Criminal defense lawyers in Laguna Niguel, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Laguna Niguel, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and this situation requires a Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Call now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Leading Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is often very harsh in sentencing, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference in being found innocent and/or avoiding going to prison.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more chances you have to unintentionally give the prosecution evidence that hurts you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer early is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times for your call and don't make you wait — we're ready to start working on your case as soon as we pick up the phone.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Laguna Niguel, CA
The arrest process in Laguna Niguel, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps during and after an arrest, in order to enhance your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or fighting the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interviewed by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should put together any findings you have on your defense and share it with your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a leading Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 start with your story, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your future.
Our team will support 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 high-level defense by filing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, display the flaws in the state's case, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Categories Our Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Laguna Niguel, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Laguna Niguel, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Laguna Niguel, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. 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 Laguna Niguel, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. 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
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Laguna Niguel, CA, theft charges have perhaps the widest variety of specifics in all of California. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Laguna Niguel, CA. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Laguna Niguel, 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.
Get in touch with our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Working with the proper 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 – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive 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.
How We Fight in the Laguna Niguel, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and persuading the jury.
When you call our Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Argue 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, without excessive bail.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and explain your side of the story 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 Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know the strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
W're known for our success amongst both clients and experts. As premier Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We don't surprise you with fees, and our phones are available any day and any time if need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Laguna Niguel, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Laguna Niguel, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Laguna Niguel, 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.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Laguna Niguel. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
Regardless of the type of crime you've been charged with, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Don't wait – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Laguna Niguel, CA:
Payment Plans
