Criminal defense lawyers in Laguna Niguel, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you need a leading Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
For any criminal charges in Laguna Niguel, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very harsh in sentencing, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference for your future freedom.
What's more, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to unintentionally give the state evidence against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Calling a Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 constantly prepared 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.
How to Handle an Arrest in Laguna Niguel, CA
Nobody in Laguna Niguel, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or attacking the police won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Remain Silent: When you are interviewed by the investigators, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Find 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): 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 act freely before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should put together all evidence you have regarding your defense and make copies to show your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Laguna Niguel, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we start with your story, we both build a defense based around your situation and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our lawyers help you 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.
- Design a rock-solid defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case reaches a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you start over 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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Laguna Niguel, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Laguna Niguel, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Some of the most common Laguna Niguel, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Laguna Niguel, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Laguna Niguel, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Laguna Niguel, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. 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 Laguna Niguel, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Laguna Niguel, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Contact our attorneys if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Laguna Niguel, CA.
Top Qualities for a Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Laguna Niguel, CA, but some stand out from the rest. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
The Steps Our Laguna Niguel, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research 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 we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt 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 Laguna Niguel, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Laguna Niguel, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
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. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We've received acclaim from both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. Our rates are affordable, and you can speak to one of our team members around the clock if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Laguna Niguel, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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 Laguna Niguel, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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.
If I'm arrested in Laguna Niguel, CA, is that on my record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can detain you without a court order.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Laguna Niguel, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. Prosecutors use them to save time, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Laguna Niguel, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a leading criminal defense attorney to protect you. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Get in touch as soon as possible – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story and protecting your rights.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Laguna Niguel, CA:
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