Criminal defense lawyers in Lakewood, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Lakewood, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're finding yourself needing a Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Leading Lakewood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're hesitating, the the evidence against you is piling up. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Beyond this, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Contacting a Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 always prepared for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Lakewood, CA
Nobody in Lakewood, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during and after an arrest, to maximize your chances of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: When you are questioned by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Lakewood, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – 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. Being able to go about your life before a potential trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document all evidence you have on your case and send it to your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Lakewood, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 we take the time to get to know you, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Create a effective defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should the case reach trial. We protect you from a biased jury, 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, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you start over after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Types Our Lakewood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are equipped to defend against anything in Lakewood, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Lakewood, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Lakewood, CA. 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 Lakewood, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lakewood, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Lakewood, CA that's as significant as murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need the strength of a premier Lakewood, 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Lakewood, CA.
What You Want in a Lakewood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not every one is going to be prepared to fight your case. Choosing the proper criminal defense attorney is vital to creating the right defense for 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 – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Lakewood, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Lakewood, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Examine Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Be Your Go-Between With the State – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure 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 tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Lakewood, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our connections in Lakewood, CA, courts allow us to get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Lakewood, CA, court. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives at any time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Lakewood, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Lakewood, CA, residents have regarding 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 should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, nobody is perfect, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm arrested in Lakewood, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, 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.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does sentencing work in Lakewood, CA?
In Lakewood, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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. District attorneys 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.
Get in Touch With the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Lakewood, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Get in touch as soon as possible – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Lakewood, CA:
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