Criminal defense lawyers in La Mirada, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a La Mirada, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you were in a bad spot and you made some tough choices trying to get out. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you need a La Mirada, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, 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 boast a proven track record of success. Talk to an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a La Mirada, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're waiting, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very tough on crime, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Additionally, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unittingly give the police 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 a trap for yourself.
Hiring a La Mirada, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, 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 ready 24/7 for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
How to Handle an Arrest in La Mirada, CA
Nobody in La Mirada, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps during and after an arrest, to enhance the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or fighting the police won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- 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 go about your life before a trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together any facts you have regarding the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled La Mirada, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a mighty defense.
How Our La Mirada, 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 we start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about 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.
- Create a fierce defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
Case Types Our La Mirada, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in La Mirada, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common La Mirada, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in La Mirada, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
La Mirada, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in La Mirada, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in La Mirada, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need the strength of a premier La Mirada, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Top Qualities for a La Mirada, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in La Mirada, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our La Mirada, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our La Mirada, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Charges – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of 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 – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier La Mirada, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and legal experts. As premier La Mirada, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available at all times if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in La Mirada, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions La Mirada, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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 La Mirada, CA, criminal defense attorney.
If I'm arrested in La Mirada, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in La Mirada, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the La Mirada, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Start working on your case 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison without delay.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in La Mirada, CA:
Payment Plans
