Criminal defense lawyers in Murrieta, CA. Something went wrong, and now you need a Murrieta, CA criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke the law on accident. Maybe one of your friends broke the law, and you've just gotten wrapped up in it, or you made a rash choice, without realizing the consequences. Or maybe someone you care about is in one of those situations, and you're in need of a experienced Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Whatever you need help facing, 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 our results speak for themselves. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation case review.
The Importance of Working With a Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the state is working on its case. California is known for being very tough on crime, and hesitating to find an attorney could make the difference whether you go to prison or avoid a conviction.
On top of that, the longer you take to work with , the more possible it is to accidentally give the district attorney evidence that wouldn't look good in a courtroom. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be accidentally setting a trap for yourself.
Connecting with a Murrieta, 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 suppressing evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, your defense lawyer may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
When you're accused of a crime, it doesn't matter what time it is. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always ready for your call and can offer legal advice right away.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Murrieta, CA
Arrests are high-tension situations in Murrieta, CA. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Do the following while in custody, in order to enhance your odds of a advantageous outcome:
- Obey Police Instructions: Being difficult, running, or attacking the law enforcement officers won't help you in the long run. In fact, you could see more criminal charges that are even harder to beat.
- Remain Silent: If you are interrogated by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Contact a Lawyer: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – the most important thing to do is reach out to your attorney.
- 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. Securing your freedom before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Write Down All the Details of Your Arrest: To ensure you have it available to reference later, you should document any information you have regarding your defense and provide it to your defense attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with the right Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a strong defense.
The Role of a Murrieta, CA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every criminal defense lawyer will take a different approach. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we are focused on your experience and how we can serve you. Because we listen to you first, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and know the difference we can make in your life.
We assist you by:
- Learning about 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 high-level defense through motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Present your defense in court should your charges go to 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. When the evidence against you is weakened, they are more likely to let you take a deal with lesser charges.
- Advocate for lesser sentences during negotiations and after a trial. We'll fight for probation or shorter sentences, highlighting mitigating factors.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't let your record become a stain on your reputation.
Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Practice Areas for the Law Offices of David S. Chesley
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of criminal defense case types, and are here to listen, not to judge. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Anything you can be accused of while driving would be a traffic charge. Traffic charges include everything from DUIs to driving with a suspended license to street racing. In Murrieta, CA, we frequently defend traffic charges including:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. They range from assault to resisting arrest. Below are violent crime charges we frequently defend clients against:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Murrieta, CA, are in a tricky place, because the difference between some accusations (for example, possession and possession-for-sale) are hard to distinguish. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. If you're accused in Murrieta of the below, or any related charges, contact our attorneys for immediate assistance:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Murrieta, CA, theft charges vary greatly depending on the alleged act. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. With a local criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get help fighting the following:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes are socially and legally some of the most serious charges someone can face. Similar to theft crimes, the ones that overlap with violent crimes are the most harshly prosecuted. We can help you fight the following sex crime accusations in Murrieta, CA:
Murder Charges
Arguably, the worst crime to be accused of in Murrieta, CA, is 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
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help you fight criminal charges in Murrieta, CA.
What You Want in a Murrieta, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but not all law firms are created equal. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical to getting the best outcome for your case. Here are the main criteria to use when evaluating potential defense attorneys:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Relationships With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- Positive Reputation – from people they've worked with in the past.
- Responsiveness and Availability – someone who works with your schedule and doesn't keep you in the dark.
- Clear Costs – affordable rates and payment plans can give you a defense without crippling your finances.
How We Fight in the Murrieta, CA, Court System to Protect Your Freedom:
From day one, we craft the strongest defense we can against your charges. It's not enough to just sit back and assume the prosecution will fail; our attorneys are always vigilant throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and showing reasonable doubt to the jury.
As soon as you call our Murrieta, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we start working on your case right away. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Examine Your Case – While the state is gathering evidence against you, we are gathering evidence to exonerate you.
- Fight For Dropping the Charges – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we argue for your freedom while awaiting a trial, without excessive bail.
- Speak on Your Behalf With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that you can decide to take.
- Defend You at Trial – Using the defense we built while first learning about your case, we'll battle against the state at trial and explain your side of the story to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As applicable, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can explore follow-up options that will give you a second chance.
The Advantages of Working With Our Murrieta, 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 strategies prosecutors use to try and secure a guilty verdict, and we can take advantages of the weaknesses we know are in their strategies.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. That said, if there is a trial in your case, we're prepared to defend you with a staunch defensive strategy.
You can hear about our stellar performance from both clients and experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We're upfront with our fees, and you can talk to one of our representatives any day and any time if you think of anything you need to ask us or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Murrieta, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, 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:
Can a Murrieta, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though investigators have the goal of catching the actual person who committed the crime, somthing could get mixed up, and if law enforcement did make a mistake, a lawyer can help prove your innocence.
Do arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the government keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you without 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 wobbler offenses in California?
California defines several alleged crimes as wobbler offenses – these are crimes that can either be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.
It's almost always better to have them be set as misdemeanors, and your lawyer should explore any options available to avoid felony charges.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in Murrieta, 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. Prosecutors use them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants prevent the worse case scenario that comes with a conviction.
Call Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're up against the Murrieta, CA, prosecutor, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an attorney who's experienced with criminal defense. And at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you'll find a local criminal defense lawyer who's right for you.
It doesn't matter what you're facing, our firm is up to the task. Speak with one of our lawyers now – 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 building your defense as soon as possible.
We also can help in the following legal areas in Murrieta, CA:
Payment Plans
