Criminal defense lawyers in Lake Elsinore, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Lake Elsinore, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're in need of a premier Lake Elsinore, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Lake Elsinore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're waiting, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very harsh in sentencing, 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.
Additionally, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unconsciously give the police evidence against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Connecting with a Lake Elsinore, 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 defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 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.
Lake Elsinore, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Lake Elsinore, CA, enjoys getting arrested. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Follow these steps during the arrest proceedings, in order to enhance your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, attempting to flee, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Lake Elsinore, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document all findings you have on the charges and make copies to show your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with an expert Lake Elsinore, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a potent defense.
How Our Lake Elsinore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 care about the broader implications on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Prepare a effective defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case needs to go to trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Areas of Expertise for Our Lake Elsinore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Lake Elsinore, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Lake Elsinore, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Lake Elsinore, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Lake Elsinore, 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. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lake Elsinore, 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. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Lake Elsinore, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a Lake Elsinore, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Lake Elsinore, CA.
Finding the Right Lake Elsinore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Lake Elsinore, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- High Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Clear Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Lake Elsinore, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. 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, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and persuading the jury.
When you call our Lake Elsinore, 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 learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, 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 – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Lake Elsinore, 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 counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members regardless of the time if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Lake Elsinore, 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 you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Lake Elsinore, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Lake Elsinore, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do convictions stay on your record for life in Lake Elsinore, CA?
Yes and no – while there are automatic and assisted procedures to have your records sealed, they are still visible to the government.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
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 even if they don't have 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Lake Elsinore, CA?
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. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Lake Elsinore, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. 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 today.
We also provide the following legal services in Lake Elsinore, CA:
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