Criminal defense lawyers in Milpitas, CA. Nobody in Milpitas, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you have to call a premier Milpitas, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
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 a history of success, even in the toughest cases. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Leading Milpitas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're lagging, the police and prosecutors are setting you up for a guilty verdict. California is known for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference for your future freedom.
On a related note, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more chances you have to offhandedly give the police evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Talking to a Milpitas, CA, criminal defense lawyer early gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it 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.
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 available at all times for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
How to Handle an Arrest in Milpitas, CA
The arrest process in Milpitas, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following during the arrest and following court procedures, in order to strengthen your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Acting out, running, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are questioned by the police, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Talk to an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Milpitas, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Milpitas, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being able to go about your life prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should collect all data you have on your defense and provide it to your lawyer.
If you do all of this and work with a leading Milpitas, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Milpitas, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and know the difference we can make in your future.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Researching your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a powerful defense through 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, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't be passive with your record and reputation.
Case Types Our Milpitas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
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 defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. 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 Milpitas, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in Milpitas, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Milpitas, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. Here are some of the most common charges and substances we build defenses for:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Milpitas, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. 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. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Milpitas, CA, are as grave as 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 leading Milpitas, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Milpitas, CA.
How to Pick a Milpitas, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Milpitas, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- High Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
The Steps Our Milpitas, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and gaining the confidence of the jury.
When you call our Milpitas, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Understand Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Charges Dropped or Dismissed – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, 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 verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our Milpitas, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. But if your case does reach a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both 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're transparent in our pricing, and our phones are available whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Milpitas, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Milpitas, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Milpitas, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Milpitas, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the authorities keeps a record of arrests, but these can be sealed and destroyed if the arrest did not result in a conviction.
When can police arrest someone if they don't have a warrant?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
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. District attorneys use them to save time, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Call Our Milpitas, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Milpitas, CA, you have to have an airtight plan for your defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will watch out for your rights and make sure you get justice in your case. Start working on your case today – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story immediately.
We also provide the following legal services in Milpitas, CA:
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