Criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Los Angeles, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you're looking for a premier Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your freedom.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is help you find answers. 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 tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Taking too long to find a lawyer can make it harder to get a positive outcome for your case. While you're pausing, the chances of a positive outcome go down, as the state gets more of a head start. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Plus, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unconsciously give the prosecution evidence they can use against you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently digging a deep hole for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Los Angeles, 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 attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Los Angeles, CA
Being arrested in Los Angeles, CA, is a very stressful event. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Do the following during and after an arrest, to strengthen your chances of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Refusing to go, attempting to flee, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you could face even more accusations of breaking the law.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out 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 released before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should gather whatever facts you have regarding the charges and make copies to show your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a potent defense.
How Our Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
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 listen to you first, we both craft a defense specific to you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Create a effective defense through motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. 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 carry on after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Case Types Our Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Los Angeles, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Los Angeles, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Los Angeles, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Out-of-State DUI 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. 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. 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 Los Angeles, 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. If you're accused in Los Angeles of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Los Angeles, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Los Angeles, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our legal team to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Los Angeles, CA.
What You Want in a Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections Within Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Knowledge of Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – both from previous clients and their peers.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Los Angeles, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and persuading the jury.
As soon as you call our Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyers, our team begins crafting a strategy to protect you. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Connect With the Prosecution – Using our wide network of relationships, we'll explore options for a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll break down the prosecution's argument 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 appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how to win. We're made up of experienced criminal defense attorneys, as well as former prosecutors and judges. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our connections in Los Angeles, CA, courts allow us to get 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, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
We're top-rated by both clients and experts. As premier Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. Our rates are affordable, and you can talk to one of our representatives any day and any time if you have any questions or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Los Angeles, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. 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 Los Angeles, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Los Angeles, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, errors can always happen, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Los Angeles, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
Is there a way to remove convictions from my record in Los Angeles, 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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
When an officer has probably cause, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What is plea bargaining?
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 get through cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Los Angeles, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Future Is at Stake
When you're up against the Los Angeles, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Talk to an attorney today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case without delay.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Los Angeles, CA:
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