Criminal defense lawyers in Linda Vista, CA. Nobody in Linda Vista, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a 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 best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you need a leading Linda Vista, 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 ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation.
Reasons to Find a Leading Linda Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're lagging, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has historically been very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
On top of that, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to unittingly give the police evidence that could be used to convict you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Speaking with a Linda Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times 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 Linda Vista, CA
The arrest process in Linda Vista, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest proceedings, in order to increase the probability of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or harming the police won't help your case. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Linda Vista, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Linda Vista, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should organize any evidence you have on the charges and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Linda Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a potent defense.
The Role of a Linda Vista, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
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 make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a strong defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Areas of Expertise for Our Linda Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Linda Vista, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers will stand by your side against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. Our Linda Vista, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Drive-By Shooting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Linda Vista, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Linda Vista, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Linda Vista, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a Linda Vista, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Linda Vista, CA.
What You Want in a Linda Vista, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Linda Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but some stand out from the rest. Choosing 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 – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Linda Vista, CA:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Linda Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Charges – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we'll fight to have your case dropped before it grows into a major problem for you.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – 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 State – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- 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 your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Linda Vista, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, 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 alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. And if your case does end up going before a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We have a strong 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 Linda Vista, CA, court. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can get in touch with us whenever you need to if you need an update on your case or a sudden development came up and you need a lawyer to help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Linda Vista, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Linda Vista, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I still need a Linda Vista, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, people can make mistakes, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, 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.
Can the police arrest me without 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 place you under arrest even if they don't have a warrant.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
How does sentencing work in Linda Vista, CA?
In Linda Vista, 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
What is plea bargaining?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Linda Vista, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Call now – the longer you take to contact one of our attorneys, the larger the state's case is growing against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense without delay.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Linda Vista, CA:
Payment Plans
