Criminal defense lawyers in Morgan Hill, CA. Everyone in Morgan Hill, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you've been falsely accused, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your best friend tried to drive home after one too many drinks, and this situation requires a experienced Morgan Hill, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you figure out your options.
No matter what charges you're up against, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Get in touch with a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a Morgan Hill, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and letting the prosecution get an advantage could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
Beyond this, the longer you take to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to carelessly give the prosecuting attorney evidence you'd rather keep to yourself. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally setting a trap for yourself.
Reviewing your case with a Morgan Hill, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away gives them a chance to stop the charges before they make it to court. 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 ready 24/7 for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Morgan Hill, CA
The arrest process in Morgan Hill, CA, is never fun, but it can go smoothly. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice while in custody, in order to strengthen your chances of a positive outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Making a scene, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't help you in the long run. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interrogated by the government officials, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Speak With an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Morgan Hill, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call 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 able to go about your life prior to a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should organize whatever data you have on the charges and provide it to your lawyer.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Morgan Hill, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a powerful defense.
The Role of a Morgan Hill, 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 all our cases are focused on our client, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and care about the broader implications on your life.
We will fight for you by:
- Researching your case from all angles – we learn your case from both your point of view and the district attorney's, giving us the tools for a powerful defense.
- Create a effective defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, consulting subject matter experts, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Stand by you in court should your charges go to trial. We ensure that the jury is made up of your peers, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. When the evidence against you is weakened, they're more likely to drop or reduce charges in your case.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't assume that you're stuck with your record.
Morgan Hill, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. In Morgan Hill, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving With a Suspended License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Morgan Hill, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Morgan Hill, CA, are often based around someone either allegedly carrying or allegedly trying to sell a controlled substance. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Heroin
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Morgan Hill, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. The ones that involve the use of force, like robbery, tend to face more serious consequences. Whatever theft crime charge you're facing, our theft crime defense lawyers are here to help:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. They can involve either the commission of a sexual act, certain communications, or the consumption of some pornographic materials. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Morgan Hill, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a secure defense strategy to protect your freedom. 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 lawyers for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in Morgan Hill, CA.
Finding the Right Morgan Hill, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
It's important to pick the right Morgan Hill, CA, criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. There are lots of options out there, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. 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 .
- Connections Within Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Transparent Costs – be sure you understand the bill and payment structure before hiring your attorney.
How We Fight in the Morgan Hill, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. 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, showing strength in the face of the prosecution and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Morgan Hill, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. 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 Early Dismissal – 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, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, and minimize the bail you'll need to post to get your freedom back.
- Be Your Go-Between With the Prosecution – In many cases, we're about to obtain a plea deal that works for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense 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 case to a higher court for justice.
What You Can Expect From Our Morgan Hill, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the way the prosecution builds its case, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
We know district attorneys and judges all across California, and negotiate with them to secure a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both clients and experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We offer reasonable payment plans, and our phones are available any day and any time if you need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Morgan Hill, CA
When charged with a crime, there's probably a lot going through your head. Most people feel very stressed, 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 Morgan Hill, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Can a lawyer still help me if I'm not guilty of the charges?
Yes – while the police investigators want to find the right person who committed a crime, people can make mistakes, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Are DUIs easy cases to beat in Morgan Hill, CA?
The circumstances around your DUI will have a major impact on its outcome. If it's your first DUI and you work with the right attorney, there's a good chance you can avoid jail time. However, repeat DUIs are often treated much more harshly and can be felonies.
Do convictions ever expire from my criminal record in California?
Technically no. Barring special circumstances, after a conviction, the government will always keep it on your record. However, after a certain time period, they can seal the record, lessening the negative impact.
Do criminal records in Morgan Hill, CA, include arrests?
Yes, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice 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 police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can detain you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
How does California's Three Strikes law work?
California's Three Strikes law is a system in which certain serious criminal convictions assign a "strike" to a person's records. If that person is convicted of another crime in the future, they can face an increased prison sentence.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Morgan Hill, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Morgan Hill. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Call Our Morgan Hill, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in Morgan Hill, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Contact us today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start crafting your case now.
We also provide the following legal services in Morgan Hill, CA:
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