Criminal defense lawyers in Manteca, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a Manteca, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you need to contact a leading Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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. Reach out by phone at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free review of your case.
Why You Need a Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're waiting, the state is working on its case. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference for your future freedom.
On a related note, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to accidentally give the prosecuting attorney evidence that could be used to convict 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 unknowingly making your case harder to fight.
Reviewing your case with a Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyer early can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
Whether it's midday on the weekend or the middle of the night during the week, you need a lawyer who is prepared for your call. 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.
Arrested in Manteca, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Arrests are high-tension situations in Manteca, CA. Staying calm and making the right choices can improve the stakes of your case. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, running, or fighting the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Remain Silent: When you are interrogated by the authorities, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call a Lawyer: 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): During a special hearing, a judge will likely give you the opportunity to post bail and enjoy your freedom before a potential trial. Securing your freedom before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any data you have on your case and provide it to your criminal defense lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a premier Manteca, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We will go about your case by:
- Learning about 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.
- Create a powerful defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. 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 start over once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record follow you into the future.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you fight:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Some of the most common Manteca, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Out-of-State DUI Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges require an expert criminal defense lawyer in Manteca, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Manteca, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Manteca, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Manteca, CA, is murder. No matter what the circumstances were, the punishment is strict, up to life imprisonment for first-degree murder. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Top Qualities for a Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Manteca, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Connections With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Manteca, CA:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, facing down the district attorney and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Manteca, 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 want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Be Your Go-Between With the District Attorney – We'll look for 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 break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Manteca, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We have an esteemed reputation with both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We offer reasonable payment plans, and you can call us 24/7 if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Manteca, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Manteca, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, nobody is perfect, and when your freedom is at stake, you don't want to take chances.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Manteca, 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.
Do criminal records in Manteca, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
When an officer has probably cause, they can arrest you without a warrant.
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.
Why do people plea bargain in Manteca, CA?
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 Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Manteca, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We bring experience and expertise to your case, and are ready to help you whenever you need us. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 building your defense the minute we get in touch.
We also provide the following legal services in Manteca, CA:
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