Criminal defense lawyers in La Mesa, CA. Everyone in La Mesa, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you need a premier La Mesa, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a La Mesa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California can be very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
Beyond this, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more likely you are to unconsciously give the prosecuting attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally making your case harder to fight.
Calling a La Mesa, 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 utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, 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 can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in La Mesa, CA
Being arrested in La Mesa, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to strengthe your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't help your case. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are questioned by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in La Mesa, CA, is to make a serious of 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. Securing your freedom before a trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize all findings you have regarding your case and share it with your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert La Mesa, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
How Our La Mesa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your future.
We approach each case by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Create a high-level defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state 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 when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's La Mesa, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in La Mesa, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our La Mesa, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI 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. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in La Mesa, 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. 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
La Mesa, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in La Mesa, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in La Mesa, CA that's as significant as 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 La Mesa, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in La Mesa, CA.
What You Want in a La Mesa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right La Mesa, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- 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 – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the La Mesa, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our La Mesa, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier La Mesa, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. 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've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. Our rates are affordable, and you can get in touch with us at all times if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in La Mesa, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. 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 La Mesa, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a La Mesa, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, somthing could get mixed up, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – 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.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you without a warrant.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in La Mesa. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to save time, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the La Mesa, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to be your defender.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Talk to an attorney today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison right now.
We also provide the following legal services in La Mesa, CA:
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