Criminal defense lawyers in Newport Beach, CA. A Newport Beach, CA criminal defense attorney is someone you hope you don't need, but life seldom goes as planned. Maybe someone asked you for a favor, and you didn't realize it was illegal. Maybe the accusations are false, or you had one bad night that ended in a bad choice, not representative of the real you. Or maybe your cousin you've tried to be there for made poor choice, and you urgently need a experienced Newport Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you find a way forward.
Whatever you need legal help with, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is ready to stand by your side. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and boast a proven track record of success. Get ahold of us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a free consultation on your case.
Why You Need a Leading Newport Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP
Hesitating to hire an attorney can give your case major disadvantages. While you're pausing, the investigators are putting together a case against you. California has historically been very tough on crime, and any advantage the state gets could make the difference whether you can get off innocent, or make use of a diversionary program.
On top of that, the longer you take to work with , the more chances you have to carelessly give the prosecuting attorney evidence they can use against you. Answering questions without an attorney treating the charges as unserious, or even speaking with anyone other than your attorney could be unintentionally making it harder on yourself.
Hiring a Newport Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP can give you access to different, easier resolutions. By utilizing their knowledge of your case, evidence rules, and connections with the district attorney, your attorney may be able to reach a resolution with no prison time.
If you've been arrested, it doesn't matter the day or time — call us now. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always available for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
What to Do After Being Arrested in Newport Beach, CA
Being arrested in Newport Beach, CA, is a very stressful event. How you handle the situation can have a major impact on how your case turns out. Take the below steps while going through the arrest process, to increase the probability of a good outcome:
- Don't Fight Back: Refusing to go, trying to escape, or harming the police won't do you any good. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Answer Questions: If you are interviewed by the investigators, politely inform them that you are declining to answer questions without a lawyer present.
- Call an Attorney: California allows people to make three phone calls after an arrest – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- 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 prior to a trial can give you some breathing room and make it easier to build your defense.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should put together all findings you have regarding your defense and share it with your attorney.
When you take these precautions and work with a leading Newport Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll set yourself up for a strong defense.
The Role of a Newport Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer in Your Case
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 nothing is more important in a case that the person we're defending, we both create a defensive strategy focused on your goals and care about the broader implications on your life.
We approach each case by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Prepare a strong defense utilizing motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Be at your side in court if there is a trial. We select jurors that will treat you fairly, discredit the state's witnesses in cross–examination, and demonstrate reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. When the prosecution knows that you have a strong defense, we may be able to secure a plea deal that protects your freedom.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. Sometimes this takes the form of probation, or perhaps a diversionary program.
- Helping you move forward after a court case. We provide assistance with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Areas of Expertise for Our Newport Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Newport Beach, CA, and are here to help with whatever charge you're facing in Newport Beach, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys practice defenses for:
Traffic Charges
Traffic charges are one of the most variable categories of criminal charges in California. Something as simple as speeding or reckless driving, but can range up to hit and runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Newport Beach, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- DUI Expungement
- Street Racing Charges
- DMV Hearing Defense
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are prosecuted harshly in Newport Beach, CA. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Newport Beach, CA, typically range from possession to distribution of a controlled substance. California's controlled substances list is long and covers anything from marijuana to opioids. We defend against charges related to the following substances and alleged actions:
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiods
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Newport Beach, CA, theft charges are some of the most variable charges, depending on the specifics of what the state alleges happened. 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 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. Sex crime charges that our criminal defense lawyers in Newport Beach, CA, defend include:
Murder Charges
Murder charges are some of the most serious you can face in Newport Beach, CA. Whether unintentional or on purpose, or even unsuccessful, the law is harsh, meaning that you need a powerful defense strategy to protect you. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- And more.
Get in touch with our lawyers if you're facing any of the above charges, or any other criminal charges in Newport Beach, CA.
Top Qualities for a Newport Beach, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Newport Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but you'll need to examine them carefully to pick the right one. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your freedom and empower your case. Pick someone who can offer you the following:
- Experience – both as defense attorneys and for the state.
- Relationships With Local Courts – to leverage in negotiations.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – ideas about how cases similar to yours have been successfully fought.
- 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 Newport Beach, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
For every single case we take, we build the fiercest defense possible. You can't just presume that the prosecution will fail; we start early and stick with you throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Newport Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. Here's an example of what that will likely look like:
- Study Your Charges – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – 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.
- Connect With the Prosecution – We have experience with crafting a plea deal which works best for you.
- Defend You at Trial – Since we've been preparing from day one, we'll deconstruct the case against you at trial and present a convincing defense to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – Depending on the outcome of the trial, we will argue for lenient sentencing and can file appeals to give you the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Our Newport Beach, 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 use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Because we have long relationships with state officials across California, we can get plea bargains that can protect your freedom. And if your case does end up going before a jury, one of our expert criminal defense attorneys will be ready with a stalwart defense.
We have a strong reputation with both clients and legal experts. Our firm defends all major criminal charges, and is comprised of the leading criminal defense lawyers in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and you can speak to one of our team members any time of day if you need an update on your case or there's an emergency.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and have answers for you below:
Should I still hire a Newport Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyer if I'm not guilty?
Yes – while the police should never intentionally accuse an innocent person, errors can always happen, and your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Newport Beach, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Newport Beach, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
If I'm arrested in Newport Beach, CA, is that on my record?
Yes, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but without a conviction, the court can restrict access to those records.
Can I get arrested if there isn't a warrant for me?
When an officer has probably cause, 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.
Why do people plea bargain in Newport Beach, 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. The state uses them to handle cases faster, while defendants can take them to avoid the risks of a trial.
Get in Touch With Our Firm – Your Freedom Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Newport Beach, CA, your liberty depends on the quality of your defense. You need a lawyer who's experienced and ready. The right choice is The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
For all criminal charges, our team is prepared with experience and expertise. Call now – while you're waiting to hire an attorney, the prosecution is building a case against you. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your case now.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Newport Beach, CA:
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