Criminal defense lawyers in Lakewood, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Lakewood, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you need to contact a leading Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
For any of these reasons, or more, 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 our results speak for themselves. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Lakewood, 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 pausing, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference for your future freedom.
Beyond this, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to unittingly give the prosecution evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Hiring a Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 always 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 Lakewood, CA
Being arrested in Lakewood, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, to improve the likelihood of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, trying to escape, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to an Attorney: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – to get immediate legal protection, make sure one is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Lakewood, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life before a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should organize all information you have on your case and send it to your criminal defense lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Lakewood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and understand the impact we have on your life.
We approach each case 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.
- Craft a fierce defense using motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should the case reach trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- 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 after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Categories Our Lakewood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Lakewood, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. In Lakewood, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. 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. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Lakewood, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. 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
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lakewood, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
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. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Lakewood, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Lakewood, CA. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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.
Contact our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Lakewood, CA.
What To Look For in Your Lakewood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Lakewood, CA, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- 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 – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Lakewood, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we're always looking for ways to improve your defense, and are with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the state and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Case – 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, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Look for Deals With the District Attorney – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Lakewood, 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 will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can speak to one of our team members any time of day if you need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Lakewood, 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 your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Lakewood, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, errors can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Lakewood, CA?
There are options to seal your records for many misdemeanors and even several felonies. In California, this process is called sealing a record, but is sometimes referred to as expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you with this process.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities 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 without a court order.
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 Lakewood, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Lakewood. 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 prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Lakewood, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. 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.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Talk to an attorney today – 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 building your case as soon as possible.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Lakewood, CA:
Payment Plans
