Criminal defense lawyers in Irvine, CA. Everyone in Irvine, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you have to call a experienced Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Leading Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're hesitating, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California frequently is very tough on crime, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unintentionally give the state evidence that hurts you. 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 setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Finding a Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
How to Handle an Arrest in Irvine, CA
Being arrested in Irvine, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following during and after an arrest, in order to improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Remain Silent: When you are interrogated by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Contact a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Irvine, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever evidence you have related to the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a mighty defense.
How Our Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a rock-solid defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you carry on once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Our Irvine, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License 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. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Irvine, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Irvine, 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. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Irvine, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Irvine, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Choosing 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 – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Clear 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 don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
The minute you call our Irvine, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here are some common steps we take for major criminal defense cases:
- Investigate Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- 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.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Irvine, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Our connections in Irvine, CA, courts allow us to get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. Our rates are affordable, and you can call us regardless of the time if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Irvine, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It can be hard just to move forward, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Irvine, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, nobody is perfect, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level Irvine, CA, criminal defense attorney.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Irvine, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Do criminal records in Irvine, 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 you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you without a court order.
How does sentencing work in Irvine, CA?
In Irvine, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Irvine, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Irvine, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Talk to one of our representatives 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 crafting your case today.
We also provide the following legal services in Irvine, CA:
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