Criminal defense lawyers in Mission Viejo, CA. A Mission Viejo, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe you broke a law even though you were trying not to. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your child called you from jail, and you're in need of a premier Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
For any criminal charges in Mission Viejo, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free consult with an attorney.
Why You Need a Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
As you wait to contact a criminal defense lawyer, your chances of a positive outcome are dwindling. While you're waiting, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has historically been very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Plus, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more chances you have to accidentally give the police evidence that could be used to convict you. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be unknowingly digging a deep hole for yourself.
Connecting with a Mission Viejo, 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 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 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 Mission Viejo, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
The arrest process in Mission Viejo, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps during the arrest proceedings, in order to increase your odds of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interrogated by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Speak With a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an 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. Being released before a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: In order to aid with your attorney's defensive efforts, you should document whatever findings you have on your defense and send it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with a skilled Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
How Our Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
We give our clients superb representation 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.
- Design a effective defense making use of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and battling the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you 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 establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move on with your life once the case is over. We offer support with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your future be defined by your past.
Case Types Our Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Mission Viejo, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. In Mission Viejo, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Mission Viejo, CA. They range from assault to resisting arrest. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Mission Viejo, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- 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. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes can be treated even harsher than violent crimes. Some, like prostitution, are vice crimes, while others, like rape, are forcible. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Mission Viejo, 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 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Mission Viejo, CA.
How to Pick a Mission Viejo, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Mission Viejo, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Working 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 – on both sides of the courtroom .
- Relationships With Local Courts – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas for your defense based on prior experience with similar cases.
- Good Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – situations can change outside of working hours, so you want to work with a firm that can pick up the phone any time you call.
- Open and Honest Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Mission Viejo, CA, Court System 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; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
When you call our Mission Viejo, 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 – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Whether 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 show why you should be freed in the meantime before a trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – We'll negotiate to find a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
Why Choose Our 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
You can hear about our stellar performance from 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 our phones are available any day and any time if need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Mission Viejo, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. 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 Mission Viejo, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while it's unlikely that the police will intentionally accuse the wrong person, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
How long does a conviction stay on my record in California?
In California, the 'Clean Slate Act' allows for some convictions to automatically be sealed. For most felonies, this occurs after four years, and for most misdemeanors, this occurs after one.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the government 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?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you without a court order.
How does sentencing work in Mission Viejo, CA?
In Mission Viejo, CA, sentences for criminal convictions normally fall into one of two situations:
- After a plea deal, the sentence is usually whatever was agreed upon
- After a conviction in a trial, the judge will use legal guidelines to decide on a sentence
Why do people plea bargain in Mission Viejo, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you're facing criminal charges in Mission Viejo, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Reach out right away – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case immediately.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Mission Viejo, CA:
Payment Plans
