Criminal defense lawyers in Livermore, CA. A Livermore, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and this situation requires a premier Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you protect your freedom.
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 successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Leading Livermore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're delaying, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California has a reputation for being very harsh in sentencing, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more possible it is to unintentionally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Talking to a Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available 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.
Livermore, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
The arrest process in Livermore, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take the below steps during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, running, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the police, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Call a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the first one of these should be 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 act freely before a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Document Everything: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together any facts you have related to your case and share it with your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with a skilled Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Livermore, 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 of our individual-tailored approach, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching your case from all angles – from you, the state's evidence, and our own investigations, we get to know your case inside and out.
- Craft a powerful defense using motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We protect you from a biased jury, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, 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 start over once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Areas of Expertise for Our Livermore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Livermore, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
With the high number of traffic laws in California, these types of charges are among the most common in the state. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Livermore, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Livermore, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Livermore, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Livermore, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
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. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Livermore, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need an expert Livermore, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
Finding the Right Livermore, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Livermore, 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 know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
When you call our Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Examine Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
What You Can Expect From Our Livermore, 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.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. As premier Livermore, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available at any time if you learn something new about your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Livermore, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Livermore, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Livermore, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Livermore, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Livermore, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do criminal records in Livermore, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can arrest you without a court order.
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.
How does sentencing work in Livermore, CA?
In Livermore, 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 are the advantages of plea bargaining in Livermore, 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. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
If you're facing criminal charges in Livermore, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Talk to an attorney today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start defending your freedom the minute we get in touch.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Livermore, CA:
Payment Plans
