hemet, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Hemet, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Start working on your case today – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Hemet, CA:
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