Criminal defense lawyers in Lynwood, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Lynwood, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and you're in need of a Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Whatever you need legal help with, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Lynwood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're waiting, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California can be very tough on crime, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference in a guilty verdict and prison time versus the charges being dropped, or receiving probation.
What's more, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to offhandedly give the prosecuting attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally setting yourself up for a guilty verdict.
Reviewing your case with a Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away is important for your freedom. Doing it right away can even save you from the charges going to court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. 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.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Lynwood, CA
Nobody in Lynwood, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice while in custody, in order to enhance your chances of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, trying to escape, or fighting the police won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interrogated by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Find an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Lynwood, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Lynwood, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a potential trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document any facts you have regarding your defense and share it with your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with a premier Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Lynwood, 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 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 life.
Our team will support you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Prepare a high-level defense using motions to suppress evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if the case needs to go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and present reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Case Categories Our Lynwood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Lynwood, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Lynwood, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. 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
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Lynwood, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Lynwood, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a strong defense against these charges. 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.
Reach out to our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Lynwood, CA.
What To Look For in Your Lynwood, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but some stand out from the rest. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. And these are the factors you'll want to look for:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- 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 Lynwood, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and persuading the jury.
When you call our Lynwood, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue 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.
- Fight for Your Freedom During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Act as Your Intermediary With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which offers you an alternative to a trial's risks.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
What You Can Expect From Our Lynwood, 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, 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 plea bargains that can protect your freedom. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives at all times 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 Lynwood, 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 Lynwood, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Lynwood, 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, people can make mistakes, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do criminal records in Lynwood, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, 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.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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 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
For any criminal charges in Lynwood, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. 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 defending your freedom immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Lynwood, CA:
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