Criminal defense lawyers in National City, CA. It's not the most fun topic in the world, but like it or not, you might find yourself in need of a National City, CA, criminal defense attorney. Maybe you broke a law that you weren't aware of. Maybe the alleged victim is making the allegations up, or you made a decision you now regret. Or maybe your spouse is being charged, and you urgently need a National City, 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 here to help you. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and our results speak for themselves. Talk to a lawyer at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a no obligation consulation.
Why You Need a National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer NOW
Delaying hiring an attorney can have serious consequences. While you're pausing, the the government is crafting a case to find you guilty. California has a reputation for being very tough on crime, and starting to build your defense too late could make the difference whether or not you'll have any options available outside of prison.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more possible it is to inadvertently give the police evidence that could be used to convict you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unknowingly making it harder on yourself.
Speaking with a National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer right away might stop the state's case in its tracks, before you need to go to trial. By challenging evidence and communicating with the state early, your 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 National City, CA
Nobody in National City, CA, enjoys getting arrested. Your defense starts the moment you are arrested, and you want to handle it the right way. Take the below steps while in custody, in order to strengthe your odds of a positive outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Being difficult, trying to escape, or fighting 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: When you are questioned by the authorities, just tell them that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
- Talk to a Lawyer: During the arrest and booking process, you should be given an opportunity to make some phone calls – before anyone else, make sure to place a call to your attorney.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely before a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Gather Evidence: While your attorney is probably conducting their own investigation, you should gather whatever data you have related to your case and share it with your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll build the foundation for a potent defense.
What to Expect From a Leading National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you work with us, you're getting a law firm that not only knows how to win in court, but also knows how to treat you like a person, not a case number. Because we take the time to get to know you, we both make a defense in a way that works best for you and act in the best interest of your wellbeing and your life.
We assist you by:
- Studying 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 mighty defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, working with expert witnesses, and pushing back against the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if the case reaches a trial. We protect you from a biased jury, present alternative narratives to the state's story, and display reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the state for plea deals. If the prosecution isn't confident it will win in court, we can often reduce the charges and sentence you're facing.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. 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 be passive with your record and reputation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's National City, CA, Criminal Defense Legal Areas
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help you with almost any National City, CA criminal charge, and are always ready to help, regardless of what you're facing. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend against:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges cover everything that happens on the road. It could be a DUI, refusing to test, or a hit and run. Our National City, CA traffic and criminal defense lawyers can help with:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without Insurance Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges tend to have high penalties in National City, CA, no matter which specific one you're alleged to have committed. Several violent crimes have enhanced penalties in special circumstances. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Assaulting a Police Officer
- Hate Crimes
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- And more
Drug Charges
Drug charges in National City, CA, mostly come down to possessing a controlled substance, possessing paraphernalia, and/or trying to sell it. Even just holding a drug on California's controlled substance list can result in criminal accusations. We will fight against any of the following charges in National City:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Fentanyl
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
National City, CA, theft charges frequently intersect with other types of criminal cases. As a category, it encapsulates everything from shoplifting to fraud. 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. 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 National City, CA:
Murder Charges
When you're facing murder charges in National City, CA, you need a top-tier defense plan. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need the strength of a premier National City, CA, law firm to protect your rights. 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 legal team for a free case review regarding any criminal charge in National City, CA.
How to Pick a National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a National City, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but there's a wide range of quality. Picking the proper criminal defense attorney is critical to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. If your attorney has all of the below qualities, you'll be in good hands:
- Experience – and knowledge of how cases are both defended and prosecuted.
- Connections Within Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Insights About Your Charges – experience working with the specific charge you're facing.
- Stellar 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 – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our National City, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; We don't let up for the entirely of the legal process, petrifying the state and satisfying the jury.
When you call our National City, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we get started on building your defense. When we get started on your major criminal defense case, this is the general process we go through:
- Evaluate Your Case – We learn from you directly about your case, and conduct other investigations to get ahead of the prosecution.
- Argue For Dropping the Charges – Either at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, if we can get the charges dropped or dismissed, we'll do so.
- Defend Your Liberty During the Case – 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.
- Look for Deals With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal that protects you from the worst of the penalties.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll dissect the state's argument at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – After the trial, if needed, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can appeal the verdict to reclaim your freedom.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier National City, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we have over 50 years of experience in the courtroom, as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and criminal defense attorneys. We know from personal experience how the state crafts its case, and we counter it with our compelling defensive strategies.
Our relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout California help us get a plea deal that secures your interests, and can avoid a trial in most cases. If these negotiations don't work out, though, and you need a defense in front of a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We've received acclaim from both former clients and experts. When you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, you get a team who knows how to win in National City, CA, court. Our rates are affordable, and you can talk to one of our representatives any time of day if you learn something new about your case or you need to speak with someone right away.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in National City, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. Most people feel very stressed, and you're left looking for clear answers to complex questions. We've put together some of the common questions National City, CA, residents ask about criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
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, nobody is perfect, and you could say or do something that gives them the wrong impression.
Are federal charges harder to beat than state charges?
It depends on the case, but generally, federal prosecutors' offices have more resources than state prosecutors, which means that you're up against a much tougher opponent. If you're facing federal charges, you need a high-level National City, CA, criminal defense attorney.
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 arrests go on my record in California?
Arrests do go on your record, but these aren't always permanent – the state keeps a record of arrests, but if you were released without being charged, your arrest qualifies to be sealed.
Can the police arrest me without a warrant?
If a police officer has a reasonable suspicion that you've broken the law, they can arrest you regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
What are the advantages of plea bargaining in National City, CA?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in National City. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to save time, while defendants often take them because of the reduced penalty.
Call Our National City, CA, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Your Freedom Is at Stake
When you're facing charges in National City, CA, how you fight the case will determine the kind of outcome you get. You need an expert criminal defense lawyer. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
We will mount a comprehensive legal defense to protect you. 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 crafting your case immediately.
We also can help in the following legal areas in National City, CA:
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