Criminal defense lawyers in Modesto, CA. Everyone in Modesto, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your roommate went out last night and ended up in handcuffs, and you're looking for a leading Modesto, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
Regardless of the reason why you're calling, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation case review.
Reasons to Find a Modesto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
If you don't hire an attorney right away in the legal process, the consequences can be dire. While you're delaying, the prosecution gets a head start on the case against you. California can be very harsh in sentencing, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference the outcome of your case.
On a related note, the longer you delay hiring an attorney, the more possible it is to unittingly give the prosecuting attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Modesto, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed.
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 constantly prepared for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Modesto, CA
Don't panic if you're being put under arrest in Modesto, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Follow these steps while going through the arrest process, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Refusing to go, running, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: If you are interrogated by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Contact an Attorney: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being released prior to a potential trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect all data you have related to the charges and provide it to your defense attorney.
If you do all of this and work with the right Modesto, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Modesto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because of our individual-tailored approach, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Researching 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 often consisting of motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, hiring expert analysts, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if there is a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, dissect the state's case against you, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you get a clean slate once the case is over. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Modesto, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Modesto, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Modesto, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. 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 Modesto, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We will fight against any of the following charges in Modesto:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Modesto, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. 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 are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Modesto, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Modesto, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Here are some of our murder charge specialities:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Modesto, CA.
Top Qualities for a Modesto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Modesto, CA, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Picking the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. When you're looking at lawyers to hire, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Experience – ideally as both defense and prosecution attorneys.
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Stellar Reputation – both among clients and with experts.
- 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.
- Clear Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Modesto, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
As soon as you hire us, we get to work on a compelling, vehement defense strategy for your case. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
As soon as you call our Modesto, 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 – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – 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.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – With everything we've learned about your case up to this point, we'll tear apart the prosecution's case at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Modesto, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
Our lawyers have experience. When you work with us, you're getting a law firm with a combined more than five decades of legal experience. 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. But if your case does reach a jury, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. As premier Modesto, CA, criminal defense attorneys, we make it our mission to defend every client to the best of our abilities. We're transparent in our pricing, and you can get in touch with us 24/7 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 Modesto, CA
When you've been arrested, it's normal to have a lot on your mind. It can be hard just to move forward, 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 Modesto, 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 you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
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.
If I'm arrested in Modesto, CA, is that on my record?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
if you commit an alleged crime and an officer sees it, or if the officer suspects that you've committed a crime, they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Modesto, CA?
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. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Now – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Modesto, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. Our firm's criminal defense lawyers are prepared to give you expert defensive representation.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Talk to one of our representatives today – 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 building your case today.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Modesto, CA:
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