Criminal defense lawyers in Mission Viejo, CA. Nobody in Mission Viejo, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you're searching for a Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
For any criminal charges in Mission Viejo, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the leading criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're delaying, the state is working on its case. California can be very punishing towards convicts, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Even worse, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to unittingly give the prosecution evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Finding a Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer early might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Mission Viejo, CA
Being arrested in Mission Viejo, CA, is a very stressful event. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps while in custody, in order to enhance your odds of a beneficial outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Acting out, attempting to flee, or harming the police won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Remain Silent: When you are questioned by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Find a Lawyer: One of your rights during an arrest in Mission Viejo, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Mission Viejo, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Being released prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Record Everything About the Arrest: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect all information you have on your case and provide it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a powerful defense.
How Our Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We believe that criminal defense lawyers have an obligation not only to represent you in court, but to get to know your case from your perspective. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both craft a defense specific to you and know the difference we can make in your life.
We give our clients superb representation by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Craft a rock-solid defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences if needed after the trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you carry on after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Case Types Our Mission Viejo, 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 lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
If you're facing traffic charges, it could be from one of a variety of alleged actions while on the road. 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 Mission Viejo, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Hit and Run Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Mission Viejo, CA. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Here are some of the violent offense charges we can defend you against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Mission Viejo, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Mission Viejo of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Mission Viejo, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Mission Viejo, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Mission Viejo, CA, are as grave as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Mission Viejo, CA.
Finding the Right Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Mission Viejo, CA, but there's a wide range of quality. Partnering with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
The Steps Our Mission Viejo, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Gather Info About Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Either 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, without excessive bail.
- Communicate With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- 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 – If your case reaches this point, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Mission Viejo, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can 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, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both former clients and legal experts. As premier Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members whenever you need to if you learn something new about your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Mission Viejo, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. There's a lot you're trying to find out, and without a guide, there isn't a map to find your way through the situation. We've put together some of the common questions Mission Viejo, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Do I still need a Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm innocent?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
What is the hardest criminal charge to beat?
Each case is unique, so there isn't a hard and fast rule on "which charge is the hardest to beat." Generally speaking, though, white collar crimes, crimes against children, and repeat DUI accusations are treated harshly.
Do criminal records in Mission Viejo, CA, include arrests?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the state 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 a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can place you under arrest 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.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is the process by which your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecuting attorney negotiate to find a lighter sentence for the person charged with a crime, in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Get in Touch With Our Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Mission Viejo, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
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 – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start telling your side of the story the minute we get in touch.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Mission Viejo, CA:
Payment Plans
