Criminal defense lawyers in Lodi, CA. A Lodi, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe a loved one was arrested, and you're looking for a premier Lodi, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Whatever the case is, 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 boast a proven track record of success. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Lodi, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're lagging, the state is working on its case. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
On a related note, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more danger you are in to unconsciously give the state evidence against you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Working with a Lodi, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
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 available at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Lodi, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Lodi, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Do the following during the arrest proceedings, to increase the probability of a beneficial outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Lodi, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Staying out of jail before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather any findings you have related to your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Lodi, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Lodi, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and understand the impact we have on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Studying 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.
- Prepare a rock-solid defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, display the flaws in the state's case, 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 at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward once the case is over. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Categories Our Lodi, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Lodi, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
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. Some of the most common Lodi, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Lodi, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Lodi, 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
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lodi, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. 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 socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. 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 Lodi, CA:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Lodi, CA. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need an expert Lodi, CA, criminal defense attorney in your corner. 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.
Get in touch with our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Lodi, CA.
What You Want in a Lodi, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Lodi, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Stellar Reputation – they should be known for providing quality and compassionate service.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Lodi, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Lodi, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Investigate Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our Lodi, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we fight against them with their own playbook.
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. 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 have an esteemed reputation with both former 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 don't surprise you with fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives any day and any time if 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 Lodi, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Lodi, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a Lodi, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Lodi, 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.
If I'm arrested in Lodi, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. District attorneys use them to handle cases faster, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Lodi, CA, prosecutor, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. 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. Reach out right away – 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 building your defense at once.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Lodi, CA:
Payment Plans
