Criminal defense lawyers in La Habra, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a La Habra, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and this situation requires a experienced La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Leading La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more danger you are in to accidentally give the police evidence they can use against 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 unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Connecting with a La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 available at all times for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in La Habra, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in La Habra, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to increase your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed 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 – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 act freely before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together all data you have on your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a leading La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a mighty defense.
What to Expect From a Leading La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Absorbing 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 high-level defense making use of motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. 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 fresh start once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in La Habra, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
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. Traffic charges we commonly defend in La Habra, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in La Habra, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in La Habra, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Many substances are restricted or illegal in California. If you're accused in La Habra of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
La Habra, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in La Habra, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in La Habra, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
What You Want in a La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but some stand out from the rest. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
Our Criminal Defense Process in La Habra, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Understand Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether 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 argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll battle against the state 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.
Why Choose Our La Habra, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and our phones are available at all times if you think of anything you need to ask us or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in La Habra, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions La Habra, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a La Habra, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, somthing could get mixed up, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
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.
If I'm arrested in La Habra, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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.
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 detain you without 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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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 handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Whatever La Habra, CA, charges you're facing, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Talk to an attorney 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 the minute we get in touch.
We also provide the following legal services in La Habra, CA:
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