Criminal defense lawyers in Irvine, CA. Nobody in Irvine, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you need a Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
For any criminal charges in Irvine, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're lagging, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and failing to build your defense right away could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Even worse, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to accidentally give the prosecution evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Finding a Irvine, 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 challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Irvine, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Irvine, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, trying to escape, or attacking the government officials won't help your case. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interrogated by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Speak With a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Irvine, CA, is to make a serious of 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 released prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all data you have on your defense and make copies to show your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a premier Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
How Our Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 know the difference we can make in your life.
Our lawyers help 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.
- Craft a effective defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, display the flaws in the state's case, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the 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 carry on once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Areas of Expertise for Our Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any Irvine, CA criminal charge, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. 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. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Irvine, CA, include:
- 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 prosecuted harshly in Irvine, CA. 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 Irvine, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We will fight against any of the following charges in Irvine:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Irvine, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Irvine, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Irvine, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Irvine, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- 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 Irvine, CA.
What You Want in a Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Irvine, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Irvine, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Irvine, 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 Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for 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 explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Irvine, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure plea bargains that can protect your freedom. That said, if there is a trial in your case, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're well-known and well-regarded by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members any day and any time 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 Irvine, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Irvine, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Irvine, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Irvine, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Irvine, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in Irvine, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
Why do people plea bargain in Irvine, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Irvine, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Contact us today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Irvine, CA:
Payment Plans
