Criminal defense lawyers in Mountain View, CA. Nobody in Mountain View, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe the accusations are false, or you made a bad decision you now regret. Or maybe a family member is running out of time to get help, and you need to contact a leading Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
For any criminal charges in Mountain View, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is prepared to go to bat for you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Connect with an attorney at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no obligation case review.
Why You Need a Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're hesitating, the the evidence against you is piling up. California can be very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and allowing the state to get a head start could make the difference the outcome of your case.
Beyond this, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to inadvertently give the district attorney evidence which, fair or not, can make you look guilty. By underestimating the charges or talking to the authorities without counsel present, there's a good chance that you will be unknowingly setting a trap for yourself.
Reaching out to a Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your defense lawyer may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
Arrests can happen any time of day or year, and we're ready to help whenever they happen. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're available at all times for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Arrested in Mountain View, CA? Follow These 5 Steps
Nobody in Mountain View, CA, enjoys getting arrested. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Do the following while going through the arrest process, in order to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Acting out, trying to get away, or harming the government officials won't improve your situation. In fact, it will actually hurt your case.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the authorities, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to an Attorney: One of your rights during an arrest in Mountain View, CA, is to make a serious of phone calls – the first one of these should be to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): Most people charged with a crime in Mountain View, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Securing your freedom before a trial can be invaluable.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should collect any facts you have related to your defense and provide it to your attorney.
If you follow these steps and work with an expert Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set your case up for a staunch defense.
The Role of a Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
Everyone has a right to be treated like a person, and we want to fulfill that right while defend you. Because nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both take realistic approaches in finding you the best outcome possible and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your future.
We assist you by:
- Absorbing your case from all angles – From your story, discovery, and evidence reviews. We leave no stone unturned.
- Build a high-level defense using motions to have evidence thrown out, utilizing our wide range of resources, and fighting the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to trial. We take steps to prevent prejudiced juries, dissect the state's case against you, and show reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences both during plea negotiations and after the trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you get a fresh start after a court case. We help with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow labels to control you.
Case Types Our Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Take
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley knows how to fight against all sorts of criminal accusations in Mountain View, CA, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense lawyers specialize in:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Mountain View, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- 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. 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. Following are some of the violent crime practice areas which the Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends clients:
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. 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:
Theft Charges
Mountain View, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. If you're up against a charge of a forceful theft, like robbery, the penalties are particularly dire. We provide defense for all of the below theft charges, in addition to others:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Mountain View, CA:
Murder Charges
It's hard to thing of a charge in Mountain View, CA that's as significant as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Mountain View, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. If you're facing murder charges like the following, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our legal team to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Mountain View, CA.
What To Look For in Your Mountain View, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are plentiful in Mountain View, CA, but not every firm is equipped for the job. Working with the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for 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 – that can give you an advantage in both motions and plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Good Reputation – seen in reviews and accolades.
- Responsiveness and Availability – it's important to be able to get updates on your case promptly and are treated with respect.
- Open and Honest Costs – don't get caught up in a contract you don't understand.
How We Fight in the Mountain View, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. We don't sit passively by while the prosecution builds up evidence against you; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, petrifying the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
When you call our Mountain View, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Investigate Your Charges – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if possible, we'll find a way to have the charges dismissed, and make it almost as though you were never accused.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – At a bail hearing, you get the opportunity to be freed before a trial, without excessive bail.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – If the prosecution cooperates, we'll secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- 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 present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – If it applies in your case, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the case to a higher court for justice.
Why Choose Our 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 ins and outs of how prosecutors build a case against you, and we can exploit any flaws in their plan to convict you.
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. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer will be ready.
We're top-rated by both clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can get in touch with us around the clock 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. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Mountain View, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Do I need an attorney if the accusations are false?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, errors can always happen, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Mountain View, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Mountain View, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Are arrests also on my criminal record?
Arrests do go on your record, but with a catch – the California Department of Justice keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you even if they don't have a warrant.
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Criminal convictions often carry fines and either prison or jail time. On top of that, you can face challenges in employment, housing, professional licensing, and possibly immigration. Because of this, it's critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer to minimize your chances of being convicted in the first place.
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 Mountain View, CA?
Plea bargaining is the process where the state's lawyers and defense lawyer come up with a deal for the defendant, wherein the defendant likely pleas guilty for a reduced penalty. Prosecutors use them to handle cases faster, while defendants may find them appealing to avoid harsher sentences.
Contact Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Mountain View, CA, prosecutor, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is here to help.
No matter what the charges are, we have the knowledge and skills to fight against them. Talk to an attorney today – if you take too long to get started on your defense, you'll be fighting an uphill battle against the prosecution. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison right now.
Our law firm can also assist with the below services in Mountain View, CA:
Payment Plans
