Criminal defense lawyers in Lancaster, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Lancaster, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you just happened to be nearby the scene of a crime, and were arrested in the confusion, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you have to find a experienced Lancaster, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Lancaster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're pausing, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California frequently is very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On top of that, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the district attorney 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 accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Hiring a Lancaster, CA, criminal defense lawyer early not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready 24/7 for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Lancaster, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Lancaster, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to enhance the likelihood of a advantageous outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, trying to get away, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: If you are interviewed by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – be sure one of them is to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to go about your life prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather whatever facts you have on your defense and provide it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right Lancaster, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Lancaster, 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 nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your future.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Researching 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.
- Craft a rock-solid defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and establish 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 fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be a victim of a past conviction.
Case Types Our Lancaster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Lancaster, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Lancaster, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. In Lancaster, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster, CA. 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 Lancaster, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. 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
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lancaster, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. 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. 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 Lancaster, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Lancaster, CA that's as significant as murder. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a leading Lancaster, CA, criminal defense lawyer on 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.
Contact our legal team with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
What You Want in a Lancaster, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Lancaster, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Positive 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.
- Transparent Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Lancaster, 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. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Lancaster, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Investigate Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, without excessive bail.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
Why Choose Our Lancaster, 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 way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If you do end up in a courtroom in front of a jury, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Lancaster, CA, court. We don't surprise you with fees, and our phones are available 24/7 if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Lancaster, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Lancaster, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Lancaster, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
Why do people plea bargain in Lancaster, 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 can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Depends On It
When you're up against the Lancaster, CA, prosecutor, you need a strong defense strategy. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Get in touch as soon as possible – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case the minute we get in touch.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Lancaster, CA:
Payment Plans
