Criminal defense lawyers in Montebello, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Montebello, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you had a momentary lapse in judgement. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're looking for a Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights.
Whatever the case is, 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 know how to win in a variety of case types. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free consultation on your case.
The Importance of Working With a Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're lagging, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has a reputation for being very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Additionally, the longer you take to work with , the more you risk doing something to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence they can use against you. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be inadvertently decreasing your chances of a positive outcome.
Talking to a Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're ready at all times for your call and can start helping you craft your defense as soon as you call.
Montebello, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Nobody in Montebello, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice while going through the arrest process, to maximize your chances of a advantageous outcome:
- Comply With the Police: Causing trouble, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are interviewed by the authorities, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Talk to a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Securing your freedom prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Gather Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should collect any findings you have on the charges and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of this and work with a premier Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Montebello, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we believe that criminal defense attorneys have an obligation to care for clients as people, beyond just looking at the charges they're facing. Because your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your life.
Our lawyers help you by:
- Learning about your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Design a high-level defense making use of motions to suppress evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We offer support 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 Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Montebello, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Montebello, CA. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Some of the most common Montebello, CA, traffic charges we defend are:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cover a wide range of alleged offenses, and all of them are serious. Sometimes, you don't even have to do something violent; making threats or just wrongfully carrying a firearm could end up with you facing charges. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Montebello, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. If you're accused in Montebello of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Montebello, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They range from rape to prostitution to pornography charges. We defend those accused of the following sex crimes:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in Montebello, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Montebello, CA, law firm to protect your rights. These are some of the murder charges that we can help you defend against:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Montebello, CA.
How to Pick a Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
There is no shortage of criminal defense lawyers in Montebello, CA, but not all law firms are created equal. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About 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 – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Clear Costs – don't overpay or get caught up in surprise charges.
Our Criminal Defense Process in Montebello, CA:
Our philosophy is to be as aggressive, thorough, and relentless as we can in each and every defense. We don't believe in just sitting by and letting the prosecution make its case; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, scaring the state and gaining the confidence of the jury.
As soon as you call our Montebello, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Examine Your Charges – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either 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.
- Champion Your Pretrial Freedom – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, and argue for bail to be set at a low value.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If your case reaches this point, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
What You Can Expect From Our Montebello, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
When you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting a team of criminal defense lawyers with over 50 years of courtroom experience, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get alternative options to a trial, most notably a dismissal or a favorable plea deal. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We're top-rated by both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We don't surprise you with fees, and you can call us any time of day if need an update on your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Montebello, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It can be hard just to move forward, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions Montebello, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest 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 place you under arrest even if they don't have 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 sentencing work in Montebello, CA?
In Montebello, 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
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Montebello, CA?
Plea bargaining is a set of negotiations between the district attorney and your defense attorney. The state uses them to get through cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Montebello, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to defend you.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Talk to an attorney today – the more time that passes before you start building your defense, the harder it will be to protect your freedom. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Montebello, CA:
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