Criminal defense lawyers in Moorpark, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Moorpark, 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 searching for a leading Moorpark, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what's going on.
For any of these reasons, or more, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is see you through the challenge. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Speak with one of our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no obligation consulation.
The Importance of Working With a Moorpark, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California can be very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference the outcome of your case.
What's more, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more possible it is to carelessly give the state evidence for their case. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally making it harder on yourself.
Speaking with a Moorpark, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 available around the clock for your call and will start working on your defense right away.
How to Handle an Arrest in Moorpark, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Moorpark, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take the below steps while in custody, to strengthen your chances of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, trying to escape, or harming the law enforcement officers won't help your case. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: If you are questioned by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Speak With a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – the most important thing to do is reach out 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. Being able to act freely before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should collect any facts you have on your case and make copies to show your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Moorpark, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll lay the groundwork for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Moorpark, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our attorneys do this by:
- Learning about 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.
- Build a fierce defense often consisting of motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If we show the prosecution the weaknesses in their case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences when applicable. We want to keep you out of prison, and will fight for probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you start over once the case is over. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on getting another chance.
Areas of Expertise for Our Moorpark, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Moorpark, CA, and are focused on the wellbeing and success of our clients in each and every case. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Moorpark, CA, we defend each of the following traffic charges:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Resisting Arrest
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Moorpark, 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. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Moorpark, 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. If you're up against one of the below theft charges, or another one, call us today:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are particularly heinous ones to be accused of. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Moorpark, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Moorpark, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier Moorpark, CA, law firm to protect your rights. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys for any criminal defense charges and we'll let you know how we can help.
How to Pick a Moorpark, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Moorpark, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Partnering with 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 – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections Within Local Courts – to make negotiating plea deals or dropped charges easier.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- 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.
- Transparent Costs – avoid hidden fees and high charges.
How We Fight in the Moorpark, 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; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, facing down the district attorney and persuading the jury.
The minute you call our Moorpark, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we take immediate action. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Study Your Case – We want to know your case from the inside out, from your perspective and the prosecution's.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, instead of sitting in jail unjustly.
- Negotiate With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll break down the prosecution's argument at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, 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 Moorpark, 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 from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we will strike back with a staunch defensive plan.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a favorable plea deal and avoid most trials entirely. 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 clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in Moorpark, CA, court. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives 24/7 if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Moorpark, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. It can be hard just to move forward, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Moorpark, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Moorpark, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, somthing could get mixed up, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
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.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Yes, but these aren't always permanent – the government 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 detain you without a warrant.
What are diversionary programs?
Diversionary programs, such as drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are alternatives to the traditional court and sentencing process. They normally allow for treatment to be given to people who are accused of a crime, rather than being sent to prison.
Why do people plea bargain in Moorpark, 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. District attorneys use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Depends On It
When you're facing charges in Moorpark, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. This isn't a time to play games with your freedom. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. Talk to an attorney today – while you're hesitating, the odds are stacking up against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense now.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Moorpark, CA:
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