Criminal defense lawyers in Mountain View, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Mountain View, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you didn't intend to, but accidentally broke the law. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and this situation requires a Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you make a plan to go forward.
No matter what charges you're up against, 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 have successfully defended a wide range of charges. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.
The Importance of Working With a Leading Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're delaying, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very tough on crime, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
Plus, the longer you spend on your own, the more likely you are to unconsciously give the prosecuting attorney evidence they can use against you. Speaking to the police without a lawyer, not taking the charges seriously, or calling your friends and family could all be unintentionally digging a deep hole for yourself.
Working with a Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, 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 at all times for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
5 Steps to Take During an Arrest in Mountain View, CA
Nobody in Mountain View, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Take this advice during the arrest proceedings, in order to improve the likelihood of a beneficial outcome:
- Don't Run From or Fight the Arrest: Refusing to go, running, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't do you any good. In fact, it can lead to additional charges.
- Keep Quiet Until Your Attorney Arrives: When you are interviewed by the government officials, you can just say, "I am invoking my right to have an attorney present during questioning."
- Call an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Mountain View, 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): After an arrest, if you are charged with a crime, you'll probably be given an option to for pretrial release. Being able to act freely before a potential trial can be invaluable.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should document whatever facts you have related to your defense and provide it to your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a mighty defense.
The Role of a Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Beyond defending your case in court, we want to learn about it from your point of view. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both build a defense based around your situation and make decisions based on the broader effects on your future.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing 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.
- Design a fierce defense utilizing motions to remove unlawfully obtained evidence, working with expert witnesses, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should the case reach trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at the trial's end. We'll always be honest with you about realistic outcomes for your case, and how we can work to get you the most positive outcome.
- Helping you get a clean slate after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't give up on a fresh start.
Case Categories Our Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley practices criminal defense for several case types, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
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. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Mountain View, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Refusal Charges
- Hit and Run Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges cannot be taken lightly. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
- Assault
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Rioting
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Mountain View, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Mountain View, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. For those that intersect with violence (e.g. robbery), you could be facing years in prison. 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. Here are some sex crime charges that we defend against:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Mountain View, CA, is murder. Regardless of the circumstances, you are looking at a major prison sentence, meaning that you need the strength of a premier Mountain View, 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.
Get in touch with our lawyers with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Top Qualities for a Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Mountain View, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Stellar Reputation – both for winning and treating their clients right.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Mountain View, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
Our approach for every case is to build a staunch, powerful defense from day one. We never underestimate the prosecution or case against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and convincing the jury.
The minute you call our Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Research Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue 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.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – 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.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We'll look for a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Mountain View, 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 type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, 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. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
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 Mountain View, CA, court. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available 24/7 if need an update on your case or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Mountain View, CA
A lot is going on after you've been arrested or accused of a crime. On your own, there's no guide on what to do next, and it's not always clear what to do next. We've put together some of the common questions Mountain View, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, circumstantial evidence could make you look bad, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
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.
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 court order.
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 Mountain View, CA?
In Mountain View, 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
How does plea bargaining work in California?
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 may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Get in Touch With Our Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
For any criminal charges in Mountain View, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You can't settle for anything less than a top criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is up to the job.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Start working on your case 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 making a plan to keep you out of prison as soon as possible.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Mountain View, CA:
Payment Plans
