Criminal defense lawyers in Murrieta, CA. Everyone in Murrieta, CA, hopes that they'll never need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you're a victim of mistaken identity, or you made a mistake and need a second chance. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you're searching for a experienced Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you fight against the charges.
Whatever you need help facing, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is equipped to help you fight the charges. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Reach us now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consult with an attorney.
The Importance of Working With a Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're pausing, the the evidence against you is piling up. California frequently is very brutal in its treatment of convictions, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
Even worse, the longer you hesitate before working with a lawyer, the more danger you are in to carelessly give the police evidence that you wouldn't want them to have. By trying to clear up the charges on your own, you might be accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Connecting with a Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By taking steps to protect your freedom right away, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
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 always prepared for your call and will give you honest, straightforward advice from day one.
Murrieta, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Murrieta, CA. Protecting your freedom starts with the choices you make in that moment. Follow these steps while in custody, in order to strengthe your odds of a favorable outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or harming the government officials won't do you any good. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Invoke Your Right to an Attorney: If you are interviewed by the government officials, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Call 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): Most people charged with a crime in Murrieta, CA, are either released on their own recognizance or given a bail amount to post. Staying out of jail prior to a trial can make the rest of the defense process go a little smoother.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather whatever facts you have related to the charges and make copies to show your criminal defense lawyer.
If you do all of the above and work with a skilled Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a staunch defense.
What to Expect From a Leading Murrieta, 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 your defense should be centered around you, we both build a defense based around your situation and care about the broader implications on your life.
Our lawyers help 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.
- Prepare a high-level defense often consisting of motions to suppress evidence, utilizing our wide range of resources, and objecting to the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court should your charges go to trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, dissect the state's case against you, and establish reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the district attorney for plea deals. After weakening the prosecution's case, they're more likely to offer a plea deal with reduced charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you clear your record once the case is over. We'll assist with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is prepared for any category of criminal defense case in Murrieta, CA, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to win against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. They can include driving while intoxicated, driving while high, and reckless driving. Our Murrieta, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Murrieta, CA. They can include anything from threats to firearm possession to actually harming another person. These are some common violent offense charges that we can help you defend yourself from:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Murrieta, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. The state of California imposes criminal penalties for the misuse of everything from marijuana to fentanyl. 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
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Murrieta, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. 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 often viewed as some of the most serious charges a person can face. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Murrieta, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Murrieta, CA, are as grave as murder. The punishment is severe, even for unintentional or unsuccessful attempts, meaning that you need a leading Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer on your side. To get help with any of the below accusations, contact our offices immediately:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Reach out to our attorneys with any criminal charges and we'll start creating your defense strategy today.
Finding the Right Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
You will have no problem finding a criminal defense lawyer in Murrieta, CA, but figuring out who is the right fit for you takes some thought. Working with the proper criminal defense attorney is a major difference maker in the end result of your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Relationships With Local Courts – which can come into play when contacting the district attorney.
- Insights About Your Charges – practice defending previous cases just like yours.
- Positive Reputation – ideally with professional recognition and popular opinion.
- Responsiveness and Availability – you want a lawyer who listens and a firm that's always available.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
How We Fight in the Murrieta, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We don't rely on the prosecution making a mistake; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
The minute you call our Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we take on a major criminal defense case, here are the steps we typically take:
- Study Your Case – We listen to you and do our own research to craft a strong defense.
- Argue For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, our goal is to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed early.
- Argue To Get You Out of Jail Before the Trial – At a bail hearing, we explain why you should be released before the trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Communicate With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that gives you a positive outcome.
- Defend You at Trial – Using our expertise and intimate knowledge of your case, we'll challenge the district attorney at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, we 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 Murrieta, 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 what it takes to stop a guilty verdict, what the prosecution's likely plan will be, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get the best plea deal possible before most cases even go to trial. That said, if there is a trial in your case, you'll have a persuasive attorney armed with a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and legal experts. Whatever crime you're facing, our team of top California criminal defense attorneys can handle it. We have affordable rates, multiple payment options, and you can talk to one of our representatives whenever you need to if you think of anything you need to ask us or something happened and you need urgent help.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Murrieta, CA
It's normal to have lots of questions after a criminal accusation. 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 Murrieta, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Should I still hire a Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, people can make mistakes, 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 authorities keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
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 arrest you without a court order.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Murrieta, 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. District attorneys use them to manage their high caseloads, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Depends On It
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Murrieta, CA, it's critical to have a powerful defense. You have to have an expert criminal defense attorney at your side. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll get someone who knows how to handle your case.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Talk to an attorney today – the Murrieta, CA, district attorney isn't waiting, and neither should you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start making a plan to keep you out of prison immediately.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Murrieta, CA:
Payment Plans
