Criminal defense lawyers in Highland, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Highland, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. 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 leading Highland, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
For any criminal charges in Highland, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Highland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the state is working on its case. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference for your future freedom.
On top of that, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Highland, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 begin building your defense from the first call.
Arrested in Highland, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Being arrested in Highland, CA, is a very stressful event. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps while in custody, to strengthe your odds of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, trying to escape, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is 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 before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Document Everything: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all findings you have regarding your case and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Highland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
How Our Highland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Researching 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.
- Prepare a powerful defense typically featuring motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, dissect the state's case against you, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney 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'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 on with your life 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.
Case Categories Our Highland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Highland, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Highland, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Highland, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person 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 Highland, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Highland, CA that's as significant as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Highland, CA, criminal defense lawyer on 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
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
How to Pick a Highland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Highland, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Highland, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Highland, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Evaluate Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the State – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Advantages of Working With Our Highland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Highland, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We don't surprise you with fees, and our phones are available at all times if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Highland, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Highland, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state 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 police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you without a court order.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Highland, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Highland. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
Whatever Highland, CA, charges you're facing, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Don't wait – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison as soon as possible.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Highland, CA:
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